REVISED 2005

Teens and Music

"Recently some students in a sixth-grade music class asked their teacher about the meaning of the lyrics in some rock music. The 23-year-old teacher tried to explain tactfully what they meant. The next day the principal of the school received several telephone calls from irate parents because the teacher was talking about Satanism and necrophilia with their children.

"These parents, like many Seventh-day Adventists, have no idea what some rock lyrics are communicating to their children. 'Today's rock music extols everything from rape, incest, and homosexuality to sadomasochism and bestiality. . . . Other lyrics glamorize drug and alcohol use, and glorify death and violent rebellion.'

"Are Christian young people and Seventh-day Adventist youth in particular listening to rock? If you have been around our youth at all, you are well aware that the majority of them have regular exposure to it. We should ask ourselves: `Why are our children listening to these songs? What does this tell us about our children?" Charles H. Betz, How to Teach the Bible With Power, p. 56.

Writing about rock 'n' roll, Jeremy Larner says, "It endures because it answers a need rooted in strong feelings, a need fulfilled by the one ingredient of all rock 'n' roll: its steady, heavy, simple beat. . .. . When the listener submits himself to the beat, he loosens his mind from its moorings in space and time; no longer does he feel a separation between himself and his surroundings. The difficult world of external objects is blurred and unreal; only the inner pulse is real, the beat its outer projection. Earthly worries are submerged in a tide of rising exaltation. . .the whole universe is compressed into the medium of the beat. . . .Rock 'n' roll is the only form in modern music which deliberately seeks these effects and no others." Atlantic Monthly, Aug. 1964.

"It is true that youth use music and clothes to distinguish themselves from their parents. And independence from parents at this age is normal." Betz, Op cit, p. 56. But hard rock can have devastating affects. Consider the teenage riots following rock concerts--Woodstock being the classic example. The beat of hard rock excites to negative behavior. Yes, apart from the lyrics, music does have "intrinsic quality." Rock cannot be considered an ordinary "cultural conditioning." Rock is sweeping the world and with it, many of our precious young people. And religious rock is a giant step in the wrong direction.

Why is it that Christ's love is not filling the "gap" in the lives of our children? Are rules and regulations the answer? I think not. Consider Ellen White's classic statement for training youth and bringing about change: "'Educate, educate, educate, pleasantly and intelligently.'" Evangelism, p. 528. "What better place to examine and probe musical issues than at home, in Bible class, or in Sabbath school classes? Why not read some of the lyrics and talk about their effect. Ask such questions as 'What builds faith and why?' 'What destroys faith and why?' Lead. . .(children and youth) to seek for principles rather than just accepting edicts. Developmentally, teenagers need spontaneity and a way of self-expression. Music can be fun as well as winsome, can contribute to a spiritual high without being like a mood-altering drug. It can be restful, relaxing, or joyful, exuberant, and exciting. But let us not insist on everyone thinking the same, or interpreting the Bible or the writings of Ellen White in an identical manner. Instead, let us allow for cultural and age differences, and above all, let us listen to the voice of the Spirit. 'Great principles have been laid down in His Word, which are sufficient to guide us in our Christian walk.' To those who yield themselves to God, the Holy Spirit will give clear discernment." Betz, Op cit, p. 57.

Be proactive. Start in early childhood and teach your children to enjoy the very best music. Encourage them to sing in the school chorus, give them music lessons, and encourage them to play in the band. "Build yourselves up in your most holy faith. Pray in the Holy Spirit" (Jude 20). Discuss with your children the meaning of Phil. 4:8: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praise worthy--think about such things." (NIV). In order to keep our children from being swept away in the current of sin and evil around us. Let's "educate, educate, educate."

"The history of the songs of the Bible is full of suggestion as to the uses and benefits of music and song. Music is often perverted to serve purposes of evil, and it thus becomes one of the most alluring agencies of temptation. But, rightly employed, it is a precious gift of God, designed to uplift the thoughts to high and noble themes, to inspire and elevate the soul. . . . It is one of the most effective means of impressing the heart with spiritual truth. How often to the soul hard-pressed and ready to despair memory recalls some word of God's--the long-forgotten burden of a childhood song--and temptations lose their power, life takes on new meaning and new purpose, and courage and gladness are imported to other souls?" Child Guidance, p. 523.