Should we throw away secular music and movies once we get saved?

[Michelle Reed]

Did you throw away your music when you got saved? Or throw away movies and stopped going out to certain places? What about as you got closer to God in your Christ walk - did you stay away from certain places?

I have changed a lot of the music I listen to and I still miss it at times! Sometimes I just want the nostalgia and sometimes a secular song can express those things of the flesh that want to be expressed!

This is why I am so happy that gospel is on hip-hop, dancehall reggae and heavy metal, rock! I can still hear my music but with a spiritual flavor.

I do listen to a lot of sensual soul and rnb because I'm married and it sets the mood for romance. I know others who believe we shouldn't because it's unrighteous.

I have to admit when it comes to movies I watch everything that's out - Action, Chick Flicks, Comedies. But I know a lot of folks say we shouldn't be in the movie theater watching certain flicks.

I want to know what you think! Which side of the line do you stand on or is there a balance? I know you're going to come up with a great discussion, as you always do!

God bless,

Michelle

[Kamal Imani]

Check out my movie yall. It has positive messages but it is reality based with adult language. In other words, we're keeping it real, but putting the inspiration in there!

One love

Kamal Imani
http://www.upintheatticmovie.com

[Michelle Reed]

What's the main message?!! Congrats!

[Michelle Reed]

LOL@ JAMIEE! Better to marry than to burn and this is the true beauty of relationship with a spouse! I pray you and your husband are blessed in every realm and that you are blessed spiritually, emotionally, mentally, physically, physically, (lol), with your will being aligned with HIS Will! Praise God!!!

NOW - I strongly relate to you when it comes to artistry. Sometimes I feel that we hide from real life and so do not want to see swearing, sex, people on drugs, violence etc. But this is life and it is happening. In my writing I want to write honestly and I believe there is a certain healing in sharing the truth because it shines a light in dark areas of the reader's life.

Thank you for bringing this out so clearly in this fascinating post! This is making me think! What a thing. Check it out - the bible showed the truth of life - King David having affairs and getting his mistress pregnant. Then killing off the woman's husband who was serving him (King David) in battle. We see a woman at a well who has had many husbands but Jesus loved her and she loved Jesus.

It is not hidden in the bible because the bible is the best art in the WORLD.

Sis Kenya, thanks for bringing this perspective into the discussion! You have actually answered a prayer because I was worry about what fellow believers would think about my book project being so raw about people beating their kids with hammers, people sexually abusing children, people dealing with addiction and how God managed to heal them. I was worried that it was getting all too real. And now I know why this was on my mind. I had to get this. Thank you, thank you, thank you SISTAH KENYA!

God bless,

Michelle

[SistahKenya]

Almost a year later and I can add to this now. Over the pass several months I have watched movies such as the triology of the Matrix, The Da Vinci Code, Transformers I and II, and a few others. Now I realize that there is spritual conotaions within all these movies based upon where I am in my spiritual walk. I will see things differently because of this. It's like having the scales removed so you can see clearly.

I still believe it is important to monitor what you feed your spirit.... I am also glad that in 33 days I will be married to the man of my dreams and we can Jaimee Foxx's unpredictable while we are on our honmeymoon...although Maxwell might be better.

Peace and Blessings

[AJ 'AJ ROK' WOODSON]

I agree and I like where you wrote;
Now I realize that there is spritual conotaions within all these movies based upon where I am in my spiritual walk. I will see things differently because of this. It's like having the scales removed so you can see clearly.

that is so true!

[DJ Guardian]

hmmm... I think many people have already said much of my view. I think it depends on the person from a natural perspective. Of course, if we were objective then we would abstain from all of it but what we had to deal with, like in work, in review, in comparison, etc.

But realistically I find myself like many others kinda playing a bit in the world. I too have a decent R&B/Soul collection saved and shelved in hopes of a future where I could pull them down for some romance (when God so provides such an opportunity). But I have another issue. Because of my business I get a lot of music to review and give feedback. Lot's of it isn't Godly, but I still have to give an honest and fair response. Also, I do work with youth and in the communities and such.

The one thing I will point out is that when Paul spoke to the Romans, he spoke to them in ways they understood and used their own philosophies against them. To do that he had to know them to begin with and know their culture. For those who struggle, just make sure to be in scripture, prayer often and have a good base of accountability. This will keep you in check if the world and our sinful nature pulls at us.

But that doesn't mean to partake of the world just blatently. Be careful and strive for righteousness. If we are truly studying scripture and surrounding ourselves with good believers, then we will be convicted of our errors so as to know where and how to change. Basically, be as holy as you can be holy. If you fall short, then put more effort in and turn to God more. None of us are perfect, but we should strive for it.


And yes, thank God for the HHH and other forms of Christian music.

[AJ 'AJ ROK' WOODSON]

Amen about the HHH and other forms of Christian music and i have to say I can relate I write for alot of urban publication and also get alot of secular music to review, I also often do publicity or promotions and when I egt paid it is my job to work the records to the best of my ability, but I will agree about staying in the scripture thank u for sharing my brother
thank u all who have taken a minute to respond and share their point of view or persepctive, good stuff keep em coming!
-AJ

[Michelle Reed]

What's HHH? Someone let me know the lingo! =) I love what you say about being around believers and that God will convict us as we learn His word! You are so on point talking about the way Paul reached out to all people by meeting them where they were. Thank you DJ Guardian! I pray God's will be done in your life and future wife's life. AMEN

God bless,

Michelle

[AJ 'AJ ROK' WOODSON]

HOLY HIP HOP

[AJ 'AJ ROK' WOODSON]

well put
thank u Veronica for sharing!

[Michelle Reed]

Hi Veronica,

You remind us that life is serious! Reminds me of the scripture: "So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." Rev 3:16 - serious things. This is a timely warning and admonition!

Lil Wayne in Church! LOL No ma'am (unless he makes a conscious tune - not sure if he has one though) ! Good point! I sometimes think and wonder if my behavior is in line to what my church family sees of me as, and it's good to remind ourselves to be consistent in our standard and heart.

God bless, and looking forward to hearing more of your voice!

Michelle

[Malachi]

Honestly I feel we should not watch the garbage movies and T.V shows out there. Its food that is not good for the spirit. But the problem is that Christian entertainment isn't very good. The movies suck, the books are OK , and we really have no shows on T.V.
When first got into christian hip hop 12 years ago I really didn't like it. but now its hot and i really don't listen to secular music like I used to. As for christian entertainment as a whole we need to step our game up.

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