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Is Contemporary Christian Music alright to listen to? I like this music, but I don't want to do what is wrong. I would not want that music be used in church; but is it bad outside of church?

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but examine the spirits whether they are of God, because many false prophets are gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1).

On examining the CCM music (CCM = contemporary Christian music) many points are raised against this multimillion music industry that proves not of God which means it does not obey the Word of God.

So, not every music or song labeled Christian means it is of God; and not every lyric that has the words "God", "Lord", even "Jesus Christ" is necessarily Christian.

Before discussing some of these points; I would like to refer you to the Holy Bible, our reference for examining any spirit, examine all the Holy Bible's references concerning this topic.

Here are some important facts regarding music in general and CCM in specific:

1. In considering the music only (without the lyrics), you all know that the beat is the overemphasized rhythm (Rhythm is one of the three elements of music beside harmony and melody). The Holy Bible teaches us that the main element of music, when singing to the Lord, is melody (Isaiah 23:16, 51:3; Ephesians 5:19) and not the beat (Exodus 32:7-18).



2. Any music with a beat that overrides the melody, is not music in  itself; but noise, as explained by many musicians. As an example, if the church cymbals (the rhythm instrument) are used very loud (producing a beat), overriding the hymn sung, the hymn turns into noise and looses its melody which is the essence of any music as  mentioned in the first point.



3. It is the beat that compels the body to react in different ways, which could be inappropriate, depending on the music message because it is what the flesh loves.



4. Music affects the human body in subtle, but powerful ways either good or bad. A well established fact is that the human body and mind can be controlled and altered with music. The continuous beat is unhealthy to the body. This is proven by musicians, medical researchers, psychologists...etc. most of these researches were done on Rock music (the origin of most other known secular music) and found to be dangerous to humans with many psychological, emotional, physiological and mental effects. The beat could lead to many impulsive reactions from the audience (uncontrolled screaming and fits, sexual excitation, self hurting, even suicide ideation...etc). It is clear that CCM music uses the secular styles of music (pop, hip-hop, R&B, techno, metal...etc) and depends mainly on the beat which attracts its listeners.

Here are some biblical facts regarding what could be called Christian music:

1. Any Christian song or music should be for praising the Lord, His saints and His deeds (Psalm 9:2, 9:11, 28:7, 33:2; Isaiah 12:2; Ephesians 5:19) not the performer or his music.



2. Any Christian song or music should be a new song  with new lyrics (Psalm 33:3, 40:1-3, 144:9, 149:1; 2 Cor 5:17). You find that the CCM music uses the same world music styles, its slang, attitude, appearance and form. Still, these music styles are used in the secular world to emphasize worldly passions, sex, drugs, violence, rebellion, and bad language. You find also that the CCM performers combine Christian with world music and they sing contemporary with secular music in the same concert or album. These music styles even after changing their lyrics to become "Christian" will associate you with the worldly (secular) music and, by reflex, brings its non-Christian associations.
   
   Putting a Christian message in such a musical form does not elevate the form but degrades the message to the level already established in the culture by that form and rather than lifting up people to our Lord Jesus Christ, it drags Christ down to man's level.



3. Any Christian song should have a clear message; not vague, unclear or deceitful words (1 Cor 2:4, 14:15; 2 Cor 3:12; Colossians 2:4)



4. Any Christian song should elevate, feed, talk to the spirit not to the flesh (John 3:6,7, 4:24; Galatians 5:16,24; 1Cor 14:15; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16)
   Any Christian music should be sung in the assembly of the Lord where God could be present (Psalm 22:22, 149:1; Hebrews 2:12) not in the concert halls or night clubs.

Let us clarify certain points: listening to the secular music might be pleasant because it gives the physical satisfaction; and it is a sin that you must repent and fight against. But don't deceive yourself listening to the same music after having been labeled Christian; believing it is of God.

Our music cannot be like the music of the world, because our God is not like their gods. Most of the world's music reflects the world's ways, standards, attitudes, and gods (2 Cor 6:17).

CCM "deceives" the listener into "getting into the music" and then — subtly we look like the world, sound like the world, act like the world and fellowship with the world.

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2).

"Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?" (James 4:4).