Hey gang I am new to this discussion board but I would like us to think on a couple of things here.
First, I do know that light has nothing to do with darkness and we are to be a light in the midst of this dark world. Having said that, when it comes to music (I did not say worship) we do need to make sure we are exemplifying Christ. Musical stylings in the Church has changed much over the years and in the Bible times some tribes worshiped with harps while others felt trumpets were more "holy." Even the song, "The old rugged Cross" would have been blasphemous in the 1600's.
Second, We must not simply fall into the habit of "claiming it for Christ" as many have made a habit of doing. Because as many here have already pointed out we are to be in the world and not of it!
Rock music of the devil?
Rap of the devil?
Country gospel of the devil?
The process to act upon isn't questioning musical styling but seeking an understanding that God creates music and gave us it to glorify Him with. In the "claiming it for Christ" mentality we are forced to be come part of the world to borrow from it and this is dangerous.
Even the "new king james version" bible used this same mentality in it's chooseing of a logo and symbol that is on many of it's covers. They got the idea from the early church that "claimed" the pagan symbol from the wican religion. They say it is the trinity, but there is nothing Godly about it. You even see it on the TV show CHARMED as it is on the cover of their witches book.
So where is that line between trying to make a new music for God that can be your worship and letting the Devil take a foothold in "claiming" things? We need to consider the sources of our influence. As humans we are like sponges and tend to soak up what we are around. Let us all commit ourselves to prayer and Godly companionship/fellowship so that when, as sponges, we are squeezed, only Goodness come forth.
"2 Timothy 2:
23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,"
For Christ Sake,
Scootmann