I’ve been thinking a lot lately about secular and gospel songs. Personally, I do not have a problem with listening to good music whether gospel or not. I’ve had several conversations with several people that have been unable to convince me on why I should listen to just gospel songs. They say they listen to just gospel songs but if we critically analyse it, the truth in this is limited. What do I mean? I’d explain.
I always ask “What are gospel songs?”
The answer I get the most are:
Gospel songs are songs that glorify God, songs that have Jesus or God in it or songs that are inspired by God and secular songs are songs that are not gospel.
This being said, I’d now like to start by stating that not all Christian songs are glorifying God, some are songs of conviction, some are stories of fellowship with God and not necessarily the result of this fellowship. Not every song that has Jesus or God in it is a gospel song.
Almost every Nigerian artist thanks God for their success… “Oluwa is involved” “baba you too much” etc. Since they are glorifying God we could say they are gospel songs yeah? -_-
National Anthems, birthday songs etc. where do we categorise them? Why do people still find excuses to listen to “Classics”? How would a man propose to his wife with background music? So couples can’t sing love songs to each other? Kids can’t sing songs from Barney and cartoons? People can’t sing songs by Asa and Bob Marley? People can’t appreciate good music?
What is worse is how they get edgy when they hear “secular songs”. If you’re comfortable with listening to just gospel songs why are you angry? Some make excuses and listen to it with different camouflage. There is no need to pretend remember God sees the heart. My idea is there are different kinds of songs:
There are sexual/erotic songs, spiritual songs, inspirational songs, love songs, etc.
Lyrics are inspired by events, most of which people can relate to. It is a strong tool to soothe the mind, trigger the mind etc. You can learn a lot from music so don’t restrict yourself. Just avoid songs that communicate anger or negative thoughts. If a song makes you dance, dance! It means it triggers happiness.
But who knows? I might be wrong. I’m learning. I question a lot and I need answers. If I’m wrong educate me.
Love,
Einsteinette.
Blessing Abeng 
My dear you 100% correct I agree with u boo
Nice work you have here, Einsteinette.
I quite agree with some of the issues raised in this post. However, seeing you have tackled the debate from the standpoint of relativism, I’m yet to reconcile some other parts with the truth.
The vast majority of ‘secular’ songs today promote feminism, humanism, or materialism, as they extol sex, fame and money. Truth is, there are no secular songs anywhere. Intrinsically, every song has some element of ‘religion’ in it – whether it be Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Baha’i, Rastafarian, Atheism, New Age, Satanism or any of the many world religions, including the three earlier mentioned.
While there may or may not be marked differences in the elements of music (talking about rhythm, harmony, tempo etc.) for such songs, their lyrics are portentous. And given their suggestive nature, lyrics are used to propagate the tenets of such faiths.
Particularly in this “last days”, the subtlety of the deception is higher than ever before. Hence the need to be highly selective in the kind of songs we listen or dance to.
So, what do you consider “good music”?
I believe, from a stand point of realism, that music can either lift or depress one, and as such should be given conspicuous thought of, before indulging.
However, it is evident that most teenagers do not understand this message i.e. they do not understand what “good music” is and a clear and well-written article would do just fine…
I have been a victim of this ideology – “listen to gospel music alone”. I have heard sermons preached but no message attained. I listen to any music that would make me think straight… and being a humble writer myself, I listen to “good music” lets say Asa’s “Satan be gone” or Blessing Tangban’s “Fly on the wall” simply because those kinda songs take me to a place were my mind explores… no too much talk abeg!!
Any song that doesn’t puts dirty thoughts in your heart is good music jor!… Thanks for sharing!