MUSIC STANDARDS...or something to think about

Wow! this is an issue I have struggled with on and off for the last ten years after returning to the Lord. So "what's the deal?", you might ask. Oh I don't know, just a few new facts to adjust my viewpoint, but let me preface....

I hate soapboxes (referring to preaching) especially about things that aren't scriptural. Maybe "hate" is a strong word, but I strongly dislike it when a preacher takes the liberty to draw a hard, fast line, where there is no hard, fast line in scripture. I think it is verbal abuse, and damaging to the cause of Christ, and I'll chalk it up as that. I can deal with principles, but that is a far cry from opinions or personal experiences leading the speaker to draw such a line. (Alright, so there's my soapbox!)

Now, let's address the issue of "standards". Is it in the Bible, anywhere? Mmmm...nope. In order to be balanced about this, I will say that it is a useful tool to be on guard, or vigilant, as our Lord would have us be against the devil. For those whose heads are "in the sand," he is out to destroy us, or make us virtually useless for the kingdom of God.

Which brings me to the topic of occultism in rock music. Go ahead, get it out, "OH brother!, please tell me you're not going to get into this wrong beat stuff." Are you done? I'm not gonna waste time there, I promise.

My husband came upon this documentary on line. Okay guys, this thing is so scary I won't even watch it. I just have my husband relay the details (not the gory ones). It's not from a ___(fill in the blank of the school of your choice) fundementalist. He's an ex-rocker who just put together facts. The whole thing is documentation, either video or otherwise and scripture.

I use to think that satanic worship was reserved for those such as Black Sabboth or the soul seller Jimmy Page, which I could avoid easily, NOT so. Friends, pretty much all big names in most big generas of music, yeah, this includes Country (Brittany Spears, Michael Jackson, Kurt Cobain...) have ties, but here's the thing. (No, John and I are not running to our CD cabinet, there isn't a huge bon fire on our terrace.) ANYONE who has made it big, according to this video presentation of multiple parts (Madonna, also, though she claims to be Jewish) says that "there's a point of no turning back, and that they are controlled by something else." Michael Jackson says it's "not him" (I'm am totally paraphrasing) on stage. Okay, we all know he is weird, but you can't deny that he is very famous, and one of the many "very famous" who are trapped (I, personally hope, Jack Johnson is not involved ;). These people believe that there is "no turning back." That, to me, is very sad.

"So what's changed?" Glad you asked. This means, for me, I can not sit down and enjoy "Thriller Night" (like I ever did) with the same pazzazz, knowing how these people suffer. Satan's got them dupped into thinking they have no hope, they've sold their souls, that's it. Yes, God is Sovereign, but it takes the frosting off the cake, if you know what I mean.

"It is better to listen to the rebuke of a wise man Than for one to listen to the song of fools." Ecclesiastes 7:5

I'm not quite sure how this whole parenting thing will work (if ever I have kids), and it's a bit overwhelming, but I'm gonna ask them to be careful what "life songs" they listen to and keep in mind what these people are going through for fame, and (I know this is not very gentle, but I'll probably say it, none the less) don't be an idiot.