NOTICE OF COMPLAINT against:
.the music that is being brought into the Church which is causing Christians
to be offended and to stumble in their walk with the Lord.
WITNESSES:
- The witness of the victims
- The witness of Scripture
- The witness of the AMA
"... it was needful for me to write unto you, and
exhort [you] that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which
was once delivered unto the saints.
For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of
old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace
of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and
our Lord Jesus Christ." Jude 3-4
Special publication of
Institute in Basic Life Principles
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(C) 1990 Institute in Basic Life Principles 4P 3P
THE WITNESS OF THE VICTIMS
==========================
Witness No.1 ------------
A Fifteen-year-Old Student from Pennsylvania
"I was following the Lord wholeheartedly until we switched churches and I
was invited to the new youth group. I had a conviction against rock music,
but as I was surrounded by it, my beliefs were corrupted. This music
eventually let to rebellion and moral failures. The Lord has gained victory
in my life now, but the music still brings on rebellion if I listen to it.
Please get rid of this music and play melodious, harmonious music!"
Witness No.2 ------------
An Eighteen-Year-Old Student from Indiana
"'Christian rock' had made me a shallow, rebellious young Christian. It
made it easy for me to get into regular rock music. When I finally submitted
to God and got the rock music out of my life, I was able to see the double
standard that is lived out by 'Christian rock' musicians.
"'Christian rock' does not praise God and it is worse than regular rock
because I think it is hypocritical. Rock is wrong and addictive and has
contributed to my moral failure. I praise God for His help in releasing me
from it."
Witness No.3 ------------
A Twenty-Year-Old Student from Kansas
"About four years ago, a local Christian radio station began broadcasting
'rock' of the 'Christian variety.' At first, I accepted only the light stuff.
Within months, I found myself listening to heavier and heavier stuff. I thank
God that my parents and I came to an agreement on the music I will listen to.
I can see how it has affected the lives of some who at one time were my
closest friends. I still enjoy easy classical music, but they are into heavy
worldly rock and the lifestyle that goes with it. Just a few weeks ago, God
convicted me of what I once considered super-soft, contemporary music. I
threw the tape away and thank God for the conviction that bought me to do it."
Witness No.4 ------------
A Sixteen-Year-Old Student From Oklahoma
"I began to listen to 'Christian rock' without the blessing of my
father. He told me that if I listened to 'Christian rock' it would open the
door for Satan. I just laughed, and listened anyway. It totally deadened my
Christian growth and let to terrible immorality, rebellion, and rejection of
God. It then developed into secular, hard rock. Now all I can do is go back
and pick up the pieces. But I still have a scar in my life that will never be
removed."
Witness No.5 ------------
A Seventeen-Year-Old Student From Texas
"When I got into 'Christian' and secular rock, I went out from under my
father's protection. I lost sleep, was rebellious, had a rotten attitude, and
made life miserable for my parents. I also had major impure thoughts. I no
longer listen to that music, and life is so much more enjoyable and I have
much more spiritual victory. Whenever I hear this music, I get uptight and am
tempted to get back into it. Thank God I am not in it anymore."
Witness No.6 ------------
A Twenty-One-Year-Old Student From Michigan
"'Christian rock' has hindered my life because the only difference
between 'Christian rock' and secular rock is the words. The beat, rhythm, and
the melody are not different; they are the same.
"It does not matter whether I listen to secular of 'Christian rock,'
when the songs are over, I feel the same. I feel an emptiness in my soul, a
heavy burden. Even 'Christian rock' sometimes makes me feel like going out
and getting rowdy or even hurting someone else if they provoke me, and that is
against all of God's teachings, and everything God stands for. So get rid of
all rock!!!"
Witness No.7 ------------
An Eighteen-Year-Old Student From Oklahoma
"When I was twelve or thirteen years old, I was given some 'Christian
rock' tapes by my parents to listen to because they thought I was getting into
secular music. The truth is, I was getting into some bad music. The
'Christian rock' dominated my life for over a year until I could not get the
same satisfaction I received the first time I heard it. I went to secular
rock music and kept this desire and sin from my parents. I started out on
soft music and grew to pop/rock-type music.
"It was not long until my desire grew to 'hard rock' and 'progressive'
stuff. I started getting into drinking and going to dance clubs. Minor
recreational drugs came in and soon my life was going down the drain.
"One night while drinking, I fell into immorality and my life was
devastated. God used this tragedy to turn me around and bring me back to Him.
I feel very deeply that if I had not started out in 'Christian rock' I would
have been convicted about the bad music I got into. Maybe I would not have
messed my life up so much."
Witness No.8 ------------
A Sixteen-Year-Old Student From Illinois
"'Christian rock' was brought into my life earlier than my peers because
of a weakness in my forefathers. I continually desired music that had a
strong and fast beat. The music I started with was soft, slow, and
contemporary, and it took over my life and I became dependent upon it rather
than upon God. I did not realize it, but I was a lukewarm Christian, no
matter how many times I sought God at the altar. Eventually, my parents saw
the folly of Christian contemporary music and took it out of our home. After
it was gone, the music took less precedence in my life, and God gave me the
conviction not to listen to evil Christian contemporary music. He made me
free in my soul!"
Witness No. 9 -------------
A Fifteen-Year-Old Student From Florida
"When I was twelve I began listening to 'Christian rock.' My friends
listened to it and I felt pressured to listen to it, too. I became addicted
to the beat and slowly progressed until I was into 'heavy metal Christian.' I
was talking to a boy in our church about rock music. He told me I listened to
the same thing in 'Christian rock.' I decided to listen and find out for
myself. The beat was exactly the same, and I quickly was addicted to rock. I
have been working on conquering this, but when I hear any 'Christian rock' I
immediately feel guilty and stay away from my parents."
Witness No. 10 ---------------
A Nineteen-Year-Old Student From Ohio
"'Christian rock' at one time really messed up my view of Christianity.
I would listen to it and think, 'Look how Christianity is trying to blend in
with the world.' But after attending the Basic and Advanced Seminars, I have
totally avoided this music and have considered it ungodly and unscriptural!"
Witness No. 11 ---------------
A Sixteen-Year-Old Student From Michigan
"When I was thirteen, I had a friend who was in his twenties. He began
helping my father, who was in charge of our youth group. The music he
listened to was wrong, and as I became closer to this guy, I began to listen
to his and began to get deeper into it. Finally, it was to the point that it
no longer satisfied the flesh and I wanted more. So I then started to listen
to regular, secular rock music, and it caused moral failure in my life. After
this week's Seminar, I have purposed to get out of this music. I would warn
anyone who would experiment with 'Christian rock' not to do so, or it is
likely that the same result would happen to them. Thank you!"
Witness No. 12 ---------------
A Seventeen-Year-Old Student From California
"'Christian rock' was a big part of my life about six months ago. It
totally consumed me. I lived in the bondage of this music and the bondage of
the music of my friends' preference, which was not very good either, to say
the least. I realized that this ungodly music did not glorify God and never
will. The main things I learned this week are that we as Christians do not
take drugs to witness to drug users, and we do not convert to worldly habits
to identify with the world. So I saw no reason to use worldly music with
Christian words so that I could minister to the world!"
Witness No. 13 ---------------
A Twenty-Year-Old Student From Oklahoma
"When I used to listen to rock music it hindered my spirit and caused a
rebellious attitude. I can tell you that when I hear 'Christian rock' music,
it makes no difference what the lyrics are. It is the music that causes the
poor spirit and rebellious attitude.
Witness No. 14 ---------------
An Eighteen-Year-Old Student From Florida
"I never listened to the so-called 'Christian rock,' but I did listen to
Christian contemporary music. I realized that all day long, when I was
dressing or getting ready for bed, the songs were in my head. The backbeat and
the music that was full of soft, then real loud notes made my whole body move
faster. When all this was going on, I could never concentrate on studies,
much less the Bible. It was distracting, and I also realized that when I
would go into a store that had rock playing, I liked it, and it was a lot like
the tapes I had been listening to."
Witness No. 15 ---------------
A Fifteen-Year-Old Student From Texas
"For many years I listened to 'Christian rock' and excused it because I
was not listening to secular rock. I loved going to concerts and enjoying
myself. Then I went to one 'Christian rock' concert, and one of the lead
singers was dressed in a tank top and tight jeans. I was not sure what to do.
I knew it was wrong, but I stayed anyway. When I got home my mom saw one of
the pamphlets. She was shocked and said, "No more 'Christian rock'!" I was
forced to obey, but later chose to obey, seeing how wrong the music was."
Witness No. 16 ---------------
A Fifteen-Year-Old Student From Missouri
"I became influenced in 'Christian rock' from some bad friends I had
made. Every free minute I had was spent listening to this music. I felt
really proud that everybody else was listening to regular rock and I was
listening also, but mine had Christian lyrics. One day as I was listening to
this music I switched the station to FM and I was shocked to hear the same
song on a secular station! I have done some searching in my life and realized
that this music was controlling my thoughts, and that because of it, I could
not conquer the giant of lust. This week I realized that I would have to give
up 'contemporary Christian music' if I was going to have victory over the
giant of lust!"
Witness No. 17 ---------------
A Seventeen-Year-Old Student From Missouri
"When I got started listening to contemporary Christian music, I started
out on 'mild' music, but it grew to harder music. It grew to the point where
the music took the place of Bible reading. I was convicted of this at the
Life Purpose Seminar and threw most of the music away, but it was addictive,
and I held some back. Later, it was brought to my attention that when you
cannot get rid of something in your life that keeps you from God, it is an
idol. This music, which is supposed to promote Christianity, caused me to
violate God's commandments about idolatry. I will throw the rest away when I
get home."
Witness No. 18 ---------------
An Eighteen-Year-Old Student From Florida
"I grew up in a good Christian home where my father was a pastor. I have
a fourteen-year-old sister, and when she was in the third or forth grade I
remember her listening to the radio when my parents were away at the church.
As I grew older I was constantly being convicted about my habits but could not
get victory over them. As I grew older, I slowly grew from one type of music
to another and finally to 'progressive' and 'new wave.' I despised myself
secretly because of my music, but I took it out on my fellow Christians who
listened to 'Christian rock,' because I could still get a 'high' from their
music and it was supposed to be 'Christian.' Even now as I am finished with
this unglorious music, I still have trouble with it when I hear it anywhere."
Witness No. 19 ---------------
A Seventeen-Year-Old Student From Missouri
"When I began listening to 'Christian rock' my personal devotions were
almost nonexistent. 'Christian rock' deafened my Christian 'immune system'
(conscience) to rock music. When I listened to this music, I would fall away
from and rebel against my parents. 'Christian rock,' in my opinion, distorts
hymns. I can remember a 'Christian rock' beat to most of the hymns I have
sung. I strongly encourage not getting into this music."
Witness No. 20 ---------------
A Seventeen-Year-Old Student From Pennsylvania
"'Christian rock' and Christian contemporary music have, in my life, been
stepping stones. Not stepping stones going up-but down. Just a few months of
listening to 'Christian rock' and contemporary music led to a life of being
controlled by acid rock. This quickly led to and encouraged rebellion, greed,
moral impurity, and trying to protect my rights and hide from my parents.
Now, however, I have become accountable to my father in this, and I am
experiencing glorious victory over this satanic music. As I quit, however, I
was tempted to get back into 'Christian rock,' because, after all, 'Christian
rock' is better than heavy metal, I thought. The Lord in His grace, though,
reminded me of the effects this music had on my life before, and I was able to
overcome it. I thank God that He is leading me to victory."
Witness No. 21 ---------------
A Fifteen-Year-Old Student From Nebraska
"When I started listening to 'Christian rock' I slowly started to listen
to just regular worldly rock (soft rock). Then I was listening to something
harder and harder. It not only led me into worldly rock, but I was getting
rebellious toward my parents, and I was having sensual and lustful thoughts.
I also could not memorize or read God's Word and understand it or retain it."
Witness No. 22 ---------------
A Sixteen-Year-Old Student From Michigan
"'Christian rock' has damaged my life in two ways. First, it ruined my
Christian witness. The addictive beat and tempo were very hard for me to
conquer. When I went to a friend's house, instead of being two friends
together talking we would sit in his room and do nothing except allow the
music to flow through us. Second, the beat and words are still a part of my
life. Many times as I was listening to 'Christian rock,' my mind would go to
the words of secular rock. Even now, after destroying all this wrong music
and committing myself to God's music, I still have a rebellious attitude well
up inside me. This will be a very hard habit to break."
Witness No. 23 ---------------
An Eighteen-Year-Old Student From California
"I have only a few 'Christian rock' tapes, and since my parents did not
like the music, I listened to the tapes only when they were gone. After a
while this music got old and I wanted new, more exciting music. To get this
music, I started listening to 'soft rock' on the radio. At first my brothers
condemned me, but I soon found them listening to the radio, too. They got
tired of 'soft rock' and went on to harder rock as I did. Now, music is an
addiction and I have tried and failed many times to break the habit. I am
going to try to break the habit again -this time using principles I have
learned in ATIA. I pray that I will gain victory this time."
Witness No. 24 ---------------
A Seventeen-Year-Old Student From Florida
"When I started listening to music I listened to 'Christian rock.' what
got me into this was my friend who accidentally left a tape behind. I picked
it up and listened to it. I was immediately hooked and listened to it
constantly. About two weeks later I started listening to 'rock and roll.' I
knew I shouldn't have listened, but I was hooked. I became rebellious toward
authority and stole a Walkman from my dad. I then became a stumbling block to
other Christians and made them fall into the same sin. I knew I had to give
up this music, so I purposed to. I told my dad and asked him to hold me
accountable. Since that time I have been freed from this wicked sin and I
feel great now."
Witness No. 25 ---------------
A Sixteen-Year-Old Student From Texas
"I listened to rock music for about four years and it was not 'Christian
rock' because I always thought it was so hypocritical to listen to Christian
rock. At least I was honest about it and I did not pretend to be somebody I
wasn't. So, after the first couple of times I was already addicted to it.
The reason I started is because everybody always thought I was, 'goody-goody.'
They would say, 'Hey, did you hear that song?' or 'Have you ever heard this
group?' I would say, 'No, I don't listen to rock.' I began by listening to
'soft rock' and progressed to heavy metal. It really had a strong effect on
my life. Now my church plays 'Christian rock' and I see it ruining many kids
in our youth group. It is so sad. It has ruined kids that were so sweet."
Witness No. 26 ---------------
A Nineteen-Year-Old Student From Texas
"I am very intimate with music. I was brought up in a strict Christian
home, but I rebelled and moved away from home. While in the world I got into
dance and choreography. All was very sensuous! The music we used was rock
music, of course! After a while my body was so in tune with the music that it
controlled me. After I gave my life back to God I was discouraged one
particular day, so I turned on the local Christian radio station for some
encouraging music. Well, I don't remember one word except 'exalt.' All I
know is that my sensuous feelings all came back with the beat and the spirit
of the music. I can now say there is no such thing as 'Christian rock,' and
this type of music should not be in one's house, much less in God's holy house
of worship!"
Witness No. 27 ---------------
An Eighteen-Year-Old Student From Indiana
"I can honestly say that secular music does have a negative aspect to it.
I had never really listened to or heard a pop rock song until I was about
fourteen years of age. I was going through a really hard time in my life. We
were moving again, on top of everything else. So I gave in and started
listening to it every once in awhile. Immediately I noticed a change in my
spiritual life. The music stunted my spiritual growth and my heart was
becoming hardened. I realized that I must get away from it. As soon as that
music leaves, you can feel an immediate change in attitudes and actions. You
see, I believe God designed the world to conform to Christianity, not
Christianity to the world. Please, please, don't pollute your minds or your
spirit life with this awful music. the same applies to Christian rock'
music."
Witness No. 28 ---------------
A Nineteen-Year-Old Student From Texas
"I began with a high standard of music in my life. Through my youth
group, that became watered down, I gradually began to build a collection of
contemporary artists who professed to be Christians. As I collected more
tapes and the music's beat became stronger, I became more rebellious. I
believe that the so-called 'Christian music' led me into rebellion. During
the Seminar, I was convicted of having wrong music influence my life. When I
got home, I threw away all of my bad music tapes, which made up virtually my
whole collection. I am relearning now how to have only Godly music in my home
and not compromise in that area any longer."
Witness No. 29 ---------------
A Seventeen-Year-Old Student From Georgia
"'Christian rock' music has divided my youth group. It has kept me in
bondage spiritually, and my relationship with my sister has been deeply hurt.
I see the rebellion in both of us after we are exposed to rock. Whenever I
walk into my youth group, rock is being played. I feel Satan's control start
to tighten. One of my closest friends has remarked about the difference in
my countenance after I have listened to this music. I find it almost
impossible to have beneficial, reverent quiet times when the sensual beat pops
into my mind. I pray that the Lord will change my heart and my sister's heart
before our witness is hurt anymore"
Witness No. 30 ---------------
A Twenty-Year-Old Student From Texas
"I have been struggling with a moral failure. After a time of defeat, I
noticed that these devastating failures were coming after or during listening
to 'soft rock' or 'Christian rock' music. My family attended a Basic Seminar
in Dallas. During one of those revealing sessions, the principles of music
were clearly explained. It all fit my life. I now realize that I had seared
my conscience in the area of music. The destructive rhythms bring a sensual
awakening inside of me and this leads to a lessening of inhibitions. As soon
as we arrived home from that first Seminar, we cleansed our home by burning
all the rock tapes (including 'Christian rock'), along with other things.
Since asking for God's forgiveness and healing, becoming accountable to my
parents, and removing these evil influences, I have experienced amazing
victory and freedom! However, I still feel the danger in 'Christian rock' and
its pull on my spirit. I wish every person would take this matter seriously
because so much damage has been done to me. Consequences and scars remain that
would have never happened if only I had been more alert to the dangers."
Witness No. 31 ---------------
A Twenty-Three-Year-Old Student From Wisconsin
"I personally don't like 'Christian rock,' but at the cafe where I work
as a waitress, they have been playing it. Since I have been working there I
have had no desire to pray or read the Bible or to even get to know the Lord.
I believe that since I have been listening to 'Christian rock' it has
subconsciously affected my spiritual growth. I have been on vacation for a
week now and I have found that I desire to read my Bible and to pray since I
have been away from 'Christian rock.'"
Witness No. 32 ---------------
A Twenty-One-Year-Old Student From Washington
"I have listened to rock music since I was a baby. It has had a definite
bad impression on me. It makes me feel rebellious and I just have weird
feelings when I play it. To me, 'Christian rock' is no different than regular
rock. It still gives me those wrong feelings. I have gone to rock seminars
and they say that rock is wrong but 'Christian rock' is OK. Well, I was sick
of the way my life was going so I gave it all up and now I have such freedom!!
I am so glad to be free! I would encourage anyone to purpose in their heart
not to listen to it. Listen only to things that edify'
Witness No. 33 ---------------
A Sixteen-Year-Old Student From Kansas
"A couple of years ago while I was listening to rock music behind my
parents' backs I became very suicidal. I could not figure out why, but I
really reacted to the idea that my music might have something to do with it.
It was only after confessing what I was doing to God and to my parents and
then cutting off all rock music that I lost the desire to kill myself. God
was very gracious to me and He saved me from that awful destructive music. I
thank Him daily for that deliverance.
Witness No. 34 ---------------
A Seventeen-Year-Old Student From Texas
"I would like to share a little testimony concerning my experience with
'Christian rock' music. I had listened to this music with my friends and at
church social functions for several years before I got my own tape, recorded
by a famous artist. Buying that tape was the biggest mistake of my life.
Under its influence, my moral convictions began to dissolve and I allowed
myself to become involved in a relationship with a boy from my church, against
my parents' wishes. When we were together we listened to 'Christian ' and
'soft rock' music. It was all sensuous and destroyed my inhibitions. I am so
ashamed of what happened. The music made me rebellious and pulled me away
from my family. I thank God that I can say today that I have not listened to
this harmful music for several months now and I feel a freedom I had not
experienced before.
Witness No. 35 ---------------
A Fifteen-Year-Old Student From Ohio
"In the past, rock 'n roll music has been so detrimental to my spiritual
growth that I feel privileged to share this, especially if it could keep
others from being subjected to this type of music. This includes
'contemporary Christian music.' Most people do not realize what a hold this
music can have on you until you try to take it out of your life. When I got
into secular rock music I was bombarded by many sensual thoughts. Those that
think that 'Christian rock' is OK because of the words are wrong. When I
listen to that type of 'Christian' music, I have the same reaction. I cannot
listen to any type of this music because when I do, I can no longer worship
God or grow in Him."
Witness No. 36 ---------------
A Seventeen-Year-Old Student from Georgia
"This week I have totally dedicated my life to God and now trust Him in
every single area of my life. Until I made this commitment I never realized
how much harm 'Christian rock' music could do. Especially in one tape I bought
about a month ago. As I look back I notice that since I have purchased that
tape I have not had much of a prayer life or a desire to read my Bible. When
I get home I am committed to getting rid of that tape and all the others. I
want so much to be a Godly example and to encourage others in their
relationship with God."
Witness No. 37 ---------------
A Seventeen-Year-Old Student From Ohio
"I need to give you my testimony on 'Christian rock' music. I am in a
church where 'Christian rock' has come to be accepted and where we now have
dances for the Senior High Youth Group. At first, my listening was reluctant
and I didn't like the metallic, hard sound, but I grew numb to it the more I
listened. Even one of my friends told me it wouldn't sound so bad after I
listened to it enough! That is blunt for you! My dad REALLY didn't like this
music and even told me that I needed to get rid of it. This was very hard.
You know, this contemporary music is addictive. Many people can witness to
this. Try taking rock away from one who's used to it and they go through
withdrawal! I certainly did! But when I purposed to remain under my father's
authority, I threw the tapes away and you wouldn't believe the freedom I felt!
It was like a heavy burden was lifted off my shoulders! I'm telling you, I
never even knew I was in bondage! I prayed that God would resensitize my
spirit to discern the spirit of music. It did take a while but I'm a witness
now of how rock music desensitizes a spirit. I'm free now, PRAISE THE LORD!!"
Witness No. 38 ---------------
A Sixteen-Year-Old Student From Florida
"'Christian rock' music has probably been the biggest hindrance to my
spiritual growth. When I first heard this kind of music, it really bothered
my spirit. But then this music was brought into my church. The more I heard
it, the less it bothered me. The less it bothered me, the more I listened to
it. It wasn't long before I was involved in secular rock music because I
didn't see any difference. This music caused me to resist the Lord and hold
parts of my life back from Him. I was not able to have a freedom to truly
serve Him and be totally dedicated to Him until I was willing to give up this
music."
Witness No. 39 ---------------
A Sixteen-Year-Old Student From Missouri
"On September 2, 1989, I went to a 'Christian rock' concert. While I was
there, I danced, screamed, and sang in ways that were displeasing to God. I
have many contemporary Christian music tapes, and I find when I listen to them
that I get a rebellious spirit. I am so ashamed of the things that I did
while under the influence of this music. I PLEAD with you to rid yourself of
this bad influence."
Witness No. 40 ---------------
A Fifteen-Year-Old Student From Oklahoma
"When I was not following the Lord I was angry because of the compromise
Christians were making in the matter of 'Christian rock' music. Personally, I
cannot tell the difference between 'rock' and 'Christian rock.' Since I
rededicated my life to the Lord and quit listening to both types of music, I
have had a wonder freedom in my thought life."
Witness No. 41 ---------------
A Fifteen-Year-Old Student From California
"'Christian rock' has always been a source of battle within me. I could
never go anywhere without rock music haunting me. I could not be comfortable
anywhere. The music brought so much tension and lack of inner peace that I
ended up in total depression, which was completely removed by taking rock and
contemporary music out of my life"
Witness No. 42 ---------------
A Sixteen-Year-Old Student From Indiana
"I began listening to rock music on the bus to public school. I went to
Christian friends' homes, and they would have their rock tapes and radios on
constantly. I began to grow numb to the sound and the words and became
comfortable listening to it. Finally I became interested in hearing what the
singers were really saying. I was going through a really depressing and
rebellious time by now, so I would fill my boredom and emotional times by
secretly listening to 'rock.' I mean, everyone else did. My parents even
gave me a dual cassette stereo system for memorizing Matthew 5-7. However,
many of the tapes I ignorantly played caused sensual problems for me. A
couple of months later when I got my life in tune with the Lord, I was
convicted about my music. So one night I came home from church and took out
the tapes I was recording off the radio and strung them out all over my
bedroom floor and then took them out to the trash and pitched them. I was so
released, I broke down and cried. Praise the Lord"
Witness No. 43 ---------------
A Nineteen-Year-Old Student From California
"I began listening to 'Christian rock,' and shortly thereafter I began a
fast, steady pace downhill. This eventually led me into a totally backslidden
state. I know that my own rebellion was the cause of my fall. However,
'Christian rock' entered into my life at a very crucial point and added fuel
to the fire. I remember the specific day and the song I listened to first. I
remember feeling rebellious - like I was going against what is considered
acceptable by the standards of Godly people. Within weeks, maybe months, a
very apparent breakdown of my conscience, morality, and appearance was
evident. As I stated before, within two years I had completely fallen away
from the Lord. Today I am serving the Lord, yet I still have a tremendously
difficult time resisting the temptation of listening to the music of my past -
Christian or secular. When I hear this music it causes me to reminisce fondly
of my past, and I completely forget the darkness I was delivered from. This
dismisses the love, forgiveness, and power of my Lord in my life. I appeal to
Church leaders today....I plead with you to purge your churches, youth groups,
and homes of rock and roll. Without going into further detail of my own life,
it is my hope that the sins of my past can be used as a testimony for the
glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. I pray that the devastating results of rock
music will be realized in the Church before it steals anymore of the souls of
our youth."
Witness No. 44 ---------------
"Our youth group has had a problem of not growing spiritually for a long
time now. This problem did not come from outward influences, but inward moral
decay. A big factor in this was the rock music the kids were listening to
outside of the church. Unfortunately, I was one of those kids. I can
personally testify that rock music is not what it seems to be. Once you start
listening to it, you accept it, not only the music itself, but also the words.
You become numb to worse and worse lyrics, and you can't break out of the
addiction. Pretty soon, I was accepting totally opposite lyrics to what I was
supposed to be standing for. I didn't realize that a big problem in my
spiritual life came from my addiction to rock music. It was as if I had a big
wall between me and God, and it was because I was living a hypocritical life.
I was accepting the awful standards that rock music presented, but I was
telling everybody else I was a Christian. I was lying through my teeth. The
only way I can say this now is that through the grace of God, I was able to
see what was happening. I have now given this area of my life to God and now
I feel a freedom I never had before. God is so good!"
THE WITNESS OF SCRIPTURE
========================
In the early church some Christians thought nothing about buying meat that
had been offered to idols. Paul acknowledged that there was nothing wrong
with the meat.
1 Corinthians 8
6 But to us [there is but] one God, the Father, of whom [are] all
things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom [are] all
things, and we by him.
7. Howbeit [there is] not in every man that knowledge: for some
with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat [it] as a thing
offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are
we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.
9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a
stumblingblock to them that are weak.
10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in
the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be
emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
However, because eating the meat sacrificed to idols would cause a
brother to be offended or weakened, the unanimous command of the New Testament
is to reject such meat.
Acts 15:29
29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood,
and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye
keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
Romans 14:15
15 But if thy brother be grieved with [thy] meat, now walkest
thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ
died.
1 Corinthians 8:13
13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no
flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
Revelation 2:14
14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there
them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a
stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things
sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
Revelation 2:20
20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou
sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess,
to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to
eat things sacrificed unto idols.
If these appeals applied to meat, how much more do they apply to
"Christian rock" music?
Witness No. 45 ---------------
Romans 14:13
13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge
this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to
fall in [his] brother's way.
Romans 14:21
21 [It is] good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor [any
thing] whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made
weak.
Witness No. 46 ---------------
1 Corinthians 8:11
11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for
whom Christ died?
12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak
conscience, ye sin against Christ.
Witness No. 47 ---------------
Matthew 18:6
6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe
in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about
his neck, and [that] he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
THE WITNESS OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
================================================
The American Medical Association, through recent studies, has confirmed
the relationship between rock music and drugs, immorality, rebellion, and the
occult.
Its findings were reported in a September 15, 1989, article in the
Chicago Sun Times. The following information is from that article.
Witness No. 48 ---------------
AMA LINKS DRUGS, IMMORALITY, AND ROCK 'n ROLL
"'Doctors should be alert to the listening habits of young patients as a
clue to their emotional health, because fascination with rock 'n roll,
especially heavy metal music, may be associated with drug use, premarital sex
and satanic rites,' a committee of the American Medical Association said.
"'At the very least, commitment to a rock subculture is symptomatic of
adolescent alienation,' the AMA's Group on Science and Technology said in its
report, 'Adolescents and Their Music,'' published by the Journal of the
American Medical Association. The AMA committee reported that 'the average
teenager listens to 10,3400 hours of rock music during the years between the
7th and 12th grades, and music surpasses television as an influence in
teenagers' lives. While TV viewing often is supervised by parents, music
largely is uncensored,' the committee said. 'As an important agent of
adolescent socialization, however, the negative messages of rock music should
not be dismissed,' the committee said. The committee cited '...evidence
linking involvement in rock culture with low school achievement, drugs, sexual
activity and even satanic activities.' "The committee expressed special
concern about two relatively recent developments in rock music - heavy metal
rock and music videos. 'The violent and sexual content of the video images
are disturbing to many,' the committee said. '...A study found that 7th and
10th graders, after watching one hour of music videos, were more likely to
approve of premarital sex than were a control group of adolescents,'
THE EVIDENCE OF THESE WITNESSES DEMANDS A VERDICT
=================================================
The similarities between the MONEY CHANGERS in Jesus's day and the MUSIC
CHANGERS in our day are striking.
- Both operate in the house of God.
- Both rob God of His glory.
- Both function for personal gain.
- Both hinder true worship of a Holy God.
Just as Jesus threw out the money changers in His day, so all Christians
today who have a responsibility for the spiritual welfare of others must
exercise their God-given responsibility to free those under their care from
the destructive consequences of so-called "Christian rock" music.
Although pastors and parents cannot destroy that which belongs to their
teenagers, they can appeal to their teenagers and spend regular days of prayer
and fasting for them. They can also bring their teenagers into contact with
other young people who have discovered the truth about "Christian rock," urge
their teenagers to conduct an Acts 19:19 bonfire, and then replace wrong music
with Godly music.
THE NEED TO REPLACE EVIL WITH GOOD
When Jesus taught the parable of the unclean spirit in Matthew 12:43-45,
He emphasized the danger of creating a vacuum by simply removing that which is
evil. This principle is also true in music. It is not enough to remove wrong
music - it must be replaced by good music.
We recognize that it is becoming increasingly difficult to find good
music. We can, however, highly recommend two cassette tapes: "Instruments of
Praise" and "The Majesty and Glory." If you are unable to secure these tapes
in your area, you may order them from IBLP for $5 and $8, respectively.
Many have also received great benefit from a two-hour audio seminar on
how to evaluate music. This album, Striving for Excellence, can be secured
for $15. You may also order the six-cassette albums "making Melody in Your
Heart, " Volumes 1 and 2 (25 each).
To order send you name and street address, and check or money order
payable to IBLP to:
Publications Office
Institute in Basic Life Principles
Box One
Oak Brook, IL 60522-3001
=====================================================================
Appendum by the Seed Sowers
---------------------------
The following is a list highlighting the testimonies of the spiritual
damage that occurred in those Christians who were involved with "Christian
rock". The demonic, satanic fruit is clearly visible and it can be stated
that Satan has made it into the Churches of our land. The devil's goal is to
attack, weaken, and destroy any who bear the name Christian. If you are into
any form of rock and roll then right now....the door of Satan is open in your
life.
FRUIT of "Christian rock 'n roll" and highlights of those who have been hurt
by Satan's music:
----------------------------------
- loss of conviction from God
- addiction to music with increasing desire for more and more...heavier and
heavier - due to the addiction very difficult to quit
- bridge to the world and gateway to secular rock
- loss of the ability to concentrate (including Bible studies)
- leads to compromises
- path to immorality, moral convictions slowly dissolve
- rebellious attitude toward parents and authority
- hinders Spiritual growth
- alienation from parents
- blends in with the world...hypocritical music
- increases sensual, lustful desires
- deafen's the conscience
- hinders reading, memorizing, or understanding God's Word.
- ruined Christian witness
- stumbling block for other Christians
- ruins kids
- hardens heart
- spiritual bondage
- divides Christians
- sensual awakening and lessening of inhibitions
- loss of desire to pray, read the Bible, worship God, or get to know the Lord
- 'Christian rock' is no different from regular rock
- brings tension, lack of inner peace, and depression
If you are a pastor then you have a responsibility before God to get this
demonic garbage out of your assembly. If you are a Christian child of God
then God would call you to put away this filth and to walk with Him in these
days before the return of Christ.
It's your choice....what will you do now? Are you a sheep or a goat?
Alan Yusko
The Seed Sowers BBS (416) 498-5259/5962
P.O. Box 2513, Station F
Scarborough, Ont M1W 3P2
