Can Christians Listen To Rap Music?

Is listening to rap music a sin?

Introduction

When it comes to being a Christian, we know that there are many things that God tells us that we should or should not do.

For example, we know that we shouldn’t commit adultery or steal things that aren’t ours.

We know that we should read our Bibles and give generously. However, what about the things that aren’t explicitly talked about in the Bible? What do we do with those?

One of these subjects is music.

Music is something that generally most people enjoy.

Everyone tends to have their own taste in music. Some like pop music, others like country, but one genre of music that tends to get a bad reputation, especially in Christian circles, is rap music.

Considering some of the subject matter or the language that is used in rap music, many Christians wonder: “Am I allowed to listen to rap music?”

Let’s see what the Bible has to say.

Permissible, but not beneficial.

As I wrote earlier, genres of music are something that isn’t necessarily mentioned in the Bible.

Since rap music and many other popular musical genres today didn’t exist in biblical times, it’s hard to imagine that the Bible would mention what genres we can and cannot listen to. However, even though it may not be explicitly mentioned in the Bible, there are principles that we can use from the Bible to figure out how we should approach rap music as Christians.

In fact, Paul puts it plainly in 1 Corinthians 10:23 when he says while all things may be permissible, meaning that we can do anything we want, not all things are beneficial.

To understand the depth of this statement, we must remember why God commands us to do anything at all.

Why would He tell us to do some things but refrain from others?

Well, put simply, it’s because He cares for our well-being.

Sin, by nature, is self-destructive.

It damages the one who commits it, so God tells us not to do those things.

They aren’t beneficial for our general well-being.

We know this in everyday life.

There are many things that we do that we know aren’t necessarily beneficial for our well-being.

We may know that eating a donut isn’t going to make us healthier, but we do it regardless.

So then, if rap music isn’t mentioned specifically in the Bible, we must ask: “Is rap music beneficial according to a biblical standard?”

Content

One of the biggest problems that arise from listening to rap music is some of the content that is within the rap songs.

Many (not all) rap songs are about glorifying drugs, sex, and alcohol, and many are extremely degrading to women.

Does God desire us to glorify drugs, sex, and alcohol?

Does God desire us to degrade women? I think the answer to those questions would be an obvious no.

So then, does God desire that we listen to things and support things that glorify drugs, sex, and alcohol or things that degrade women?

Well, according to Paul in Philippians 4:8, we are to set our minds on things that are good, worthy of praise, and morally upright.

Therefore, we should not be setting our minds on things like drugs, sexual promiscuity, alcohol, and the degradation of women.

The problem when it comes to media consumption is that when we consume media, it affects us in one way or another. Our minds are set upon the things that we consume, sometimes merely for the duration of the media and other times for much longer than that.

Whether we like to admit it or not, we often become what we consume.

If we are to become holy as our Father is holy, surely, we shouldn’t be consuming content that is focused on things that are so contrary to the Lord.

READ MORE: When Do We Go to Heaven?

So, is all rap music bad for Christians?

What does need to be addressed is that not all rap music is focused on glorifying ungodly things.

There is plenty of rap music out there that has good and pure subject matter, Christian and non-Christian rap.

As with all things, we must simply be discerning in what we choose to consume.

There are not many things in this world that can be labeled with a moral absolute.

Again, we must consider what is beneficial.

Just as not all TV shows are bad, there are certainly ones we should not consume as Christians, not all rap music is bad, but there are certain songs we should not consume as Christians.

If you are looking for rap music that is glorifying to God, look no further than artists like Andy Mineo, nobigdyl, and the whole indie tribe group.

Rap music can be glorifying to God, you just have to find the right artists.

READ MORE: What does the Bible say about wasting food?

Focus on the relationship

The most important thing to take away here is that having a genuine and close relationship with God will carry you through these tough questions.

Just the fact that you are reading this article shows that you are desiring to please God, and I believe that He will honor that.

Just don’t forget the role that the Holy Spirit plays in all of this.

Especially when it comes to things that are not specifically mentioned in the Bible, the Holy Spirit will help you figure out the right thing to do.

He not only guides us into all truth, but He also convicts us when we are participating in things that are not glorifying to God.

Seek His voice, and He will let you know if you need to stay away from certain things.

Also, remember that something that may not harm someone else may not be beneficial for you.

God may give you different convictions than someone else, and that’s okay!

In all things, trust God’s voice and allow Him to lead you, even when the answer seems unclear.

Spend time in the Word and prayer, and He will make your paths straight.

Is there Christian rap music?

The answer is yes. There is a musical category called Christian rap, and it is gaining popularity and wide acceptance among believers, especially young Christians. 

The popular notion about rap music is that it’s a tool for promoting sex, drugs, and violence. However, the narrative is changing.

For many years, the devil has utilized this music genre as a weapon to attack young people and influence them into committing to God and evil to people. But the church has woken up to its responsibility to sanitize the music airwaves and cleanse the rap music industry with holy lyrics and biblical sound rap music. 

Major music streaming platforms now have Christian rap music options, and more Christian rappers are hopping on the train to deliver the oppressed and set the captives free.

On the other hand, the church is no longer strict in terms of allowing Christian rap artists to minister in the church.

Instead, they are now opening their doors to them to show young believers with dreams of becoming a rapper to see the possibility of using the music genre as a tool to preach the Gospel and a channel to worship God.

It also creates a healthy and holy alternative to ungodly rap music, allowing young Christians to follow their interests while pleasing the Lord. 

The Christian rap genre also encourages creativity in the church.

Church services are no longer slow and monotonous, especially in new Pentecostal churches.

The touch and flavor of rap music make services more upbeat, exciting, and fun for young worshipers.

Can Christians rap about God?

The primary concern about rap music is the lyrics or song content.

Replacing the lyrics with Bible verses, personal testimonies, and God’s promises will change the song’s direction. 

Many believers have forgotten that God created everything.

God created all music genres.

Or inspired all music styles for His praise, will, and pleasure.

Revelation 4:11 says, “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”

But the devil is skilled at counterfeiting and manipulating.

The devil has no creative power.

He cannot bring anything into existence.

He creates fake miracles, songs, prophets, messages, etc., to lure people away from God into sin and destroy them.

What does this teach us? Rap music was not invented by the devil.

The devil only influenced it and made it his tool for spreading sin and evil.

God’s original purpose was for all music types to be used to praise His name.

The difference in every song is the lyrics and message.

Therefore, Christians have every right to take back the rap industry for Jesus.

We must use the rap genre to defeat the kingdom of darkness and spread God’s light into the world. 

So, believers can rap about God. And if rap music is used to praise, worship, and pray to God, He will answer, delight in it, and grant our requests.

God does not judge based on man’s beliefs but according to the integrity of His Word. “But You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel.” (Psalm 22:3)

Rap music and evangelism

Rap music offers a massive platform to reach the unchurched.

Thousands would choose rap music over the typical Christian song or hymns.

Young people, for example, would prefer to step and dance to rap music than close their eyes and wave themselves from side to side when singing a hymn or worship song. 

This does not have to do with the lyrics but culture and age.

Young people have a burst of energy in them.

They are restless and always willing to explore. However, offering them gospel rap music can get them hooked, even before listening to the message in the song.

That is why rap music is a powerful evangelism tool churches can utilize to reach out to young unbelievers. 

Many young people are leaving the church today because they don’t find it exciting.

Indeed, God does not expect us to go out of His way to make church fun and exciting. However, churches can utilize creative means to attract and retain unbelievers.

Jesus used food as a strategy.

The large crowds that followed Jesus in their thousands were not all looking for healing or deliverance miracles.

Most followed Jesus because they knew they would be well-fed after His sermons and teachings.

Therefore, Christian rap music is not bad when discussing evangelism and outreach strategies.

Christian rappers should be supported with the resources to organize and promote Gospel Rap Concerts to attract youths who will unconventionally listen to the Gospel and be convicted by God. 

Should I listen to Christian rap music?

The question should be, why shouldn’t I listen to Christian rap music?

Hosea 4:6 says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Now that you know all that matters is the content and the vessel rapping, why should you not enjoy gospel rap music?

There is nothing wrong with rapping about the love of Christ, His sacrifice, death, and resurrection. 

However, if you discover that Christian rap music triggers memories and old feelings you had when you used to listen to sinful rap music, then you might want to avoid it until you are completely healed.

Music is powerful and can leave a lasting impression on us. Some people had soaked themselves in rap music that promoted sex, drugs, and violence when they were unbelievers.

They might still be going through healing. So, whether Gospel or not, rap music for such people might make them start craving their old lifestyles.

They need all the distraction and help they need to overcome that phase.

And if it means cutting off Christian rap music, let them do it by all means. However, if you are saved, delivered, and totally free from sin and your past and want to explore new ways to express yourself to God and praise Him, Christian rap music is highly recommended

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