Morality in taste of music..

[burnsspivey]

[quote name='Semalsia' date='Apr 5 2005, 06:16 PM'] "This above all: to thine ownself be true"

Hamlet, Act 1, Scene III. [/quote]
One of the most beautifully ironic lines in [u]Hamlet[/u].

Would it surprise everyone here that the song that can get me into a joyous mood quickest (usually, though it depends on my mood) is the song [i]Jesus is a Rock[/i]? The associations I have of that song with my time in choir and, more specifically, my time in Europe with my choir infuse the song with joy and elation. For all I care, the words could be 'watermelon, watermelon', it's the music that moves me. It's the connection with others through singing that moves me the most. That's one of the reasons I fell into the baptist church when I was young -- the singing. If I had been introduced to catholicism first I would have left church much, much sooner, I think. But that's neither here nor there.

Music is what you make of it. I have songs that I listen to for which I know approximately two words -- I have others in different languages for which I neither know nor understand a single word. I listen because I love the music. The music includes the melody and harmony of the vocals, but that doesn't mean I know, understand, or believe every lyric. Some music I listen to because it's politically aware and that's important too, but only if it's music that I enjoy.

My point is that you have to determine for yourself if the music to which you listen is actually having an effect on your life. Then you have to determine if that effect is neutral, good or bad. Growing your hair would seem to be rather neutral, but sacrificing kittens would seem to be bad (and if you really feel that music is making you sacrifice kittens I suggest you see a therapist immediately), and reflecting on your values would seem to be good. All in all, I can only say that some people here seem to give too much credit to music's transformative power on people's psyches. Yes, music can cause feelings of euphoria or depression, but it's not the lyrics doing that. Lyrics only have as much power over you as you give them. So, listen to what you want and remember that you have to be your own person and you have to take responsibility for yourself and your actions.

[MichaelFilo]

[quote name='burnsspivey' date='Apr 12 2005, 12:35 PM'] One of the most beautifully ironic lines in [u]Hamlet[/u].

Would it surprise everyone here that the song that can get me into a joyous mood quickest (usually, though it depends on my mood) is the song [i]Jesus is a Rock[/i]? The associations I have of that song with my time in choir and, more specifically, my time in Europe with my choir infuse the song with joy and elation. For all I care, the words could be 'watermelon, watermelon', it's the music that moves me. It's the connection with others through singing that moves me the most. That's one of the reasons I fell into the baptist church when I was young -- the singing. If I had been introduced to catholicism first I would have left church much, much sooner, I think. But that's neither here nor there.

Music is what you make of it. I have songs that I listen to for which I know approximately two words -- I have others in different languages for which I neither know nor understand a single word. I listen because I love the music. The music includes the melody and harmony of the vocals, but that doesn't mean I know, understand, or believe every lyric. Some music I listen to because it's politically aware and that's important too, but only if it's music that I enjoy.

My point is that you have to determine for yourself if the music to which you listen is actually having an effect on your life. Then you have to determine if that effect is neutral, good or bad. Growing your hair would seem to be rather neutral, but sacrificing kittens would seem to be bad (and if you really feel that music is making you sacrifice kittens I suggest you see a therapist immediately), and reflecting on your values would seem to be good. All in all, I can only say that some people here seem to give too much credit to music's transformative power on people's psyches. Yes, music can cause feelings of euphoria or depression, but it's not the lyrics doing that. Lyrics only have as much power over you as you give them. So, listen to what you want and remember that you have to be your own person and you have to take responsibility for yourself and your actions. [/quote]
Whoa.... anything only has as much power as it objectivly has. If you don't give power to murderous peasants who want to destroy you, doesn't make them any less murderous, nor willit mean they won't destroy you.

Same with music, it has a certain power. Surely, you can give it more than it has, but I think you underestimate it. Music changes you heart and soul, because it drips it's message into your head. Listening to the same song several times will desensitize you tot he message contained, even if you don't recognize it.

Music is alot like sytlized poetry, and I'm glad you mentioned it. Music, like words, has a different meaning when you take all parts into consideration. For instance, if you listen to only the beat, each insturment causes something different to be heard, and when combined they create the beat. The pitch used in a voice and the volume in relativity to the music affects the message. Therefore, music is a compilation of things, each with it's own attributes and powers, and is most effective when all of these come togethere to have the same ends.

God bless,
Mikey

[God Conquers]

That song probably makes you feel good because it reminds you not only of a happy time in your life but a time when Christ was present to you as well.

Skepticism's a downer.

[burnsspivey]

[quote name='MichaelFilo' date='Apr 13 2005, 07:41 PM'] Whoa.... anything only has as much power as it objectivly has. If you don't give power to murderous peasants who want to destroy you, doesn't make them any less murderous, nor willit mean they won't destroy you. [/quote]
To some extent, yes, but not completely. Those murderous peasants aren't much threat the to feudal lord locked in his castle. If you're secure in what you believe then the arguments of the other side won't have an effect on you. That's why I can come here and not fear being converted. That's why I can go to mass (as I did yesterday with Carrie) and not worry about becoming catholic. That's also why you all on here can argue with me, Melchisedec, et al.

Besides, music is a completely different entity than murderous peasants. One presents an actual, physical threat. The other, not so much.

[quote]Same with music, it has a certain power. Surely, you can give it more than it has, but I think you underestimate it. Music changes you heart and soul, because it drips it's message into your head. Listening to the same song several times will desensitize you tot he message contained, even if you don't recognize it.[/quote]

If music has that effect on you, then you should perhaps guard closely the music to which you listen. I, however, am no closer to returning to christianity for singing or listening to music of a religious nature.

[quote]Music is alot like sytlized poetry, and I'm glad you mentioned it. Music, like words, has a different meaning when you take all parts into consideration. For instance, if you listen to only the beat, each insturment causes something different to be heard, and when combined they create the beat. The pitch used in a voice and the volume in relativity to the music affects the message. Therefore, music is a compilation of things, each with it's own attributes and powers, and is most effective when all of these come togethere to have the same ends.[/quote]

I agree -- it's disconcerting when a song's lyrics don't match its music. For example: Goo Goo Dolls - Slide. It's a horrifically depressing song set to upbeat, pop music. It makes my head hurt a little bit.

[burnsspivey]

[quote name='God Conquers' date='Apr 13 2005, 07:45 PM'] That song probably makes you feel good because it reminds you not only of a happy time in your life but a time when Christ was present to you as well.

Skepticism's a downer. [/quote]
Heh.

It's fine if that's why gets you by, but I learned a long time ago that I didn't need the religion part of 'ecstatic religion'. It's just baggage that makes the rest of the time that I'm not experiencing the singing (or whatever) unbearable.

[Monoxide]

I know a song that sounds incredible but is absolutely horrible in its meanings.... 'What it's Like" by Everlast. They heroize abortion and murder and the like in it.

[Catalyst]

A man can't serve two masters. If its not of God, if God isn't the inspiration of the song, you know right away who's at the root of it.

[001]

If a song has non-Christian influences, that doesn't mean it's instant blasphemy. You can enjoy songs about non God stuff without being condemned. Just because the writer is homosexual, doens't mean it doesn't rock (example: Queen's Death on Two Legs).

[FutureSoror]

Think about Jesus or Mary watching and listening with you. Gets me every time.

[Cathurian]

Whoa whoa, hold the press.

Evil instrumental music? Now you've got me scared. For real.

Because I like Ravi Shankar. Please explain how you discern these things?

[infinitelord1]

When i listen to violent music i often notice that same feeling and expression that the artist is trying to portray being rubbed off onto me, i start thinking about things that have made me mad in the past and what id like to do to people. I would have to say that for a person to associate himself or herself with violent and degrading music is wrong because you are endulging yourself in evil.

[cmotherofpirl]

Mucis bypassees the cerebral cortex and goes right to the primitive brain and directly connects on an emotional level.

[Cathurian]

Bump. You people have me worried.

[Crispy]

ok lemme kinda switch gears here. its funny b/c this thread is right in my alley right now, im sorta struggling with a metal addiction . This is especially inflammed when i am working out of sparring at taekwondo class. one of the CD played has rob zombie on it (dragula, demon speeding, etc) i am being tortured under the dilema between if i can listen to this or not. i have decided that i should not because i dont want "rip out ur heart and eat it" type lyrics streaming through my subconcious as i fire myself up to work out. the problem is im now suffering metal withdrawl. i NEED to find some good christian metal that has that energy and feeling. any help for the lowly? peace.

[Cathurian]

Bump.