An interesting phenomenon in certain christian circles the admonitions of pastors and teachers to us to sometimes turn off our ipods. The argument goes something like this - In our culture, we're supersaturated with music. When we get in our cars, we almost instantly turn on the radio. When we're riding the bus, excercising, or even just walking from point a to point b, more often than not we have our headphones in and the music turned up. We often even listen to music while we're falling asleep. This means we have little time for any sort of a rich inner life, because we more and more fill up any time we have for it with noise that makes an inner life hard if not impossible.
I think that this is a very valid point, and one that should be raised. But I haven't heard much serious discussion about how we can use the incredibly recent ability to listen to music anywhere in a positive way. Sound recording and playback has been a practical reality for less than 150 years. What are the implications of this for christian living? How should we choose the music we listen to? One can make the argument that some types of music are harmful (e.g. obscene lyrics), but I don't think we should settle for music that is merely "non-harmful" - I think we should seek out and listen to music that is "good" in a positive, active way.
Certainly music has at least some ability to alter moods. I think this can be used in a positive way - if you're upset, a song you really like can make your day far better. But could this also be part of our cultures desire to drug ourselves up, medicate everything, and numb ourselves to all pain? And what measures can we use to determine the value of music?
5 comments:
On the subject of ipods, I think this falls into the category along with drinking, smoking, eating, and a bazillion other things. That is, the category of things that are to be governed with the phrase "Moderation in all things".
There are certainly times to spend in quiet contemplation, to simply "Be still and know that I am God." And at the same time there are also times when I think that listening to music, depending on what you listen to, can do great things encourage one. Not to mention some of the fabulous podcasts that are now available.
More thoughts on ipods: http://ssnider.sniderblogs.com/post/54551695/on-the-function-of-ipods
The question of what measures we can use to evaluate music is a totally different question worthy of an entire post of its own :-P
I love your thought on evaluating music, Wilson. You've made me think more seriously about my criteria for music. The thought of using music in terms of drugs is rather interesting. I have to ask, do you think being addicted to music in that way is wrong?
Just wondering.
I always love hearing your thoughts on such things.
- Lindsey
I'm so proud of you for posting another blog entry! I was worried that you had fallen off of the face if the earth or something! :)
We are all excited to see you this weekend as well as Sarah!
~Emily
Wilson,
I hope you're happy. My embarrassing picture of my lack of poker face is now open for everyone to see. I hope you realize what a sacrifice I'm making in allowing that one on the blog ;-).
- Lindsey
do you even have an iPod?
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