tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3198639213024762990.post6632102719206062426..comments2011-03-23T11:29:47.310-07:00Comments on With The Setting Sun: Artistic Freedom Pt. 1Levihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00893241814713488981noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3198639213024762990.post-51216735045098542072010-08-09T18:14:12.060-07:002010-08-09T18:14:12.060-07:00Thanks for the compliments and your contribution t...Thanks for the compliments and your contribution to the discussion. Frankly I was a little surprised that this topic got such a response. Apparently I not the only one with a strong opinion on the subject : ).Levihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00893241814713488981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3198639213024762990.post-17350213034486410622010-08-07T17:36:34.220-07:002010-08-07T17:36:34.220-07:00This is a hard subject to put input on without mak...This is a hard subject to put input on without making it pages long! Music is something hard to explain in general, but it's something that humans have a God-given gift to naturally understand. Think about it, how would you describe music to someone who has been deaf since birth? But that's off subject.<br />Secular or Christian doesn't make a difference in music. Both were created by unique children that God created specifically to be who they are and He cherishes them to the utmost and equally, and I'm sure just as God listens to every prayer and whisper, He definitely listens to their music. That being said, God is pure and we as humans are not, so it is not safe for us to listen to some things that may promote unhealthy thoughts or self-talk, the reception of which really depends on the individual. Profanity, innuendos, drug referencing, none are God honoring and in the general population will not to produce God honoring thoughts.<br />Very nice blog, by the way, and great discussion!The Ladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03148120617780864661noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3198639213024762990.post-6841491186250109252010-07-12T21:02:37.991-07:002010-07-12T21:02:37.991-07:00Steph: I looked them up, thanks. We don't get ...Steph: I looked them up, thanks. We don't get that station here in NC. <br /><br />Tragedy101: Great questions!<br /> <br />Assuming the song has lyrics, they are of great importance because the convey the world view of the writer. An exception to this, would be techo music in which the sparse lyrics almost become a part of the beat itself. In that case lyrics aren't very important. <br /><br />I don't often listen to music for it's own sake. Even when I do, I'm still conscious of what the music is trying to convey.<br /><br />Finally I would say that a piece of music doesn't have to contain lyrics to be good.<br /><br /> Classical music is a great example. Of course, the composer is still drawing from their own world view to help craft the music though a piece might not contain lyrics, how the artist views the world effects the art. Look at Picasso for example his world view as very different from Rembrandt.<br /><br />At least that's my opinion on the on the matter.<br />Sorry if this was too long.<br /><br />Levi.Levihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00893241814713488981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3198639213024762990.post-67784496616193733482010-07-12T18:41:05.261-07:002010-07-12T18:41:05.261-07:00How important are lyrics? I mean do you ever liste...How important are lyrics? I mean do you ever listen to just music, for music's sake, or does it have to have words? When there are no words, is it all good?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3198639213024762990.post-68019927791285033162010-07-11T22:39:29.763-07:002010-07-11T22:39:29.763-07:00There's a great Christian radio station I list...There's a great Christian radio station I listen to in Denver called "WAY FM". They have stations all over the US, and might have one wherever you live. (http://www.wayfm.com). The station is geared towards Christian teenagers so they can enjoy music which is like much of the mainstream media out there. Skillet, TobyMac, and Hawk Nelson are just some of the artists typically played.Stephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08098061350585143456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3198639213024762990.post-91899526893361575272010-07-10T18:29:01.572-07:002010-07-10T18:29:01.572-07:00Elizabeth:
It saddens me (and sometimes ticks me ...Elizabeth: <br />It saddens me (and sometimes ticks me off) when people don't pay attention to what they're listening to. <br />As for Christian music: To often the sad truth is it's not very good. Even the lyrics (while clean) are not exceptional. I don't even listen to a lot of mainstream Christian music anymore because of this. There are Christians making good music but you won't hear them on the radio.<br /><br />On another note; I'm glad to know you're still reading = ). Please don't feel obligated to comment anymore than you want to. It's just good to know somebody's reading and enjoying it.Levihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00893241814713488981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3198639213024762990.post-55342766000433467802010-07-09T17:03:57.822-07:002010-07-09T17:03:57.822-07:00Personally I think that the spirit of the music or...Personally I think that the spirit of the music or the heart of it is what matters in the end. And that includes the attitude of the lyrics. I overlook foul language in secular songs with a strong message I believe in, but I can't stand songs without a foul word and without any depth. I LOVE music very passionately, it powers me through life and I depend on it sometimes. It can empower you and lift you up, and the power that it has shouldn't be ignored. I find it disappointing when advertised Christians listen to absolute garbage, and when asked about it the excuse is 'It's just music, it doesn't affect me.' I also find it interesting that some secular music has more depth and beauty and originality, and does more credit to God given perspective, than Christian music. That quote is great, Steph, btw. Levi: Loved the post(s, I haven't commented in a while but I read them all :)Elizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02622529052150223699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3198639213024762990.post-36966332674866100892010-07-08T06:40:17.087-07:002010-07-08T06:40:17.087-07:00I think music is one of the greatest gifts God has...I think music is one of the greatest gifts God has given to us. It's such a basic part of our human nature. It can have such a profound impact on the listener. <br />I like the quote from your youth pastor :). It's a valid point. I think we as Christians tend to quickly label music as 'bad' just because it's different or most of the artists in that genre aren't Christians.Levihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00893241814713488981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3198639213024762990.post-14297144421439453602010-07-07T23:11:15.338-07:002010-07-07T23:11:15.338-07:00I'm one of those people who can't help but...I'm one of those people who can't help <i>but</i> listen to the content of the lyrics. Music is God's way of speaking to me in many ways. In fact, I have a CD I burned of every song that got me through freshman year without killing myself. Music means a lot more to me than it means to your average religiously-neutral person. Even though ninety-five percent of my iTunes library is Christian, that's not to say that I don't find pleasure in listening to secular (or non-Christian) music. I enjoy My Chemical Romance, Mika, and even some of Taylor Swift on occasion. <br />My youth pastor taught us, "God doesn't dislike hip-hop or rap or death metal; it's not the genre. It's the content of the words and whether or not its meant for His glory."Stephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08098061350585143456noreply@blogger.com