My Biggest Dilemma

Philippians 4:8 "Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or priaseworthy - think about such things"

There's an ugly little fight that goes on inside my head, and a couple of times a year it surfaces for a while, until I can beat it back into submission. Secular music. As a Christian, it's something I've really struggled with...whether to listen to/buy it or not. Usually it's not a big deal, 'cause there have always been far more good CDs by Christian bands than I had could afford. But lately, I've had a hard time finding something I really like. Last night I was doing a little surfing in iTunes and came across the new Jimmy Eat World CD "Futures". I listened to the 25 second preview of each song, and I was hooked. This CD rocks. I had already added it to the cart when I figured I should maybe check out the lyrics. I knew the band definitely did not claim to be Christians, but I've heard lots of Christians recommend them. The lyrics were typically vague, but a few songs didn't seem to great...the song 'Just Tonight" seems to be about a one night stand, although it does talk about it with regret. "Pain" seems to talk about drug use "Anyone can find the same white pills that take my pain away" - could be Advil I guess.

If I listened to music like most people listen to music, maybe it wouldn't be a problem. But I don't. I'm an audiophile. I eat music. I sleep music. I dream music. I've got a song for every mood. There's always a song on my heart. Always in my head. And so if I'm gonna buy a CD, it had better be something that goes along with what I believe as a Christian.

I know there are two sides to this argument, but I've never heard much from anyone who says it's ok for a Christian to buy or listen to secular music. I'm guessing it's not because they have specific reasons for it, they've just never considered the reasons against it. I guess I've heard the 'freedom in Christ' theory...not sure if that really applies...Romans 12:2 says "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..."

As I was struggling with whether or not to buy the CD last night, I wondered if listening to secular music is any different than watching movies. Rarely is there a movie without some objectionable content. I try not to make a habit to watch a whole lot of movies because of this, but there are still many I've seen that wouldn't jive with the verse at the top of this post. Not only are we thinking on things that are not pure, lovely, noble, etc., but what gets me is that we're paying to think about it, paying to watch it, paying to listen to it. And this is where my problem with the CD lies. I would probably have no problem listening to it on the radio, 'cause the lyrics are rather vague, and not really 'all that bad', but when I 'm going to support the band by purchasing their music, and I'm going to listen to the songs until I can't handle them anymore...that's where the line because a little blurry for me.

The Greek word for "think on these things" or "meditate" in Philippians 4:8 means to "evaluate" or "to compute over and over" what is good and pure. "Compute over and over" is definitely what I do with my music.

I'd like to know what you guys (and girls!) think. If you click on the link at the bottom of this post where it says the number of comments, it will take you to a separate page where at the bottom you can leave a comment. You can do it anonymously, or leave your name. Thanks!

p.s. Although my thoughts have become somewhat clearer on where I stand after writing this post, I still really want to buy the J.E.W. Futures CD. We'll see what happens :)