A Lyrical Dilemma: Can Christian Teens Love Popular Music?

A few months ago, I asked my subscribers for topics I haven’t already covered on this blog, and one astute reader suggested a post on popular music. Particularly, Christian teens and mainstream music. 

In her words:

“I was listening to music on Spotify, and I came across a catchy tune. I started humming along, until I realised what the lyrics really said. They turned out to be both explicit and immoral. Unfortunately, I found myself singing snatches of the song quite a bit that week, even though I didn’t want to. I think music like that can at times be dangerous, because it sticks in your head and places dangerous thoughts and words in it.”

Alas, the music industry is very good at what it does. So I did some research. These are the top ten pop songs playing on the radio at the time of this writing:

If this is what’s hot right now, one must ask: Can Christian teens love popular music? Is listening to secular music a sin?

Christian Teens and Mainstream Music

Honestly, I wasn’t sure how to go about this post because the music industry moves at lightning speeds (faster than the book publishing industry). By the time you read this, the top ten songs on the radio will have changed, so suggesting you listen to this but not that is a waste of time. And artists change, too. An artist who started her career as a country sweetheart might now be a sultry pop superstar.

(I’m looking at you, Taylor Swift.)

Can Christians Listen to Secular Music?

Back up for a second and consider how music was used in ancient times. In Exodus 15, Moses and Miriam sing a song of praise for God’s deliverance. Deuteronomy 32 contains a song meant to help the Israelites remember God’s provision. The book of Psalms is a collection of songs ranging from praise and worship to expressions of despair and anger.

Music is a gift from God, created to enhance your worship and help you express difficult emotions. But while the biblical examples are of praise and prayer, nowhere does God say music cannot be used for other purposes, like pleasure. 

“Why should the devil have all the good music?”

Larry Norman

This is another area where we are given the freedom to use the Christian discernment described in Philippians 1:9-10. If you’re wondering is listening to secular music a sin? the answer is not a sweeping no. God does not forbid certain styles of music or particular instruments (electric guitar, anyone?). There can be wholesome rap music just like there can be immoral folk music. 

As Larry Norman sang many years ago, why should the devil have all the good music? 

What Does God Think of My Playlist?

This is the question you need to ask, and answering it means studying the lyrics of the music you’re listening to. These days, you can look up song lyrics on your phone in less than a minute. Don’t trust your ears. 

Then ask yourself these questions:

• What is the overall message? This is super important. Christians can no longer be passive consumers of secular media. You must be able to identify what a song is about in order to make a judgement call. (You’d be surprised how often the message is sexual, sexist, racist, or destructive without you realizing it.)
• What kinds of thoughts and feelings do the lyrics invoke? Are they feelings and thoughts you would be embarrassed to express if Jesus were listening? News flash: he is.
• Does this song affirm biblical and moral principles or challenge them? If you study your Bible regularly and attend church, you know what is good and right according to God. That’s the Holy Spirit in you. Don’t set aside your Christian wisdom when you’re listening to the radio.
• Does listening to this song make me think negative thoughts about myself or other people? Pay close attention. You might think you’re not negatively affected by certain songs, but it can creep up in ways you never expect.
• Does this song make me doubt my faith or God’s sovereignty? If you’re left questioning your faith or God’s existence after listening to a particular song, that one doesn’t belong on your playlist.

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

John 14:26

If you feel convicted against a certain song or band, this is the pull of the Holy Spirit. You should always obey the pull of the Holy Spirit, or risk losing your ability to hear his voice altogether. (1 Thessalonians 5:19). 

Christian Music: More Than Just a Viable Alternative

Contemporary Christian music is often touted as an “alternative” to secular music, but the very term alternative implies a secondary nature. As in, you really wanted banana cream pie, but you’ll settle for apple because it has less calories.

Don’t think of Christian music as “settling.” Today’s Christian entertainment industry offers music in nearly every genre. And before you say you’re “not a fan,” don’t judge the whole category by one lousy song. This happens with Christian fiction all the time. People will read one cheesy book and decide Christian fiction is not for them and, thereby, miss out on all the well-written Christian books out there.

If you think Christian music is too preachy, it could be because you haven’t found your preferred niche within the larger scope. 

Some artists to check out (I’m not endorsing any of these—just offering suggestions):

• Forrest Frank: pop and hip-hop with elements of rock and electronic music
• Colton Dixon: progressive pop-rock with themes of faith, identity, and personal growth
• Lauren Daigle: elements of pop and soul with messages of hope, perseverance, and gratitude for God’s love. Lauren has gained mainstream popularity in recent years.
• Christ Tomlin: elements of pop and gospel; his music is common in worship services
• Skillet: leans toward hard rock with metal influences
• Lecrae: rapper/hip-hop artist recognized for his socially conscious lyrics and his ability to blend faith and culture in his music

Resources for Navigating The Mainstream Music Market?

When I started this post, I had this dream of going online and discovering a blog or website dedicated to discussing current trends in secular music from a Christian perspective. Had I found one, I would have included it right here. But . . .

To my knowledge, no such site exists. (Heads up, wannabe music bloggers! This could be your calling.) CCM Magazine provides news on contemporary Christian music artists and the CCM industry, including coverage of new releases and artist interviews. However, there doesn’t appear to be a similar resource for vetting “clean” music from the secular market.

So you’re back to looking up lyrics of individual songs on your own. If you’re uncertain, ask a parent or trusted mentor to review a song and help you discern its message. Then share your findings with your friends. If you have like-minded friends, you can work together to support artists who promote wholesome ideals. 

Can Christian Teens Love Popular Music?

“Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”

Romans 12:9

As a Christian, you have an obligation to be a discerning consumer. Love the music that leads you closer to Jesus. And crank up the volume!