Secular Music and Concerts: What the Bible Really Says

"You listen to that music? You know that's worldly, right?" "Real Christians only listen to Christian music." "If you go to that concert, you're showing you love the world."

If you grew up in certain churches, you've probably heard these reproaches. Secular music and concerts are presented as spiritual traps that will automatically distance you from God.

But is this really what the Bible teaches? The answer is more nuanced than "everything's permitted" or "everything's forbidden."

What the Bible doesn't say

Let's start by being clear: the Bible doesn't mention "Christian" versus "worldly" music. It doesn't say "You shall only listen to songs that mention Jesus." It doesn't condemn concerts, instruments, or musical styles.

David played the harp for Saul. The Psalms command using trumpets, cymbals, stringed instruments to praise God. Paul quotes pagan poets in his sermons. Music itself isn't the problem.

The legalism that says "only Christian music is acceptable" has no biblical foundation. It's a human tradition added to Scripture.

What the Bible says about culture

The Bible givesprinciplesfor navigating culture, not detailed lists of what's permitted or forbidden.

1 Corinthians 10:31- "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

This verse applies to everything: food, drink,and music. The question isn't "is this Christian or worldly?" The question is "can I do this for God's glory?"

Philippians 4:8- "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things."

Paul doesn't say "only think about Jesus 24/7." He says: filter what you consume according to these criteria. Is it true? Noble? Pure? Lovely?

Questions to ask before listening

Instead of a rigid rule "Christian = good, secular = bad," ask yourself these questions:

1. What's the message of the lyrics?

Do the lyrics glorify sin? Do they encourage violence, sexual promiscuity, rebellion against God, drugs, extreme materialism?

If a song explicitly celebrates what God clearly condemns, you can't listen to it "for God's glory." Period.

Example:A song that graphically describes adultery as desirable and consequence-free isn't compatible with Philippians 4:8.

But careful:Describing sin isn't the same as glorifying sin. The Psalms describe violence. The prophets describe injustice. Jesus spoke of sin. A song can address dark subjects without promoting them.

2. How does this music affect me spiritually?

Does certain music draw you closer to your old life of sin? If you struggled with alcoholism and a song makes you want to drink, don't listen to it.

If music constantly awakens sexual temptations, avoid it. "Flee sexual immorality" (1 Corinthians 6:18) also applies to what you listen to.

Romans 14:23- "Whatever is not from faith is sin."

If you can't listen to this music with a clear conscience before God, then foryou, it's sin. Even if objectively the music isn't bad.

3. Is it dominating my life?

Do you spend more time listening to secular music than being in the Word? Do you know all the lyrics of your favorite rappers but can't quote three verses?

Nothing created should become an idol. "Little children, keep yourselves from idols" (1 John 5:21). Music can become an idol if it replaces God in your heart and time.

4. How does it affect my witness?

1 Corinthians 10:23- "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify."

Maybe you can listen to certain music without it affecting your faith. But if it causes a weaker brother or sister to stumble, or destroys your witness to non-believers, is it wise?

Romans 14:21- "It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles."

Paul speaks of food, but the principle applies to everything. Your freedom isn't worth another's spiritual destruction.

Secular music can contain truth

All truth is God's truth. Even when it comes from non-believers.

A secular love song can beautifully describe faithfulness, sacrifice, commitment. These values are biblical even if the singer isn't Christian.

A song about social injustice can reflect God's heart for the oppressed, even if the artist doesn't know Him.

Acts 17:28- Paul quotes pagan poets: "For in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said."

Paul recognized truth even among pagans. We can appreciate beauty, truth, and artistic excellence even in secular music.

Concerts: a matter of wisdom

Going to a secular concert isn't automatically sin. But ask yourself these questions:

What's the environment?If the concert is filled with drugs, excessive drunkenness, explicit sexual behaviors, and your presence supports this environment, is it wise?

Who's going with you?A fragile new convert may not need to be in an environment that glorifies their old life.

What's your motive?Are you going to appreciate musical art, or to dive back into a lifestyle God called you to leave?

What would people think seeing you there?Will your presence confuse young Christians or give the impression you approve of everything happening?

What's clearly forbidden

Even with all this nuance, some things are non-negotiable:

Music that explicitly glorifies satanism.If a song literally calls to worship Satan, reject God, or promote deliberate evil, it's obvious. Don't touch it.

Music that makes you relapse.If you know certain music brings you back to your old sins, it's specifically forbidden for you. "Flee" means flee.

Music that replaces your relationship with God.If your Spotify playlist has replaced your prayer and Bible reading time, you have an idolatry problem.

Christian music isn't always better

Let's be honest: much "Christian" music is mediocre musically and theologically.

Lyrics that repeat "Jesus" fifty times without biblical content aren't automatically better than a well-written secular song about faithful love.

A "Christian" concert where people idolize the singer instead of worshiping God isn't spiritually superior to a secular concert.

The "Christian" label doesn't automatically sanctify something. And the absence of this label doesn't automatically profane something.

The real question: your heart

Ultimately, the question isn't "Christian or secular?" The question is:where is your heart?

You can listen exclusively to Christian music with a cold, religious heart. You can listen to secular classical music with a heart that worships God for the gift of musical beauty.

1 Samuel 16:7- "The LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

God doesn't keep a list of your Spotify songs to judge you. He looks at why you listen to what you listen to and how it affects your relationship with Him.

Some practical guidelines

Since the Bible gives principles not rigid rules, here are practical guidelines:

Balance your musical consumption.If 100% of your music is secular, you're missing the richness of Christian worship and teaching music. If 100% is Christian, you may be unnecessarily cutting yourself off from culture.

Be honest about what you listen to.Don't pretend an explicitly impure song is "just for the beat." If the lyrics are problematic, admit it and stop.

Pray before listening.This seems weird, but asking God to help you discern what's good for you will keep you in wisdom.

Read the lyrics.You may not understand everything being said, especially with certain musical styles. Read lyrics before filling your mind with them.

Respect those with different convictions.Someone stricter than you isn't automatically legalistic. Someone freer than you isn't automatically worldly.

For parents: teach discernment

If you have children or teenagers, don't just say "you can only listen to Christian music." That doesn't work long-term and creates rebels or Pharisees.

Teach discernment:Listen to music with them. Discuss lyrics. Ask questions: "What does this song say about love? Is it compatible with what God says?" "How do you feel after listening to that?"

Explain the why:Not just "it's forbidden." But "here's why certain music isn't good for us."

Give good alternatives:Excellent Christian music exists musically and theologically. Help them discover it.

Establish appropriate boundaries:A 10-year-old doesn't need to listen to explicit rap. A mature teenager may be able to handle more nuance. Adapt according to spiritual maturity.

In summary: freedom with wisdom

Can a Christian listen to worldly music?Yes, with discernment.

Can they go to secular concerts?Yes, with wisdom.

Should they listen toallsecular music?No, absolutely not.

The key is Philippians 4:8: filter everything according to what's true, noble, just, pure, lovely, virtuous. And 1 Corinthians 10:31: do everything for God's glory.

You have Christian freedom. Use it with wisdom, not as license for sin. "You have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh" (Galatians 5:13).

Let your music be a means of connecting to the beauty of God's creation, not a replacement for your connection with the Creator.

Foundational Bible verses