Chasing the Wind

News. Faith. Nonsense.


Vulgar Music for Christians

A recent poster commented that she considered herself a Christian, yet listened to Korn because she connected with the music. In her opinion, listening to vulgar music was perfectly acceptable for a Christian.

Look Korn’s music to many might be vulgar, but to many its as well as consuling, its udnerstanding to many, many connect with the music, its all in how you interpret it, cause know what i myself im christian…i know i have parted my path from god in many ways, but in no way has Korn ever made me feel like there isnt a god out there, or made me feel like Jesus Christ is not my savor, and thats all i wanted to state

If you’ve accepted Christ but feel you’re “connecting” to vulgar music, then I might humbly suggest that the influences in your life are not leading you in the ways of Jesus. (As always, if I’ve misinterpreted what I’ve read in the Bible, please show me my error, I love to learn!)

Here is some scripture that may be useful in a study of crude language; here we are reminded that we are to follow in the ways of Jesus, to read the bible and follow God’s instructions:

John 8:31-32
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

The entire chapter of James tells us that our language leads our thoughts and actions like a bit and bridle will lead a horse. Here’s a portion:

James 3:3-6
When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

Whew, it’s hard to misinterpret that.

In Ephesians, we are given instructions on how to love God, how to model our behavior, and not to be decieved or become close associates with those who try to tell us otherwise. A person who exhibits immoral behavior has no right to claim a home in heaven:

Ephesians 5:4-7
Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person–such a man is an idolater–has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.

Further reading on what the bible teaches about profanity can be found at the Christian Courier.



19 responses to “Vulgar Music for Christians”

  1. I would agree with you to an extent, but I think there is a proper place for “fallen” forms of art, as well. All truth is God’s truth, and all beauty is God’s beauty. He is surprisingly adept at reaching out in a fallen world and plucking the heartstrings of the lost… often in unexpected places…

    Remember that Jesus associated with prostitutes and tax collectors…

    Another interesting element is that member of Korn who became a Christian and quit the band to start a solo career…

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  2. Andy, Jesus accociated with sinners for the purpose of teaching them and showing them by example His sinless life. I would opine that Jesus wouldn’t listen to Korn’s music, but He might have lunch with the band members.

    I agree with you about God, truth, and beauty, but not about “fallen” art. Scripture tells me that vulgar language is to be avoided.

    If you’d like to read more about Brian Welch, the former Korn member, just type in “Welch” or “Korn” in that search box to the left. I’ve written about Brian several times.

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  3. The bottom line is this. God is peace. Korn is anger. I know before I turn to Christ I listen to them since 1995. If you say that pouring gas on a fire is consuling then maybe it is. You don’t treat anger with anger. Then all you get is Korn fans. Have you been to a concert. Is it consuling to punch and kick people just for fun? I have done that many many times and it only makes you want to do it more. Jesus Christ is the only way. Repent or perish. The choice is your.

    Spread the word.

    God Bless

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  4. I used to listen to Korn, even after becoming a believer. I’m a musician (guitarist for 25 years) and used to justify it by saying, “I just dig the sound of the music, I don’t pay attention to the lyrics.” No matter what music you listen to, it affects you on an emotional and psychological level, or you wouldn’t listen to it. Mind you, I like the sound of their music, but there are other choices for Christians.

    I finally came to the point of understanding that everything we have is God’s; therefore if I own a CD like Korn’s, it is His, and He listens to it when I do. It literally assualts the spirit and dishonors God. Anything that damages your relationship with Christ is a bad idea. DUH!

    Michael, I believe you are on track with your comment. Christ did spend time with prostitutes and tax collectors, but He didn’t become like them. We are to be a light unto the world, you can’t do that when you are submerged in darkness.

    Thanks

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  5. Well said, Chris. I used to think those things that did not bring me closer to God were harmless. I’ve come to realize that there is so much to learn from God that even the distractions are keeping me from God. Why listen to Korn when there is so much music that is less negative?

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  6. thank you guys… you helped me alot… god bless u 🙂

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  7. :mrgreen: Hey Michael! I’ve been following Head’s new life with Christ with much interest also, and I do believe that Korn’s music is vulgar. I would say the same things as some of these folks about how I don’t listen to the lyrics or I know these lyrics are bunk. But, as you have eloquently written, the filth will still seep into your mind, or in Korn’s case it will bash it’s way in. Too bad though; with positive Christ-centered lyrics, we could have enjoyed the great music and glorified Christ! Your well-thought placement of bible passages regarding keeping your tongue from leading your life down a disastrous path is so timely for me because I lately have been swearing more now and I know that I must keep that tongue of mine fixed on the Lord! Do you ever feel like you run across a bible verse that helps you with a particular problem right at the time God knows you need it? Anybody? He’s awesome. So awesome that my fifteen-year old nephew accepted Christ just tonight at church! How cool is that?

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  8. David, that’s awesome for your nephew! 🙂

    Thos same bible verses help me – it’s not enough to be a ‘nice christian,’ you have to learn to think, talk, and act as Jesus would have you do, to pray incessantly before every breath. I have a long way to go, but I’m trying. 🙂

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  9. O my goodness thank you so much for writing that. I mean God has blessed us with so many things and we should be soo grateful to him. Listeing to vulgar music is NOT glorifying God. I mean, how can be so selfish as to complain about something as little as music when he has given something as great as salvation and an eternity with him? And also their is such a huge variety of christian music that can come pretty close to whatever secular music you want to listen to. I had a friend who actually got saved after listening to a christian singers lyrics. Isnt that awesome how God can use things like music to bring others to himself. Which is exactley why i think we have no right to abuse what God has given us. Well i just wanted to say thanks; i thought it was great

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  10. Um I’m not the kind to bust someones bubble but I was taught at church that a christian is not supposed to judge others for what they do. that is my God’s place. If the young lady feels no conviction for listening to that music then she perfectly fine. Let it be gods decision on whether she is in the wrong! Those who judge will be judged. Would you want to go to hell just for judging people ❓ I didnt think so ❗ So stop dogging this girl! God gavve us freewill to decide what we want to do not others decide what is wrong or right for us!!

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  11. That’s amusing. I think you’re judging me. 😛

    I just wrote a long article on accountability. While we are not to judge, we are to encourage, rebuke, and teach. I have no problem shining the light; there is plenty of scripture to warn about the evils that can come from the tongue. Much of it is written up there in the article.

    Of course, you do have freewill to choose evil if that is your desire. But just because you choose evil doesn’t mean the rest of us should turn a blind eye are lie and say it is good.

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  12. Ok, I think everyone is getting off track of what this girl was trying to say. I believe that she is stating that many of Korns songs are beneficial in helping some people cope with things that may have occurred in their lives. Many of Korns lyrics are offensive to a lot of people, but is it the meaning of every song and every lyrics that is offensive or is it just the words. Music is an expression of self and many of Korn’s songs deal with the lead singers troubled childhood which was wrought with emotional, physical and sexual abuse. The raw emotion and release that is present in many of the songs is what I think the girl was trying to hit upon. When they listen to the music they feel, empathy. the think, “hey there is someone out there who is hurting just like I do”. I am not condoning all of Korns lyrics, but they have some redeeming qualites. To judge a bands anthology by the lyrics or your perceived meaning to many of their songs and deam them unlistenable to all christians is not fair. Unless you are Jonathan Davis (Lead singer of the band) You will never know what kind of message all of songs are trying to push. Many of his songs are actually about not allowing all the troubles of his past keep him down. Music is interpretive and what each person gets out of a song is the most important. Some of their songs may be bad, but some also may be good. If we were to go by the criteria you have set forth some one who looks in to the lyrics of “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”, “Helter Skelter”, might immediately dismiss the Beatles as vulgar trash and not fit to listen to. Wouldn’t that be a mistake? Just my $.02

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  13. Jon, I understand, I just don’t agree. Offensive vulgar songs may be a panacea for somebody feeling vulgar and offensive, but it’s not helpful, it’s hurtful. “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” and “Helter Skelter” requires a good bit of imagination to interpret it as vulgarity, and they offset it with a lot more feel-good and bubble-gum music. Korn’s music doesn’t require that sort of imagination, it’s in-your-face offensive.

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  14. So you are saying that destructive lyrics are ok, as long as they are obscure and hidden behind fun music that all the kids will love. Hmmmmm….. curious.

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  15. You’ve misinterpreted what I said. Secular music spans a range of range of emotions and feelings. Beatles music is all over. While bits and pieces can be offensive, I accept that Lennon and McCarthy did not intend to be offensive and therefore I turn the other cheek.

    Korn is vulgar and offensive and they intended it that way.

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  16. Just wanted to say that if we believe in the same Jesus Christ we should just be peaceful and try not to argue with one another. It’s not really in anyone’s place to judge whether or not another person can listen to certain songs if they are a Christian. God Himself will do that for us. Remember, even Jesus said he did not come to condemn the world but to save it. We all have convictions but at the end of the day we are all one in our Lord Jesus Christ, brothers and sisters. And no one is better in the eyes of our Lord for not listening to a certain kind of music than for listening to it.

    Love always.

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  17. Lisa, while I do not judge a person for what they choose to listen to, I can certainly judge whether the music itself is good or evil. I don\’t think it’s possible for a Christian to read the lyrics to Korn’s Christmas Song and not think there’s inherent evil in it.

    Warning, do not click that link. It’s offensive.

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  18. you can listen to what you want to. there is no reason you can’t. just because you listen to music with vulgar stuff in it doesnt mean that the person behaves or thinks that way.

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  19. Garbage in, garbage out.

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About Me

Michael, a sinner saved by grace, sharing what the good Lord has shared with me.

Solomon, in the book of Ecclesiastes, said, “I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”

If you’re not living for the glory of God, then what you’re doing is meaningless, no matter what it is. Living for God gives life meaning, and enjoying a “chasing after the wind” is a gift from God. I’m doing what I can to enjoy this gift daily.

Got questions? I’m not surprised. If you have any questions about Chasing the Wind, you can email me at chasingthewind@outlook.com.

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