Expert: Phillip Senn - 3/15/2007

Question
Dear Phillip,

                 What does the bible say about music? Is the music that the Catholic Church plays with thee organ and harp through out the ages good in God's eyes? Is Gospel music a type of Godly music, and is contemporary christian Godly in any way? What does God say about a woman dressing modestly should girls and older women dress in modest clothing in this modern time. An should a woman wear there hair long? Also I am catholic it means universal in greek I think or hebrew lol I cant concentrate lol. Any ways I am curious is Jesus really white or black because in the bible verse they said that he was a descendent from David but from the tribe of Judah? And they said that Judah was dark skinned? And are Puerto Ricans Hebrew descendents I am curious and want to learn about Jesus I love him so much I cant wait to see him when he returns he is my world he is my life I live for him! I am 21 years old I want to have a christian date but I dont know how to have God in the relationship cause boys today no offence there wacked they think about lust and sex to much lol. I dont want that I want someone that thinks godly dont cheat on me and that loves me for who I am. I also am wondering if it is essential or okay to name your children in the future biblical names like Jezriah or Josiah even Ester? Or even Jeremiah or Micah? I am curious I want to name them biblical names. What do you think I am in no rush I want to be a mother a good mother that is like Mary the mother of our lord she is a great example of a great mother she loved her son so much and walked with him to the cross. How do I have a great motherhood like her. I dont want to act like Mary or claim that I am her but I want to lead a christian family and life so they too can learn about the Lord.  

Answer
Jacqueline,

WOW!!! that is a lot of information... Also WOW!!! for someone of your age to be that insightful as to want to know God's will for your life in every area. I will give it my best shot.

Music: There is certainly a wonderful aspect of music with a harp and the organ. There are other instruments that are also used in worship and praise. When considering music, I look for two main things...1. that the music draws me closer to a relationship of praise and worship, and 2. That the words are Scripturally sound and point one to draw closer to the Lord Jesus. There are always some that seek to go to extremes. I think that one can go to either extreme and fail to honor the Lord. I would also say that we cannot always go by our feelings, as they can change. We can look at God's Word and get a clear understanding of the types of music that are acceptable... Harps (stringed instruments, cymbals (not just clanging, but with certain distinct tones), horns (all types), etc. You can see that this alone could be very time consuming in our research. That is why I seek music that meets both of the criteria I mentioned. The main issue is our hearts desire to worship and praise HIM.

Modest clothing: Women today are not exempt from God's Word. Neither are men. In dealing with the modest apparel issue, Paul is focusing on what a woman is to adorn herself with more than what she is not to adorn herself with. Women today seem to focus on the outward rather than the inward. I am grateful to see that you are already seeking someone that would be more interested in you spiritually rather than as an object of lust (not just sexual lust). Even the eyes can lust after beauty that is outward. That is not to say that women shouldn't seek to be beautiful outwardly, but that their main draw would be a meekness and a quiet spirit.

Long Hair: This is another area that is often taken out of context to place a burden on women. It does speak of a woman praying with her head covered (speaking of long hair). It also indicates that the long hair is her glory. In the context of Scripture though, it is speaking more of the order of the relationships, The Father, Christ, man, then the woman. This is not demeaning to the woman, rather it is seeking to place man in his right standing under Christ and in care of the woman.

Catholic: It does mean universal. That is not to be confused with the Roman Catholic Church.

Jesus race: Jesus was born to a Jewish woman. Therefore he is neither white nor black. His complexion could have been dark or light, we are not told in Scripture.

Dating: The best place to nurture a relationship on godly principles is in a church setting. Most men do think in the wrong way toward women, but there are many godly men that are seeking someone to be the one that God wants for them. If they are seeking "first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" that would be the type of person that God would want you to be seeking.

Naming of Children: I think it is a wonderful thing when I find someone that is named after a Scriptural character. I would be cautious that it be a Biblical name relating to someone good though. Probably Judas would not be a good choice...LOL.

Mary: Actually there is no mention of Mary walking with Jesus to the cross. That would not be in accordance with the traditions of the Romans of that day. The only Scripture that gives us insight into that simply indicates that she was there as He hung on the cross.

The way you have addressed these issues indicates to me that you have a heart that wants to be used of the Lord Jesus. If you follow that yearning, and seek to study God's Word to address those issues, there is no doubt in my mind that God will guide you into being just the type of woman that will glorify Him in your life.

I hope these answers have helped you. If I may be of any further assistance, please don't hesitate to ask.

With Love In Christ,
Phillip (also a Biblical name) Senn