Expert: Cooper P. Abrams III - 9/8/2004

Question
Dear Copper, I am saved and go to two churches one is a independent baptist church and I was just wondering do all independent baptists dislike contemporary christian music and do any use it in there congregations? also I heard some baptists dont believe in going to the theatre why is that and should christians never go or just be careful
from yours in christ louis

Answer
Hi Louis,
   Most IB churches to not use CCM and do not attend the movies.
   The reason is that CCM is worldly music.  CCM music and stars look and act like the world.   Have you seen their posters they sell?   Do you notice how the  dress....just like secular hard rock stars.    If you did not know they claimed to be Christians what would be the difference?   If you heard the music and could not understand the lyrics what would be the difference?   Their music and lyrics are like the world.   CCM stars are promoted the same way the worldly crowd does it - through bucks and hype.

In every respect., the "Christian" music gods imitate the those who reject God, promote evil, even to the point of some worshiping Satan.   Is it any surprise that young CCM fans today are in worse spiritual shape than their parents?   If you profess Christ, then hear what the Bible commands:

"Love not the WORLD, neither the things that are in the WORLD. If any man love the WORLD, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the WORLD, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the WORLD." I John 2:15-16

For this reason biblical churches will not use this worldly music in worshiping the Lord.    The music they use is written by godly men and women who loved the Lord and served Him.  The music is doctrinally correct from God's word.   It does not appeal to the emotion, but to one's heart and being based in God's word is uplifing and honors God.

The writer of music is not made a "star" but seen as a witness for Jesus Christ and God's word and the focus is on honoring and worshiping God...not magnifying the singer or writer or preformance.  

It is difficult in a short email to adequately address the issue and I have only touched the surface of the matter.

There are good articles on the matter at
http://www.wayoflife.org/fbns/fbns-index/musicfbns.htm
http://www.freedomministries.org.uk/ccm/crock1.shtml

   Going to movies is also seen as worldliness and supporting the sinful messages of Hollywood.    Most Christians will watch G rated movies and Christian films, and are very discerning about what they watch...which would include TV programs.

   I wish I could go further with this, but time is limited.  I suggest that the two links I included could be helful.   It is easy to condemn something without any explanation, but not very helpful.  It is better to say why IB churches do not use CCM and go to movies.
    If you have further comments and/or question please write and I will try to explain further.
    God bless you.  Romans 12:1-2....Note what verse 2 says...
Cooper Abrams
Bible-truth.org