Biblical Philosophy of Music

Rodger Hillard

February 24, 2010

Dr. Bob

Music Appreciation Class

Biblical Philosophy of Music

Throughout history teenagers, adults and preachers, just the same, have

struggled with the decision of music. Everyone is affected by music. It’s nearly impossible to

avoid listening to it. You can simply walk into a grocery store with simple intentions of buying a

gallon of milk and walk out having been overwhelmed by the filthy music that was blasted over

the store speakers. What is right and wrong music anyway? Is it music lacking any type of beat?

Is it music lacking drums? Instead of asking questions to ourselves of which we do not know the

answers, let us get right into what God Himself says about music. If you aim to have a biblical

philosophy of music, consider these principles in choosing your music: it must have the right

purpose, right source and must stimulate right and biblical thoughts in the mind of the listener.

First of all, music should have the correct purpose. As Christians, the purpose for everything we

do should be to glorify and honor God. We exist on this earth for one reason and that is to serve our

Creator! The Bible states, “Whether therefore ye eat or drink or whatsoever ye do, do all to the

glory of God” (I Cor. 10:31). This verse does not say, do “only some things” to the glory of God,

or do “only certain things” to the glory of God. This verse is all-encompassing. It points to the

plethora of topics involved in the Christian walk and how each and every thing that we do, say,

or in this case listen to, should be to the honor and glory of God. Meditate on this: what is the

purpose of a rock song? You or I both may not know the exact answer to this question, but I can

tell you that is most certainly not to glorify God. In fact it’s undoubtedly the complete opposite.

Most music in today’s society has purposes that are extremely far away from any sort of biblical

standard. The worldly types of music...