A debate among many Christians today is, "What's the big deal about listening to secular music?" However, God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33), and He has promised to give us all things that pertain to life and godliness, including instructions about music (2 Peter 1:3). With that in mind, let's first examine some of the popular genres today and compare them to the Word of God.

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An Overview of Rock & Roll

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Consider first of all Rock Music and its origin. Maureen Mahon, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Music at New York University, wrote: “Rock ‘n’ Roll was the inevitable clash of African American rhythm and blues with elements of swing, boogie-woogie, urban blues, Latin rhythms (clave), Country and Western, Rockabilly, and Tin Pan Alley popular song, all infused with a teenage sense of rebellion and independence that blossomed just after World War II.”¹ (emphasis added) It's no secret that Rock, in part, originated from man's rebellious heart. The Rolling Stones in 1965, for example, released a song entitled “I’m Free,” which states, “I’m free to do what I want any old time.”² That’s a prime example of rebellion—believing that I can do anything, even if it contradicts Scripture. Rebellion is no harmless matter—in fact, 1 Samuel 15:23 equates rebellion with witchcraft: “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry... ."

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Further, although not all, much of rock music encourages illicit sex and drugs. In fact, "Sex, Drugs, & Rock & Roll" was the notable saying of the 60's. Paul McCartney and John Lennon of the Beatles wrote a song entitled "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds"³—a song that many people believes promotes the use of LSD, a mind-altering drug. Consider that 1 Corinthians 6:19 warns us about harming our bodies, the temple of God: “What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?”

 

It's no surprise that some of the very artists of Rock Music tragically fell victim to its message, such as Jim Hendrix and Elvis Presley, who, partially, both died from drug use complications. As followers of Christ, it truly is a big deal that we guard against any rock music that contains sinful themes and vices, and rather, meditate on what is good: Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

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An Overview of Heavy Metal

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Secondly, consider the origin of heavy metal. One of the first bands in the heavy metal genre, Black Sabbath, purposely created music that was Satanic in nature: “With their riff-based songs, extreme volume, and dark, demonic subject matter, Black Sabbath embodied key aspects of the heavy-metal aesthetic.”⁴ (emphasis added) Unsurprisingly, Black Sabbath got their name from a horror film, and the band's first true heavy metal song was inspired by their bass guitarist’s (Geezer Butler’s) vision, which came from his fascination with the occult & dark magic.⁵

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The Bible refers to spiritual darkness as "spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:12), and commands us that we  "...have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." (Ephesians 5:11). Instead of allowing the dark themes of Heavy Metal into our lives, we should both be fleeing from it and speaking out against it.

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Not only was Black Sabbath's music horror-themed, (along with several other heavy metal bands) but the music they produced was the opposite of Spirit-filled control, instead glorifying anger and rebellion. In the article "Heavy Metal," published by Grinnell College, it shows that Black Sabbath's “music gave voice to their experiences: ‘dead end prospects and boring school seemed to inspire a music that was steeped in rage,’”⁶ (emphasis added) and, that, in general, "heavy metal reflected an anti-establishment tone."⁷ (emphasis added)

 

Proverbs 22:24 warns Christians: “Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: 25 Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.” Regarding authority, Romans 13:1 says: “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” Not only should one submit to government, but children should submit to parents: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right." (Ephesians 6:1) If anger can be a snare to our souls, and submission to authority is commanded by God, why would we allow any music that purposely promotes this type of fleshly behavior into our lives, rhythms included?

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It's no secret, even to the world, that a good portion of heavy metal music openly promotes sex, the occult, rebellion, and drugs. As Christians, the Bible commands to us to meditate on the exact opposite: “...whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

 

Sadly, there are consequences for not thinking on things that are lovely and pure. Consider this quote in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence, which records "Preferences for metal music are related to reckless behavior, aggression, drunk driving, drug abuse, delinquency, school dropout, depression and suicide ideation…”⁸ Truly, God knows that listening to anything that promotes the flesh, like much of heavy metal, is harmful; yet meditating upon the truth of God's Word brings peace and joy.

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An Overview of Rap

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Although rap music's history can be traced all the way back to the African griots, or storytellers, it developed into the rap known today in the Bronx in the 1970s. Rap essentially tells stories about day-to-day life, but unfortunately is often full of profanity, blasphemy against Christ, and glorification of sin. For example, Kendrick Lamar's “Not Like Us,”⁹ a popular song in 2025, includes blasphemy both toward the Word of God and the crucifixion. Consider that Kendrick Lamar performed at the Super Bowl in 2025—showing our world has no problem promoting these artists to people young and old. 

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In the Journal of Studies on Alcohol, it recorded that "Listening to rap music was significantly and positively associated with alcohol use, problematic alcohol use, illicit-drug use, and aggressive behaviors when all other variables were controlled. In addition, alcohol and illicit-drug use were positively associated with listening to musical genres of techno and reggae."¹⁰ Perhaps one of the reasons is that often, rap promotes violence, drug and alcohol use, and fornication. It is not surprising that there have been some rappers who have been found to fall morally from the very things they promote, such as drug use (Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent), fornication (Diddy), and violence (Tory Lanez). 

 

What you allow into your heart affects how you live—that's why Proverbs 4:23 tells us: “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” As followers of Christ, it's especially important that we guard what we listen to, watch, read, and more, because all of those things ultimately influence who we become: “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). 

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No matter the genre, listening to the wrong type of music—or letting anything enter our mind that is against God and God’s Word—is wrong. 2 Corinthians 10:5 records: “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” Hence, any music (or book, movie, show, post, internet site, etc.) that is contrary to God’s Word should not be allowed to take residence in your mind. Remember that your mind truly is a home—so don't let the devil walk right through the front door and sit on the couch. Take the devil and his vices captive, casting them out! 

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What About Rhythm?

 

Are the rhythms alone of rap, rock, metal, pop, and more wrong? Consider firstly that, after all the evil found in Rock & Roll Music, Heavy Metal, Rap, and Pop music, it is, at the very least, understandable that a Christian would want to refrain from using even those rhythms—after all, those rhythms are used to promote sin.

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So-called "issues" like these are nothing new to the Church of God, such as in the time of the Apostle Paul, when an issue over meat arose. In Paul's day, meat was offered to false gods, and then sold at the market. Hence, some Christians of that time believed that meat should be avoided entirely due to its association with idols. Similarly, some Christians today say we can’t use the rhythms of rap, rock, heavy metal, and more because they promote the false gods of this world, such as rebellion, sex, drugs, and more.

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What did Paul say in response to the controversy of his day? Well, consider Romans 14:13, which records: "Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. 14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died."

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One of the major points Paul is making is simple: don't concentrate on the differences of opinions; rather, concentrate on not being a stumbling block to others. Whether that be music, dress, movies, or more, our goal should not be to freely flaunt our liberty, but rather to desire to live in a way that is not an offense to other Christians. Hence, that most certainly means that there will be things (including rhythms) that Christians will need to give up for the sake of the unity of the body of Christ, for whom Christ died.

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However, liberty should only be used for areas the Bible is silent on. Before we conclude that the Bible is silent on rhythms, remember that God is not the author of confusion and has given us Biblical guidelines in this area. Firstly, ask yourself if the rhythm glorifies God or man: “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Remember that music and rhythms become meaningless when it becomes about me. Oftentimes, the beat of secular songs (and some Christian songs) causes one to move in a way that brings attention away from God and to their own body.

 

Consider, however, that even performing the most reverent of Christian music is not pleasing to God when done with an evil heart. Israel, for example, was praising God through song—but God saw that their seemingly "good worship" was coupled with an evil heart, and told Israel: “Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols” (Amos 5:23).

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Secondly, when considering rhythms, ask yourself if this rhythm helps me to be Spirit-filled. Ephesians 5:18-19 records: “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” To determine Biblically the rhythms that are right or wrong, you must honestly ask: "Does this rhythm help me be filled with the Holy Spirit?" If the rhythm is producing the Fruit of the Holy Spirit in your life—love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance—then you know that the rhythm is glorifying to God. On the other hand, if the rhythm pushes you into being filled with the works of the flesh: idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulation, wrath, strife, sedition, heresy, envy, murder, drunkenness, or reveling; you know the rhythm displeases God and hence should be avoided.

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Additionally, in dealing with this issue of rhythms, make sure that you have asked yourself this question: Have I checked with the Holy Spirit? The temptation many Christians struggle with today is to say, "I think this rhythm is okay." Rather, the question should be: "Does the Holy Spirit think this rhythm is okay?" God loves His church and has promised to guide them into the truth, even when it comes to difficult issues. Consider John 16:13, which states: “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” Yet, remember, the truth spoken of here is God's Word (John 17:17). Hence, if one is not in God’s Word, the Holy Spirit will not be able to guide you into determining what rhythms are right or wrong.

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Further, when listening to rhythms, remember what Romans 12:2 writes: "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." As Christians, we should be careful that we are not using rhythms that were specifically formed to promote rebellion, dark magic, drugs, and more. Instead of getting as close to the world as possible, why not get as close to God as possible?

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Rhythm undoubtedly has a strong effect on our emotions. Consider the account recorded in 1 Samuel 16. In this passage, Saul was troubled by an evil Spirit but was comforted when David played his harp. In fact, the Bible records that "the evil spirit departed from him" (1 Samuel 16:23) when David played his harp. Note that Saul did not make use of heavy rhythms to calm his Spirit—rather, a simple harp played by David.

 

We too often use music personally—apart from lyrics—to control emotions. Even restaurants, shopping malls, and churches all use music to set a tone. It's no surprise, then, that the world—and all too well—has mastered the technique of using rhythms to promote their lyrics—including the sinful ones. Hence, whatever the rhythm, we must recognize that it does have an effect on you, whether for God's glory or the promotion of the flesh.

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Endnotes

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1. Maureen Mahon, Ph.D., "Rock 'n' Roll," Timeline, Carnegie Hall, https://timeline.carnegiehall.org/genres/rock-n-roll (accessed 2025)

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2. The Rolling Stones, I’m Free, Decca Records, September 24, 1965.​

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3. The Beatles, Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds, 1967.

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4. Black Sabbath, “History,” Black Sabbath Official Website, https://www.blacksabbath.com/history.html (accessed October 22, 2025).

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5. Ibid. 

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6. Sam Galanek, “Heavy Metal,” Subcultures and Sociology, 2018, https://haenfler.sites.grinnell.edu/subcultures-and-scenes/heavy-metal/ (accessed October 23, 2025), quoting Andrew L. Cope, Black Sabbath and the Rise of Heavy Metal Music (2010), 97.

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7. Sam Galanek, “Heavy Metal,” Subcultures and Sociology, 2018, https://haenfler.sites.grinnell.edu/subcultures-and-scenes/heavy-metal/ (accessed October 23, 2025)

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8. Bogt TT, Hale WW 3rd, Becht A. "Wild Years": Rock Music, Problem Behaviors and Mental Well-being in Adolescence and Young Adulthood. J Youth Adolesc. 2021 Dec;50(12):2487-2500. doi: 10.1007/s10964-021-01505-0. Epub 2021 Oct 11. PMID: 34633600; PMCID: PMC8580930. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8580930/. This article cites Arnett, 1991; Hughes et al., 2018; Lacourse et al., 2001; Martin et al., 1993; Roe, 1992; Scheel & Westeveld, 1999; Selfhout et al., 2008; Tanner et al., 2008; Ter Bogt et al., 2013)

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9. Lamar, Kendrick. "Not Like Us." Produced by Mustard. Interscope Records, May 4, 2024.

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10. Chen MJ, Miller BA, Grube JW, Waiters ED. Music, substance use, and aggression. J Stud Alcohol. 2006 May;67(3):373-81. doi: 10.15288/jsa.2006.67.373. PMID: 16608146; PMCID: PMC5066304. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16608146/ (accessed 2025).

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All Scripture quotations are from the King James Version