Are Seventh-day Adventists teenagers listening to rock and roll? If you have associated with our youth very much, you have probably observed that many are regular listeners. Most Christian parents have no idea what some rock lyrics are communicating--rape, incest, homosexuality, drugs and alcohol. It glorifies death (The Grateful Dead) and violent rebellion. Samuele Bacchiocchi, Ph.D., Professor of Theology, at Andrews University, has written a book entitled: The Christian & Rock Music. He says, "Rock music is the most popular cultural phenomenon of the second half of the twentieth century and the single greatest propagator of the moral, social, and religious values of our society. Social analysts concur that rock music has become a primary force in shaping the thinking and lifestyle of this generation." p. 43.

Is there a difference between secular rock and religious rock? Yes, there is. Religious rock has religious lyrics. Some feel that this solves the problem. Others have opposing views.

Jeremy Larner, in discussing rock music 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... 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..." Atlantic Monthly Aug, 1964. Rock and roll seems to liberate teens from the reality of a boring existence at home and school. Rock, in my opinion, is an escape mechanism and is dangerous--even if the lyrics are spiritual.

Dr. Bacchiocchi quotes two authorities: "What this means is that 'music attacks the nervous system directly,'* bypassing the master brain. Some researchers are of the opinion that the sense of hearing, more than the other senses, makes the greatest impact on the autonomous nervous system through its auditory pathways.** Though conclusions of various studies differ, the common denominator is that auditory stimuli directly effect the nervous system....Critics of rock music generally appeal to the harmful physical effects of its rhythm which overshadows the melody and lyrics.... The 'high' caused by the irregular rock rhyme increases the heart rate, weakens a subject's strength, and has addictive power." Opt cit, pp. 238, 240, 244.

The question is: How should parents relate to this phenomenon? "It is true that youth use music and clothes to distinguish themselves from their parents. And independence from parents at this age is normal." Charles Betz, How To Teach the Bible With Power, p. 56. First of all, I believe, that parents should protect themselves from this contagion--in order to maintain their sanity. What teens listen to, alone in their car or in their room, is their business. But do not allow this "music" to contaminate your automobile or your household. A boom box can irritate an entire neighborhood.

So, take charge in a nice, but firm way. State your rules clearly, kindly, and firmly. Support your rules with solid facts. Do your homework. I recommend that you secure Dr. Bacchiocchi's book. It is available at your ABC. Gather the facts and keep up the dialogue with your teens. Keep it friendly. Avoid extremes. Don't gather up their CDs and throw them out or make threats. Ellen White has given us the secret of change: "Educate, educate, educate."

Let's admit it--all music has a beat. Remember, not all contemporary Christian music is "rock." There is nothing inherently wrong with electric guitars, or synthesizers --its how they are used. Many churches have praise services using these instruments. Some of the newer songs have superb melodies and lyrics.

Avoid getting involved in "music wars." "What better place to examine and probe musical issues than at home, in Bible class, or in Sabbath school classes?....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.... 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." Ibid., p. 57.

Be proactive. Start in early childhood. Teach your children to enjoy the very best music. Encourage them to sing in their school chorus, give them music lessons, and encourage them to play in the band. 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. Remember, the key word--"educate!"

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* Erwin H. Schneider, ed.

** G. and H. Harrer

***Ellen White, Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 523.