By Briana Bass, Christian Romance Author, Devotional Writer & Certified Professional Coach

We live in a divided world. When it comes to faith and politics, Christians are not of one mind. This isn’t a life-changing statement you haven’t heard before. Turn on the news or scroll on social media and you’ll see everyone taking sides. It seems like people disagree on everything these days. Even mundane things, like pizza toppings, lead to heated arguments. Music is the latest topic dragged onto this battlefield.

Now, a discussion around what kinds of music Christians should or should not listen to isn’t anything new. When rock and metal burst on the scene in the 60s and 70s it was quickly labelled satanic by some Christians. Male singers of the 50s were condemned for gyrating on stage because it led to mass hysteria amongst their female fans.

What if I told you that the conversation today isn’t about secular music, but about contemporary Christian music? Yep, there are divisions within the Christian community about whether modern worship music is appropriate or blasphemous.

Make a Joyful Noise

Most Christians take no issue with singing psalms and hymns. There may be differences of opinion regarding instruments in church, but lifting our voices to sing to the Lord is generally accepted. Where we differ is on contemporary worship music.

The main argument against such music is that it isn’t Biblically sound. Many Christians in this camp believe praise and worship music should be based solely on God’s Word. They often view modern praise music as heretical, emphasizing new age concepts and interpretations of scripture instead of widely accepted theology.

I have a few thoughts on this matter. Firstly, there is an entire library of contemporary worship music with lyrics that are taken directly from the Bible. Secondly, not all hymns found in church hymnals align with the requirements presented by this group’s argument. Thirdly, worshipping God through music is not just modelled in the Bible, it’s commanded. Singing out in praise is something Christians are supposed to do.

Singing to the Lord

Singing and dancing is found throughout the Bible. Psalms are literally songs of praise. David, Miriam and the Virgin Mary are remembered for their songs of praise. Ephesians 5:19 says, “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;” (KJV). We are supposed to sing our praises to God.

Songs are also a form of prayer. When our own words fail us, we can sing the lyrics of our favorite modern Christian songs. These songs were written by songwriters and artists who experienced trials and tribulations just like the rest of us. They poured their grief, anger, and pain into music and shared it with the world knowing that other people could relate and were in need of something to help direct their feelings into conversations with Jesus.

We use stories to convey emotions. For centuries, mankind relied on oral tradition to tell our history. Songwriters are storytellers following in the footsteps of their ancestors. They weave passion, pain, fear, and joy into their lyrics. A Christian song that describes how God helped someone overcome addiction is simply a story in a different medium. It is no different than if that person stood in front of a room of people and spoke the words instead of singing them.

Lift Every Voice

Personally, I listen to contemporary worship music daily. I turn it on in the morning while I’m getting ready. It’s the default station in my car. It plays in the background while I’m working (yes, I was listening to it while writing this post). I have literally had prayers answered via these songs.

To my brothers and sisters who denounce contemporary Christian music, I humbly ask you to listen to a track or two with an open mind. Remember that these singers and songwriters are using their God-given gifts to spread His light and love in the world. Listening to such music is not blasphemous. It’s an act of worship and devotion through which we can connect to God.