Many times people have had this question in mind, especially Christians: Does secular music in any way disrupt your spirituality? Well, I don’t believe there is one way to go about answering this question; regardless, I will make my best attempt to paint the picture I see in your mind.
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One should consider that they are two kinds of secular music. We have the vulgar songs, which are usually really loud and contain prole languages, and more decent songs. Keeping vulgar songs aside, let’s consider other non-religious decent songs like Song about love, a life journey, and so on.
Firstly, one would say it doesn’t, because music, as a very unique form of art, has many purposes; in the eyes of a lame man, music is just a combination of sounds that is pleasant to the ears. For some, music is healing, a sound that inspires, but for others, music expands and broadens their knowledge.
What I’m trying to say is that In sense is that secular music does not necessarily disrupt one’s spirituality of fellowship with God. It all depends on what you are using it for. Take, for example, a vocalist like myself, for me, music is not just another form of entertainment or healing but training. Scoring songs broadens our knowledge on music and in turn shapes our vocal. In such a case, it all depends on what kind of music you are listening to.
Also, for song writers , listening to other people's music can also be a form of learning the best approach to take while writing a song. Also, one can argue that what you give attention to gives you direction. As a Christian, i strongly believes that listening to gospel music builds up my faith and throws me into that deeper atmosphere of worship where I would be able to better connect with God. That is an experience secular songs do not give me.
Source: Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-white-sweater-and-blue-denim-jeans-praying-on-bed-5199758/
It grows my vocal no doubt, but does it profit my relationship with God in any way? Not really. When it comes to the acceptance of vulgar music, I personally believe it is really creating a rift and totally cutting you off from or disrupting your spiritual life because, to hear from God one should create a listening atmosphere and secular songs doesn’t.
Consider this very common example;
Have you ever listened to heartbreak songs and cried? This is because deep down the song has connected to you and makes you feel what the artist feels, so even though you have never been heartbroken before, continuous exposure to such a song will leave you feeling the pain of heartbreak. It is also statistically proven that most people who listen to a particular kind of song end up molding to that pattern. For example, if you always listen to depressing songs, you yourself will start becoming depressed. Also, listening to romantic songs will in turn make you desire or feel love. Listening to a technical song will stretch your vocals. And also listening to gospel music will further connect you to God; it basically helps you connect.
To sum it all up, as a Christian, it is advisable to abstain from vulgar music; however, I also believe there’s no one way to go about this topic, as there are always two sides to a coin, but I would advise, if you want to listen to secular songs, to try to strike a balance and give more attention to what you want to give you direction. But if there is a conviction in your heart to totally cut off from such song, do so. Thank you for going through my post.