The Truth About Hip Hop

[Foreigner]

For example, I still listen to some secular music. Nickelback's "Rockstar", I listened to this morning. It speaks of being a rockstar, owning jets, women, drugs, etc- living the rockstar lifestyle.
As a Christian, I know the message is wrong.
However, Nickelback, their message aside, is talented- and the musical qualities of that piece I happen to like.
Just because I listen to it- doesn't mean I live it.

But my point was this- even though I like that song for the MUSIC, I do know the lyrics.

And I suppose, songs like this glorify self... Does it make me want a jet? I already would love to have a jet without the song ;) (to fly missionaries around the world, of course, lol)
But more than that I think the question should be... Does it make me want women, drugs, the rock and roll lifestyle? No. I don't see how as a Christian I could desire a lifestyle like that.

So I think for people that know what they believe, is even the act of LISTENING to this stuff, pulling you to the Devil? I don't think so. Christians aren't meek little sheep, they were given a mind, a strong spirit, and a Bible to know what God's will is for us.

-- Feel free to do what you wish Tex...but I would differ with your opinion.



"I will set before my eyes no vile thing. The deeds of faithless men I hate; they will not cling to me. Men of perverse heart shall be far from me; I will have nothing to do with evil." - Psalm 103: 3-4


This states that the person will look upon no evil. But according to your standard, why would it be bad to look upon that evil if Christians are strong and it won't hurt them?


After all, hearing and singing about the glorification of premarital sex with multiple women is certainly different from seeing actual images of it........right?


Does the "no vile thing" also cover reading about those sinful actions in detail in a book or magazine. It would appear so. Is a 'vile' story any less vile than a vile image?


This scripture, in my opinion, talks about input. They eyes are the mirror to the soul. What is seen enters the body.l


That means this scripture could also apply to the music that we listen to. What we listen to is being input into out bodies, the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.


Yes, we may be "big" "strong" Christians, but the issue here - in my opinion - is the Holy Spirit.


The Holy Spirit dwells within us and is extremely sensitive.


I am of the opinion that the Holy Spirit does not want to watch TV shows, movies, or Internet images that that God would consider unfit / unclean / unwanted / unhealthy.


The same - again in my opinion - would be what enters the body via our ears. Drugs, sex, misogyny, violence, gluttonous indulgence, self-promotion, etc. is not what the Holy Spirit within us wants to be inundated with, even in song.


If the Holy Spirit is regularly exposed to this He will either pull back or remain silent altogether.


If a Christian is not hearing from the Holy Spirit for guidance, direction, correction, etc. then he or she is not fully living as God wants him or her to.


How can that assumption be made? Simple. If there is something repeatedly coming between you and the Holy Spirit and it is allowed to remain there, there is no way it could not negatively impact our walk with God.


But again, this is my opinion, based on what I myself experienced. I can honestly say that my ability to hear the still small voice of the Holy Spirit increased greatly when I removed the blocking effect of secular music with non-Christian themes.


But you have to do what you feel is right.


Please note that I did not say that a Christian who listens to secular music with themes God doesn't smile upon is a "bad" Christian.


But I am saying that a Christian is not going to be able to fulfill entirely what God wants of them as long as he puts sinful things in his body, be it via his eyes or his ears.

 

[TexUs]

You can listen but not hear.


Just because one can listen doesn't mean they take it in ;)
I actually think what you quoted says this.
The ESV renders it accurately (look at the Greek terms used, the KJV as usual does a terrible job):


I will not set before my eyes
anything that is worthless.
I hate the work of those who fall away;
it shall not cling to me.
A perverse heart shall be far from me;
I will know nothing of evil.


Note that middle statement, it shall not "cling" to me, literal Greek is impinge, cling, adhere.


If you take this literally outside of that context, how do we know nothing of evil when we live in a world run by it? I think you'll find nowhere in the Bible are we able to not look upon it. In fact, having a knowledge about secular society is an effective ministering tool in order to relate to them.
Instead, we are not to be RULED by, or in this Psalm, we are not to let it cling to us.

Your quote was the NIV, not the KJV as I stated, still a terrible translation but you get my point

 

[Foreigner]

My scripture actually came from Psalm 101. Serves me right for going from memory.

"I will set no worthless thing before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not fasten its grip on me." - Psalm 101:3

-- Simple observation. Why would he "have no worthless thing" before his eyes if there was no danger it would "fasten its grip" on him.



"having a knowledge about secular society is an effective ministering tool in order to relate to them." - Texus

-- So, listening to graphic music that brags about sex outside of marraige with multiple partners, money, drugs, misogyny, materialism, etc......is actually a ministering tool?

.........uh huh,

My observation about what we take into our bodies, both via our eyes and our ears and how it can impact the incredibly sensitive Holy Spirit within us is correct.




"Instead, we are not to be RULED by, or in this Psalm, we are not to let it cling to us." - Texus

-- But just to be sure, you think that the Holy Spirit inside you would have no problem being forced to be exposed to graphic songs about sex outside of marraige with multiple partners, money, drugs, misogyny, materialism, etc.......as long as we make sure it doesn't cling to us?

Okee Dokee




You know that whole "not clinging to us" thing didn't work so well for David as far as seeing Bathsheba in the tub, right?


I can't speak for you but I know for a fact that David has a much more intimate relationship with God than I do right now. And I bet that is the case for many Christians.


The reason that many Christians are not influenced by the "secular society" you mention is not because they are immune because they are Christians.


It is because they obey God and to the best of their ability seperate themselves from it. Turn away or unplug from the vile and compromising materials, on TV, at the movies, and in music.


Tell me honestly Texus, if you were listening to one of those songs on your iPod while on a park bench and God plopped down next to you and said, "Whatcha listenin' to?" would you really take one of your earphones out, hand it to Him and say "Give a listen" if it was talking about the above-listed subjects?


Do you really think He would say, "Yeah, that's filthy. Just make sure you're not ruled by it" and walk away?


I am surprised that you do not understand the fact that music like that can grieve the Holy Spirit inside you when He is forced to listen to it.


But again, you're call.

 

[TexUs]

My scripture actually came from Psalm 101. Serves me right for going from memory.

"I will set no worthless thing before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not fasten its grip on me." - Psalm 101:3

-- Simple observation. Why would he "have no worthless thing" before his eyes if there was no danger it would "fasten its grip" on him.

Yes, I knew it was 101 ;)

I see three ideas in this passage.
He will set no worthless thing.
He hates the work of those who fall away (Which means what? He SEES the work)
It shall not fasten a grip on me.

Let's take the second and third ideas together. He seeks a work, right? The third idea tells us it's a work that has the potential to take a grip of you, but it doesn't. So this must be a bad thing he's seeing: something that's capable of getting a grip on you.
He says he will not set THAT before his eyes... We will not set that which has the ability to take its grip on us.

For some people, alcohol will always lead to drunkenness. So putting yourself in a situation where it will be easily partaken and knowingly lead to drunkenness, will be setting your eyes on something you know can take a hold of you.
For others, alcohol is simply another drink, done in moderation, and they have no issue with it. It's not a struggle for them. It can't take a grip of them. For them, it'd differ.

That, I believe, is what's addressed. Don't put that which has the ability to take a hold of you.

"having a knowledge about secular society is an effective ministering tool in order to relate to them

." - Texus

-- So, listening to graphic music that brags about sex outside of marraige with multiple partners, money, drugs, misogyny, materialism, etc......is actually a ministering tool?

.........uh huh,

How do you suppose you offer to help people involved with such things if you don't have a knowledge of what's involved in it? How do you suppose you help them fight that, relate to them- if you don't have a knowledge of what drugs do and what their situation is like? I don't mean you've had to have done drugs, I mean you should at least make an effort to understand their struggles. Do you go into a job interview not knowing squat about the company, let's say? Or do you do your research? And a job interview isn't even an eternal matter.

How do you suppose someone infatuated with everything you list, how do you suppose you'd be able to relate to them if you don't have an understanding of how they think? I suggest you listen to the song (it's not "graphic" as you say- you've obviously not listened to it). It actually gives a pretty good but sad insight into the way we idolize people. It gives a good example of what people idolize and hold of value.

Even the Bible puts examples of sin before our eyes. It gives us an example and then the answer to that example.

"Instead, we are not to be RULED by, or in this Psalm, we are not to let it cling to us." - Texus

-- But just to be sure, you think that the Holy Spirit inside you would have no problem being forced to be exposed to graphic songs about sex outside of marraige with multiple partners, money, drugs, misogyny, materialism, etc.......as long as we make sure it doesn't cling to us?

Okee Dokee

Am I taking the message in? No. I like the music.

Suppose (this has happened before) I come across a band of young people playing this music when I enter the room. Should I tell them immediately to shut it off? I wonder how effectively that'd be at opening up doors??? Or can I relate to the music in it, and start relating to the kids, "have you heard..."???

Suppose there's a bunch of marijuana smokers. I'd refuse and tell them it wasn't my thing, however do you turn your back on them, call the cops? Or do you try to relate to them, understand why they have a need to get high: and meet them at their circumstances to help them?

We're in the world, not of the world.

If you're wanting to close your eyes and flee from all sight of sin then I don't know how you're ever planning on doing ministry. We're to minister to people that sin. So again here crops up my earlier point: it's your motive behind that which is "worthless".


You don't know who I am, or what all I do exactly, but let me just say this... Do you know we've taken musical ideas (such as guitar rifts, drums) from secular artists and created new Worship songs, recorded, and were good in selling it? Some of which you've possibly heard? This music glorifies God.
Nothing, including music, is bad, it's the use of it that's bad.
Am I using and listening to the music for ill-intended purposes? No. I just like music.

You know that whole "not clinging to us" thing didn't work so well for David as far as seeing Bathsheba in the tub, right?

Ahhh, so even he had struggles with what he preached, didn't he? ;)

The reason that many Christians are not influenced by the "secular society" you mention is not because they are immune because they are Christians.

It is because they obey God and to the best of their ability seperate themselves from it.

I disagree. The Apostles got down and dirty with sinners to share the love of Christ.
While the Apostles certainly didn't partake in the sexual activities of those they ministered, they certainly understood the crowd they were ministering to. They knew what homosexuality was. They wrote about it.

Tell me honestly Texus, if you were listening to one of those songs on your iPod while on a park bench and God plopped down next to you and said, "Whatcha listenin' to?" would you really take one of your earphones out, hand it to Him and say "Give a listen" if it was talking about the above-listed subjects?

In all honesty? Yes.

Do you really think He would say, "Yeah, that's filthy. Just make sure you're not ruled by it" and walk away?

Even if I was listening to Chris Tomlin I have a feeling his comment to me would probably be to put the iPod down and do something more useful than listen to music.


95% of what I listen to, I've already stated, is worship music. But there are secular artists who create good music (not lyrics) worth listening to.
There's some stuff I just don't like, usually it's the explicit stuff.

Regardless, I look forward to your response and you have me thinking about the topic.

 

[Templar81]

I'll tell you the truth about Hiphop!

It's a load of crap

Heavy metal's alright though as long as you can jsut listen to the music and not take it any further. I've listenned to Ozyy, Motorhead and Dio for years and it hasn't affected me because I only listen to the music. You see with hiphop, the message about taking drugs, screwing hoes and popping caps in brother's asses is a bit more obvious than the cyptic lyrics of must heavy metal.

I know this ins't particularly heavy but look at the lyrics of "Stairway to heaven" or "Hotel California." If there's something sinsiter in them then I can't find it.

 

[Robbie]

I'll tell you my personal biased perception about Hiphop!

It's a load of crap

FIXED!!! hahaha

 

[Templar81]

Templar81, on 17 February 2011 - 10:50 PM, said:

I'll tell you my personal biased perception about Hiphop!

It's a load of crap

No need to misquote me like that.

 

[Foreigner]

Texus, I have read your entire response to me (and I encourage others to do so, as well).


You are convinced that the Holy Spirit inside you has no problem with you listening to songs about raunchy sex with multiple partners, drug use, committing of crimes, misogyny and dehumanizing of women and loving of one's self-above others. You seem to reject the idea that the Holy Spirit's reaction will be to pull away or become silent when exposed to this - well, let's call it what it is - filth.


There really is nothing I can possibly say to change your mind and since I am not your mother, all I can say is good luck to you. I wish you the best. Sincerely.


One of your justifications imply that you listen to it to help others or understand what they are dealing with falls apart when you realize that if you've heard it once then you already know what is being said and should have no further need to listen. If you listen because you like it and see no problem with it, that is your call. You are a grown-up and I am definitely in no position to judge.


I would challenge one assertion you made, though:

When I asked if Jesus sat next to you while you were listening to songs about raunchy sex with multiple partners, crime, misogyny and dehumanization of women, drug use, etc. you said that you would indeed have no problem with handing him one of the ear phones to listen with you.

I must say in all honesty that I don't believe that. But there are volumes that can be filled with the times I have been wrong... (I wish that were an exaggeration)



As far as other secular music that is instrumental, strictly about love or a perceived "neutral" subject, I must confess I have no problem with that music.

I just know it is a slippery slope for me - and me alone - when I listen to them so I avoid them.

My solution is obviously not a one-size-fits-all for everyone else.

 

[Fire-7]

Texus, I have read your entire response to me (and I encourage others to do so, as well).


You are convinced that the Holy Spirit inside you has no problem with you listening to songs about raunchy sex with multiple partners, drug use, committing of crimes, misogyny and dehumanizing of women and loving of one's self-above others. You seem to reject the idea that the Holy Spirit's reaction will be to pull away or become silent when exposed to this - well, let's call it what it is - filth.


There really is nothing I can possibly say to change your mind and since I am not your mother, all I can say is good luck to you. I wish you the best. Sincerely.


One of your justifications imply that you listen to it to help others or understand what they are dealing with falls apart when you realize that if you've heard it once then you already know what is being said and should have no further need to listen. If you listen because you like it and see no problem with it, that is your call. You are a grown-up and I am definitely in no position to judge.


I would challenge one assertion you made, though:

When I asked if Jesus sat next to you while you were listening to songs about raunchy sex with multiple partners, crime, misogyny and dehumanization of women, drug use, etc. you said that you would indeed have no problem with handing him one of the ear phones to listen with you.

I must say in all honesty that I don't believe that. But there are volumes that can be filled with the times I have been wrong... (I wish that were an exaggeration)



As far as other secular music that is instrumental, strictly about love or a perceived "neutral" subject, I must confess I have no problem with that music.

I just know it is a slippery slope for me - and me alone - when I listen to them so I avoid them.

My solution is obviously not a one-size-fits-all for everyone else.

Not to justify what TexUs does. I really have no grounded theology on it, so I can't really preach. But a lot of contemporary gospel artists do the exact same thing that he does. They might not say that they do, but it is evident when you listen to their music. Because their beats and rythm is so close--identical to the secualr style, simply common sense would tell you that they must have been studying the secular songs to be able to mimmick the style so closely. I.e, Mary Mary, Kirk Franklin, and others...

 

[TexUs]

You are convinced that the Holy Spirit inside you has no problem with you listening to songs about raunchy sex with multiple partners, drug use, committing of crimes, misogyny and dehumanizing of women and loving of one's self-above others. You seem to reject the idea that the Holy Spirit's reaction will be to pull away or become silent when exposed to this - well, let's call it what it is - filth.

The HS should be fully withdrawn in all Christians if "exposure to filth" causes that. Sorry but this entire world is fallen and you won't avoid exposure to it, will you?
So that must not be the case, hmmm?

There is nothing bad in and of itself. Period. This includes Music. It's how the person uses that music.
I use the music for just that: music. Not lyrics.
Now if I used it for the lyrics and meditated or even took heed to write them on my heart that'd be another story.

When I asked if Jesus sat next to you while you were listening to songs about raunchy sex with multiple partners, crime, misogyny and dehumanization of women, drug use, etc. you said that you would indeed have no problem with handing him one of the ear phones to listen with you.

I must say in all honesty that I don't believe that. But there are volumes that can be filled with the times I have been wrong... (I wish that were an exaggeration)

We can disagree. I really don't think he'd have a problem with it.
"Sweet melody!" Would be more of the response I'd expect. Then followed by a, "Now, stop wasting time listening to music and do something more productive".

If I'm convicted about anything it would be sitting around and just listening to music. Which by the way, I don't ever do... I only listen to it when I'm doing something else.

As far as other secular music that is instrumental, strictly about love or a perceived "neutral" subject, I must confess I have no problem with that music.

So you're bathed in hypocrisy, then.

Not to justify what TexUs does. I really have no grounded theology on it, so I can't really preach. But a lot of contemporary gospel artists do the exact same thing that he does. They might not say that they do, but it is evident when you listen to their music. Because their beats and rythm is so close--identical to the secualr style, simply common sense would tell you that they must have been studying the secular songs to be able to mimmick the style so closely. I.e, Mary Mary, Kirk Franklin, and others...

This comes to mind.

 

[Robbie]

This songs from the devil... haha

 

[Robbie]

It's as simple as this...

Out of the mouth the heart speaks...

You take a hip hop artist that has God in his heart and out of his heart God will rhyme...

You take a hip hop artist that has the enemy in his heart and out of his heart the enemy will rhyme...

It's so simple...

The fact that the most popular hip hop is the stuff that's negative is just proof of who the majority of people want to listen to... the enemy...

I personally am a DJ and when I play hip hop I only play positive conscious stuff... most of which is underground which is where you usually have to look to find the Lord... I mean how many times do you turn on the TV and hear the Lord? usually in order to find the Lord you have to really look for Him... because the main stream doesn't really seem to like Him to much if you know what I'm saying... and in my opinion by condemning all hip hop as being from satan you're basically baring false witness against a lot of people who love the Lord and are using it as a tool to spread the Word... I'd be careful...

Better to just say that hip hop that promotes godlessness is from the enemy and hip hop that promotes God is from the Lord... otherwise you're throwing out the wheat with the tares...

 

[aspen]

Hip hop is just another form of music. There is nothing new under the sun - Christians do not have to be completely original in order to avoid paganism / heathenism or whatever. Claiming that hip hop is somehow off limits because the world listens to it is like saying praying is off limits because nonbelievers engage in the practice.

 

[Foreigner]

"The HS should be fully withdrawn in all Christians if "exposure to filth" causes that. Sorry but this entire world is fallen and you won't avoid exposure to it, will you?
So that must not be the case, hmmm?" - Texus

-- So now you want to move from an amicable discussion to confrontation? Why?

I am surprised you can't grasp the difference between "being exposed to filth" and "actively participating in that filth." Or, in the case of purposefully listening to songs about graphic sex with multiple partners, drug use, misogyny, love of money, worship of self, actively allowing it into yourself, thus grieving the extremely sensitive Holy Spirit inside you, "welcoming that filth into you."

I had decided not to seek a conflict, let you do what you feel is right and I do what I feel is right...and this is your response?

Your understanding about the role and the sensitivity of the Holy Spirit inside you seems lacking, but if you are fine with it, okay.

Just don't try to sell it to me.

It amazes me that you could feel the Holy Spirit would not be put off by having to share your body with this garbage, but it's your life, not mine. Enjoy what you enjoy.

If that is what you want, do it. But what I feel, I feel. Leave me to that. Just think my position is stupid and leave me to it, okay?



"There is nothing bad in and of itself. Period. This includes Music. It's how the person uses that music.
I use the music for just that: music. Not lyrics." - Texus

-- Texus, I have already said there is nothing bad in music. Actually, just the opposite is true. It is a gift from God. I have just seen it perverted greatly over the last decades with the lyrics attached to it.

I also said I am not trying to talk you out of anything and we agree to disagree. Why do you continue with this?

If you truly think there is no impact on the Holy Spirit inside you by purposefully letting songs that glorify graphic sex outside of marraige with multiple partners, drug use, misogyny, love of money, worship of self, etc. into you then - as I said - more power to you.

But quit trying to sell me on the idea. I am not trying to change your mind so let it go.



"So you're bathed in hypocrisy, then." - Texus

-- Again, why say this? You seem primed for a fight.

Me saying: "As far as other secular music that is instrumental, strictly about love or a perceived "neutral" subject, I must confess I have no problem with that music." - but not condoning music that brags of out-of-wedlock sex with multiple partners, drug use, misogyny, love of money, worship of self, etc. is hardly hypocrisy.

Especially when my very next line is: "I just know it is a slippery slope for me - and me alone - when I listen to them so I avoid them.
My solution is obviously not a one-size-fits-all for everyone else."

If you can't see that you can either let it go or explain to me specifically where the hypocrisy is.

In either case, you seem bent on an argument with someone whose only crime is that they don't agree with you, but isn't trying to change your mind and wants to agree to disagree.

Relax. Switch to decaf. Enjoy your music with your clear conscience and let me do the same.





ASPEN - As for your last post about Hip Hop, I completely agree.

The music itself is NOT the issue. It is the message (lyrics) and motive attached to the music that is important.

There are a number of Christian Hip Hop artists who love Jesus and minister and worship via Hip Hop. Their hearts and their words edify God.

If all music is from God, (which I believe) why would Christian words attached to this type of music be less powerful or effective than words connected to a country diddy.

God is lifted via Christian music regardless of the genre: hip hop, rock, country, soul, classical...

 

[aspen]

ASPEN - As for your last post about Hip Hop, I completely agree.

The music itself is NOT the issue. It is the message (lyrics) and motive attached to the music that is important.

There are a number of Christian Hip Hop artists who love Jesus and minister and worship via Hip Hop. Their hearts and their words edify God.

If all music is from God, (which I believe) why would Christian words attached to this type of music be less powerful or effective than words connected to a country diddy.

God is lifted via Christian music regardless of the genre: hip hop, rock, country, soul, classical...

I agree.

I am glad that Christian artists are claiming this form of music for God and infusing it with a positive message. There is no doubt in my mind that secular forms of all kinds of music often contain a negative, anti-Christ message, which can be damaging to listen to

 

[TexUs]

It is the message (lyrics) and motive attached to the music that is important.

Can you practice what you preach?
My motive for listening to that is different than yours.

Apparently you're trying to apply your motive to me.

 

[HammerStone]

I have a childhood friend who raps Christian songs. I'm not a huge rap fan, but the songs are pretty powerful. I don't know how him selecting a particular beat or sound would be evil.

[bible=Colossians 3:23]
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
[/bible]

The church (as a whole - not as a rule) has fallen behind the times. We have these notions from society that certain things - IE: a genre of music - are bad. If you can turn something which might have questionable roots (and many of the early rap songs weren't that bad) into something for God, more power to you. Guys like my friend are reaching people for Christ who might otherwise not have heard the message. I don't know how people can seriously condemn that.

The fact of the matter is that music can be good or bad. When you get right down to it, Country often talks about divorce and cheating. Rock music often mentions drugs, sex, and other sin. I've grown up with these two types of music (liked Country as a child, not so much now) and I realized that one song can talk about a really bad subject. When you have this stuff constantly playing in your head it gets in your head in more ways than one.

As far as saying that any particular genre is better than another - my response is crap is crap. Garbage in, garbage out. The type of beat and meter accompanying the garbage don't matter.

 

[Foreigner]

Can you practice what you preach?
My motive for listening to that is different than yours.

Apparently you're trying to apply your motive to me.

-- LOL What exactly have I "preached" Texus? Or, more importantly, how exactly am I not practicing what I preach? Specifics would be a pleasant change.


This is the second time you have made an accusation. The first time was the accusation of 'hypocricy' which you still haven't backed up with any evidence whatsoever.


This is also the third time I have had to tell you that you should do what you believe. I haven't tried to talk out out of or into ANYTHING.


Sorry, but disagreeing with you does not mean I am trying to "apply my motive," as you say. Especially when I tell you that you should just do what you believe.


It isn't hard to understand your motive for listening: You like the music. So more power to you. Enjoy if that is what you like. I can't say it any plainer than that.


But my opinion isn't going to change just because you don't agree with it.


I believe there is absolutely no way that the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of a Christian cannot be impacted by that person listening to music that glorifies graphic sex outside of marraige with multiple partners, drug use, violence, misogyny, love of money, or worship of self.


It's a matter of purity. A Christian's body is the home of the Holy Spirit and He is extremely sensitive to what enters that body. I have no doubt He recoils and pulls back from having to listen to that type of garbage. Just as I am sure He is stirred positively by music that uplifts and glorifies Jesus.


Your opinion is different. So be it.

 

[WhiteKnuckle]

Rainbows are used as a symbol for homosexuals.

Wasn't the Rainbow a gift from God and a sign of His promise not to flood the earth again?

So, if we put a Rainbow sticker on our car,,,,,,,, Are we then claiming homosexuality?

So many great posts here! Fantastic replies!

Music is indeed a gift from God.

It's not the only thing that God gave us as a gift that humans or demons have distorted.

The talent to make music be it rap, or hip hop or reggae or metal or rockabilly or even doo wop is from God.

I never do get tired of hearing loud proclaimations of "It's the devils music!" LOL, Foosball is of the debil!

 

[HammerStone]

I do detect a reference to Water Boy (good movie). ;)

I look to Paul in Acts 17. Sure it doesn't happen a lot in the Bible, but at the end of the day if you're going to talk to people, you have to be on a level with them. I dropped my KJV quotes when I realized folks half the time were going "What'd he say?" or "What does that mean?" I'm not at all saying we should compromise our beliefs, but we need to realize that the medium we use isn't necessarily evil.

I'm pretty sure the approval from Father will come before he'll rebuke someone for saving a soul by rap/rock/whatever.

I spent my college career in English writing about Christianity and religion in just about anything. You can take just about anything and turn it into a work for God. God set it up that way for us.