Here is my essay. I hope you enjoy!
Music: An Idol?Can music become a “god” for a believer? Can and do some Christians use music as a substitute for God? My answer to these questions: “yes, I believe it is a definite possibility that music can become an idol.” I believe this because of two reasons: first, music is emotional and second, because the statistics show that American’s are heavily focused on music. Furthermore, once believers realize the potential problem, I believe there are several steps they can take to safeguard themselves.
I think music can become a “god” because music is emotional and more and more it seems that people are looking for emotional experiences to fulfill them. However, instead of looking to God, they are looking to things to fulfill them, such as love, sex, sports, hobbies, philanthropy, and all media, which includes music. All of these things are good in their own right and I think they can point us to God, but they should never be used in place of God. 1 Corinthians 6:12 says, “‘Everything is permissible for me’-but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible for me’-but I will not be mastered by anything.” Paul here is talking about things of a sexual nature, but the same concept applies to music. I know that it is far too easy for me to turn to music for comfort rather than to God.
I think music can become an idol because the statistics show that American culture focuses heavily on music. I would argue that the people of today don’t know what it’s like to be without music for just a week. I’m not just speaking of the Ipod Generation, but most Americans 40 and younger. In America, we have music constantly filling our day. Even if someone doesn’t often buy CDs or doesn’t own an Ipod, he or she can still hear music on the radio, in stores, at church, and from friends. However, not just American culture is focused on music. Most, if not all, other cultures have deep roots in music as well. However, no other country focuses on music as much as the U.S.
If anyone isn’t convinced that music is a gigantic piece of American life, then consider that according to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, the global market for the music industry in 2004 was estimated at $32 billion! Consider also that from the 1900s-2000s the United States has led in album sales share for the entire world (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_industry)! The United States is listed at 37-40% of the world’s album sales. The second is Japan at only 9-12% (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_industry).
Is this love of music wrong? No! Music is something that God created and is pleased with. However, can one put music in the place of God? I believe that that is possible. When we turn to anything for help rather than turning to God, that thing becomes an idol. Exodus 20:3 says, “You shall have no other gods before me.” Consequently, believers ought to be very careful that our music does not come before our Lord. How can we do this? I don’t think there will ever be a simple solution, but I think these three things will help: First of all, music influences us strongly. We need to make sure that what we listen to is not separating us from God. Secondly, when we are struggling with something, we need to turn to God instead of turning to our music. Letting music be therapy is not wrong, but music should not get in the way of the Lord’s healing work. If it seems at some point that music is part of God’s work in us then we need to go with His leading. What is important is that we are receiving God’s healing however it comes. Thirdly, we need to not confuse an emotional experience with a God experience. Certainly, music can bring us closer to God and God affects us emotionally, but let us not fall in love with music or musical worship. Let us fall in love with God.
None of these are cut and dried. They are only beginning ideas. We need to follow what God tells us about our relationship with music and our relationship with Him. In this way I hope that music will not become an idol for any believer.
