Topical Bible: Secular Music

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Secular music, distinct from sacred or religious music, refers to compositions that are not explicitly intended for worship or religious purposes. Throughout history, music has played a significant role in human culture, serving various functions from entertainment to storytelling. In the context of the Bible, while there is no direct reference to "secular music" as a category, there are numerous instances where music is mentioned, reflecting its importance in both sacred and everyday life.

Biblical References to Music

The Bible contains numerous references to music, musicians, and instruments, highlighting its integral role in ancient society. Music was used in celebrations, mourning, and even in warfare. For example, in 1 Samuel 18:6, music is associated with celebration: "As the troops were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out from all the cities of Israel to meet King Saul, singing and dancing with tambourines, with shouts of joy, and with three-stringed instruments."

In Ecclesiastes 3:4, the varied purposes of music are implied in the broader context of life's seasons: "a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance." This suggests that music, whether sacred or secular, accompanies the full range of human emotions and experiences.

Music in Daily Life

In ancient Israel, music was a part of daily life and not limited to religious ceremonies. The Song of Songs, for instance, is a collection of lyrical poems that celebrate love and is often considered a form of secular music, despite its inclusion in the biblical canon. The presence of music in weddings, feasts, and other social gatherings is implied throughout the Scriptures.

Instruments and Musicians

The Bible mentions various musical instruments, such as the harp, lyre, tambourine, and trumpet. These instruments were used in both sacred and secular contexts. For example, Genesis 4:21 notes Jubal as "the father of all who play the harp and flute," indicating the early development of music and its instruments.

Musicians held significant roles in society, as seen in 1 Chronicles 25:1, where David and the commanders of the army set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun for the ministry of prophesying, accompanied by harps, lyres, and cymbals. While this passage refers to sacred music, it underscores the professional status of musicians, who likely also performed secular music.

Caution and Discernment

While the Bible does not explicitly condemn secular music, it does call for discernment in all aspects of life, including entertainment. Philippians 4:8 advises believers: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things." This principle can be applied to the consumption of secular music, encouraging Christians to engage with music that aligns with these virtues.

Cultural Influence and Modern Considerations

In contemporary times, secular music encompasses a wide range of genres and styles, reflecting diverse cultural influences. While some secular music can uplift and inspire, other forms may promote values contrary to biblical teachings. Therefore, Christians are encouraged to exercise wisdom and discernment, ensuring that their musical choices do not lead them away from their faith or compromise their values.

In summary, while secular music is not directly addressed in the Bible, the principles of discernment, purity, and the pursuit of what is honorable and praiseworthy provide guidance for believers navigating the world of music.

Topical Bible Verses

James 4:4
You adulterers and adulteresses, know you not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Topicalbible.org

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
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Library

Footnites
... us being the character of the music; so that we should require musical illustration,
for though the common distinction between sacred and secular music is in ...
/.../bridges/a practical discourse on some principles of hymn-singing/footnites.htm

Ambrosian Church Music
... [3]. In course of time, however, there is no doubt that Church music had become
deteriorated by the introduction of a more secular style, and that this was one ...
/.../winkworth/christian singers of germany/ambrosian church music.htm

A Practical Discourse on Some Principles of Hymn-Singing
... Ambrose introduced it, much akin to the secular music of the day, if it was not
directly borrowed from it: and the history of hymn-music is a history of the ...
/.../a practical discourse on some.htm

Church Music
... Germany, and though harmonized by Eccard, was based on a secular air, as ... voices or
for organ accompaniment; while compared with the Gregorian music which had ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/winkworth/christian singers of germany/church music.htm

Conclusion
... If they had, we are unacquainted with them. It is fair to assume that secular
poetry and music eventually exerted an influence upon hymnody. ...
/.../messenger/christian hymns of the first three centuries/vii conclusion.htm

Introduction.
... Unrhythmical singing could not always hold its own; and when polyphonic music came
into public favor, secular airs gradually found their way into the choirs. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/introduction.htm

Missionary Hymns.
... He was associated with Root, McGranahan, and others in making secular and church
music books, and later with DL Moody in evangelical work. ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter iv missionary hymns.htm

Dignity of the Scripture Language.
... Music, when thus applied, raises noble hints in the mind of the hearer, and fills ...
will forgive me, and consider that I speak as a mere secular man, impartially ...
/.../sect vii dignity of the.htm

The Early Dawn of German Sacred Poetry and Song. AD 800-900
... The very genius of the people"its inborn love for music, especially for part-singing ...
their gift in the service of religion as well as in secular ways; though ...
/.../winkworth/christian singers of germany/chapter i the early dawn.htm

Martin Luther
... as he calls it, he studied the old stores of church music, with which ... hymns, others
of German origin"whether sacred, or, in some cases, secular"were thus ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/winkworth/christian singers of germany/martin luther.htm