Pastor Jan Paulsen, President of the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church, replies to questions asked by youth and young adults regarding relevant issues to young people in the church today. For more information, questions and answers go to: http://letstalk.adventist.org/q_a/index.html
----------------------------------------------------------
In the church manual it says that any music pertaining to rock, jazz or any hybrid forms should be shunned. Are there any Bible texts or biblical principles, or principles from the writings of Ellen White, to help us understand this issue of music?
Music in the Bible is used to: soothe Saul (1 Samuel 16:16); aid ministry within the sanctuary (1 Chronicles 6:31, 32); give choral praise (12 Chronicles 7:6); reflect a mood of sadness (Job 30:31); celebrate God’s mighty acts (Psalm 21:13); be a part of praise (Psalm 27:6); entertain (Psalm 45:8); set a mood for funerals (Matthew 9:23); rejoice (Luke 15:25); and to aid church worship (Ephesians 5:19). And there is at least one love song (Psalm 45). However, there is a warning that music can be used without any reference to God (Isaiah 5:12), and may even be used to promote anti-God behavior like when it is used as a signal to bow down to an idol (Daniel 3:7).
From the Bible, then, there are a range of uses and purposes for music. For music in church worship, the message is that “everything that is done must be useful to all and build them up in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 14:26, NLT). This shows that music needs to be carefully chosen to uplift the worshippers. And because music, in its instrumental form and lyrics, has power to influence our thinking, we should choose music in our lives that helps us think about things that are “true and honorable and right”; “pure and lovely and admirable” and “excellent and worthy of praise” (Philippians 4:8, NLT).
Ellen White said music is of heavenly origin and has great power (5 Manuscript Releases, page 197). Its purpose is “to serve a holy purpose, to lift the thoughts to that which is pure, noble, and elevating, and to awaken in the soul devotion and gratitude to God” (Patriarchs and Prophets, page 594).
These principles apply to any genre of music. Take some time to look at these passages, talk to your pastor or youth leader, and think again about whether the music you're listening to is bringing you closer to God, or taking you further away.
Is it right to use drums and electrical guitars in the song service for church?
Music in worship has proven to be such a divisive issue that my opinion alone may not be helpful for your situation. An important question to be asked is: Are these instruments helpful in the worship experience of the church, in drawing those attending closer to God as they sing? Other questions include: Are the musicians capable? Do they understand that they are not there to perform in such a way as to draw attention to themselves, but to enhance worship? Are the instruments being used to make some kind of statement about the church and to some church members, or as a genuine attempt to worship?
What can be said about any instrument is that it is not the type of instruments used, but how they are used. In some congregations in West Africa, for instance, a traditional hand drum may be the only accompaniment the singers have as they praise God. Or in Indonesia, the traditional bamboo percussion instrument--the Angklung--may be the instruments used for worship.
Yes, there is some music that is just not appropriate in church, or in the Christian community. I have to be straightforward with you. On the other hand, sometimes it is simply a matter of different tastes in music, or different cultural norms. And in this situation it's important that even while we disagree about the best type of music, we still know that we love and accept each other.
What does the church believe about going to the movies?
The Adventist Church discourages picture theatre attendance. However, there is a bigger issue at stake. Technology that has given us television, video and DVDs means that you can "go to the movies" at home. The question that is even more important than the "where" is the "what"--what is being watched?
There are three things to consider about the choice of film viewing: First, the Christian’s focus is to be on things that are “true and honorable and right”; “pure and lovely and admirable”; and “excellent and worthy of praise” (Philippians 4:8, NLT). Does what you watch do that for you?
Second, God does not want us to copy the “behavior and customs of this world,” but to have our minds transformed to thinking His ways (Romans 12:2, NLT). So many movies push an anti-Christian morality and philosophy.
Third, we do have a responsibility to others with what we do or view, for we may influence them in a negative way and even lead them away from God, says Paul (1 Corinthians 10:31-33).
That’s three biblically-based reasons why your choice of viewing material is so important.
Is it wrong to listen to rap music?
It's not just religious groups that have become concerned about the violent, angry messages contained in some of today's rap music--there is increasing academic and even government interest in the relationship between violent lyrics and violent behavior. Some rap musicians give an angry, hate-your-mother, kill-all-cops kind of message. That is so obviously against the Christian ethic that it would be impossible to defend listening and supporting it.
However, not all rap music gives that message and there are Christian artists who perform rap. Here are a few questions to ask yourself about rap, or any form of music: What is the intention of the artist and lyricist? They will both have an impact. What kind of emotions are built up through the music? Music easily taps into the emotions; is what you are feeling as you listen to rap uplifting? What is the message you receive through both the words and the music? Would you share them with your parents, your pastor, Jesus? Does it help you to focus on things that are “true and honorable and right”; “pure and lovely and admirable”; and “excellent and worthy of praise” (Philippians 4:8, NLT)?
I don’t intend to give a direct yes-or-no answer to your question. But I believe there are some principles in the questions I’ve asked that should help you think about your music choices.
Why do Adventists not allow dancing?
You could also ask: Particularly when there’s so much of it in the Bible? That’s a good addition to the question. Of the some 27 times it is mentioned in the Bible it is almost always in a positive context. It is used in worship (Psalm 150:3, 4) and as an expression of joy among the people (Jeremiah 31:4). David danced before God and that was accepted (2 Samuel 6:14) and Miriam led the women of Israel on a victory dance after the defeat of the Egyptians (Exodus 15:20).
To us these dances would have appeared much like folk dances--not the kind of dance which is done in a night club. In the Adventist book Shall We Dance? Bill Knott lays down several principles from the Bible about dance. Among them are: Dance should praise no other god, but God (Exodus 32:19); dance should not promote inappropriate sexual arousal (1 Corinthians 10:7, 8); and appropriate dance is dance in which God is invited as a witness and participant (Romans 14:23). Modern dance tends to break these principles.
Is it okay to play video games?
It depends. Some are quite innocent. Some are not. A recent report told of United States army forces using a particular computer game as part of their training to kill their enemy on the battlefield. That type of game goes against the basic Christian principle of love your neighbor. Yes, it is only a game, but it is still devaluing human life.
The point is that, as with all games there are good games and bad games. The danger even with good games is when they become an overwhelming passion. You should be aware that this sometimes happens with video games. Some people forget they have some living to do away from the screen.
Here are some questions that may help you decide. Does the game you plan to play uphold the Christian principles and philosophy you want to follow? Is the amount of time you’re spending playing games reasonable and allowing you to still fulfill your other commitments?
In today's society, there seems to be a gray area around what is right and wrong. What are some guidelines you can ask yourself to determine if an activity is right or not?
One of the problems of today is that so many people have decided there is no need for guidelines, so they make them up as they go. But the Christian can trust in God’s Word for guidelines--or principles--for living.
The most obvious guidelines are, of course, the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:2-17). They deal with our relationship with God and our relationship with others. How they are written even demonstrates a priority of life--God first, family next, then others, and then things.
Jesus said that the greatest command was to love God with all your being, and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-40). This sums up the Ten Commandments, and introduces the principle that we should always consider: whether what we are doing demonstrates love for God and for those about us.
One more thing, we also have a responsibility not to offend others in a way that will draw them away from God (1 Corinthians 10:31-33), which may mean doing what is best for them rather than what we want to do.
In many situations there are no specific guidelines, but these biblical principles are a reference point for the Christian and something to build a wholesome life on.
|
Printer-friendly page
Send this page to a friend
