Do sins (of musicians) put you off (listening)?

[GodSavesAll]

I would like opinions on this if anyone is willing to share theirs...

What I am about to ask is specifically about musicians, but could, of course be about any profession.

There are allegations these days against musicians I listened to in the past, and most (all)? mainstream/worldly musicians have indeed: 'sold their soul' to get where they are.

Someone sent me a song once: 'Look at your game' it was called.
I liked the song.
"Nice voice, well-written", I said.
Then they told me it was written and sung by Charles Manson.

My question is:- Does knowing the sins of a musician put you off listening to their music? - And should it? 
Do the singers of these songs even WRITE them?  (Most don't).  (So perhaps you are listening for the words and not for the singer (and that makes it: 'ok' for you personally to listen?)).
Do ungodly people (singing about godly things) disgust you too much that you just can't bear listening to them? 
Is there a: 'line' and where is the line drawn? - (Aren't we all sinners?)
Are: 'allegations' (alone) enough to put you off listening to someone? 
Do/can you seperate sin from the sinner?
If we stopped listening to: 'sinners' singing - would we need to destroy our entire music collection?

I am just wondering how others feel about/deal with this sort of thing.

[Ross]

Romans 14 interesting reading.
I am a musician.
Play old time, jazz, rock, Latin American, European,
Some tunes are brilliant but  the lyrics are awful
Knowing the sins applies to everything.
We live in a sinful world .
Romans 14:22
If we cause someone to stumble then that might be a problem- growing in Christ has removed a lot of doubt and changed what is pleasing to the ear.
There is no level of sin. All in the flesh remain in that category.

[GodSavesAll]

Romans 14 interesting reading.
I am a musician.
Play old time, jazz, rock, Latin American, European,
Some tunes are brilliant but  the lyrics are awful
Knowing the sins applies to everything.
We live in a sinful world .
Romans 14:22
If we cause someone to stumble then that might be a problem- growing in Christ has removed a lot of doubt and changed what is pleasing to the ear.
There is no level of sin. All in the flesh remain in that category.

Thank you Ross.

I am a musician too.

For myself personally - I have never been into mainstream music as much as everyday people who make their own music - passionate about what they are writing/singing about.

There is some great music out there by: 'unknowns' - (even in popular-places like YouTube) - great artists with very little 'likes' or views.

Case in point! ...This little gem I found a few weeks ago (Love Over Fear), by an artist with little over 30 subscribers!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILb4CAVFtqs&list=OLAK5uy_l05TsuSkz3cZhBXSd304uhhT0LcY7dORE&index=2
My music collection is full of such unknown (yet superior) music!

I would love to hear some of your music Ross.  It's always extra special if the music comes from a brother or sister.

[Ross]

When I first started " spiritual warfare " one of those teachings was to throw out any music or item that would allow legal attachment,  or foothold,  for a demonstration to refuse to leave.
Threw out some albums and cassettes.

Don't do that anymore as have been truly released from that bondage.
Interesting how Jesus gets the Pharisees and says
" let him who is without sin cast the first stone. "
The concept of each in his own time has increasingly resulted in diminished judgement on literally those who are not yet in Christ.

Music,  like poetry, literature,  and art does give people an expression of what they are going through,  or their political  or religious beliefs. Whilst not usually correct they do display what not to do or be- part of the spiritual learning the differences between flesh and spirit.

1 Corinthians 2:10-16
2 Corinthians 10:12
Matthew 13:11

[Ross]

There is no artist that that I like All their art- some are one-hit wonders, then varying tastes and skills.
Growing up surrounded by traditional jazz then Latin   thanks to Sergio Mendes, then the Beatles  then early rock
Being trained in the classical helpful in learning skills. Then jazz to learn improvisation.
Now I have become more selective.
The experience of local and international broadened the appreciation and understanding.
Understanding Paul and how he said he identifies with people and their level of knowledge so that he shares his knowledge at their beliefs.
Pretty amazing really.

[Ross]

Piano being main instrument.
A little chord work on guitar.
Know where the notes are on saxophone.
Keyboard,  synthesiser main for gigs as Piano can be out of tune.
Have retired from playing regularly, now just do sing-along for seniors.

[GodSavesAll]

When I first started " spiritual warfare " one of those teachings was to throw out any music or item that would allow legal attachment,  or foothold,  for a demonstration to refuse to leave.
Threw out some albums and cassettes.

Don't do that anymore as have been truly released from that bondage.
Interesting how Jesus gets the Pharisees and says
" let him who is without sin cast the first stone. "
The concept of each in his own time has increasingly resulted in diminished judgement on literally those who are not yet in Christ.

Music,  like poetry, literature,  and art does give people an expression of what they are going through,  or their political  or religious beliefs. Whilst not usually correct they do display what not to do or be- part of the spiritual learning the differences between flesh and spirit.

1 Corinthians 2:10-16
2 Corinthians 10:12
Matthew 13:11

I tend to fully reject things that are negative in themselves.  (Like if a song is just down-right negative/anti-God).

Some songs are particularly nasty yet 'disguised' as good.

[GodSavesAll]

There is no artist that that I like All their art- some are one-hit wonders, then varying tastes and skills.
Growing up surrounded by traditional jazz then Latin   thanks to Sergio Mendes, then the Beatles  then early rock
Being trained in the classical helpful in learning skills. Then jazz to learn improvisation.
Now I have become more selective.
The experience of local and international broadened the appreciation and understanding.
Understanding Paul and how he said he identifies with people and their level of knowledge so that he shares his knowledge at their beliefs.
Pretty amazing really.

So well said!
I totally agree.
...Kinda like being able to admire the art of an established artist, yet still being able to admire the art that a nephew or grandchild hands you that they did at school for you to stick on your fridge!"

"Ohh!  This will look stunning on the new fridge!...  :doh:

[GodSavesAll]

Piano being main instrument.
A little chord work on guitar.
Know where the notes are on saxophone.
Keyboard,  synthesiser main for gigs as Piano can be out of tune.
Have retired from playing regularly, now just do sing-along for seniors.

I write songs and play instruments and record them on a tascam 8 track (a digital machine, (but still 'old-fashioned' apparently)).  I find making music on them fun and enjoyable!  I find computers for music creation complicated, stressful, boring, too many buttons doing too little things (how many 'echo's' does a guy need!?)... etc!

[Ross]

Some people rave about modern recording of the digital gear. Not me.
IMO certain amount of that method can hide stuff or embellish a mediocre tune.
The original recording is appreciated by a trained ear.
Remarkably like the truth literally is appreciated by the trained person by our loving Father.

[GodSavesAll]

Some people rave about modern recording of the digital gear. Not me.
IMO certain amount of that method can hide stuff or embellish a mediocre tune.
The original recording is appreciated by a trained ear.
Remarkably like the truth literally is appreciated by the trained person by our loving Father.

Totally with you there!
It's like that saying: 'Too many cooks spoil the broth'.
It's fun getting inventive with limited equipment I reckon. 
I like keeping things funs and not overly complex. 
Some choice is great but 'unlimited' choice? - No! - I am in a limited body at present and unlimited options are overwhelming.  I will take a 10 bar graphic equalizer over a 100 bar any day!

I like raw passion and originality with all the cracks and flaws too... The singers voice packing in, the guitar string popping, the fly getting stuck in the trumpet players' throat, the flute-player getting accidently poked up the nostril by the violin players little stick thing. 

Anything too:- 'combed over' (edited), or: 'perfect' (by human standards) gets a bit lifeless for me and usually ends up sounding worse in my opinion.

[GodSavesAll]

I've thought more about this and...

...There are some sins that makes me not want to listen to what someone sings (or speaks)... Sins that are great and deliberate.
I am reminded of the: 'unforgivable' sin (in this present and future age).  Matthew 12:31-32

I cannot listen to hypocrites (enjoyably).  (I'd prefer a clanging cymbal).  :laughing7:

"Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water?"  James 3:11

It would be like listening to:- "Herod sings the gospel greats" and getting pleasure from it.  I can't.

There is much:- 'soul selling' in the mainstream... Fake, and thus: not genuine, and therefore worthless and it's usually in the artists masquerading as messengers of light of course.

Also I wouldn't want to support them by buying their merchandise or spreading word regarding their music.

[Ross]

  :iagree:
I used to live on music: now I only listen because those around me do.
I don't buy or download anything.
Stripping away the flesh has totally changed my taste.
Imagining true glorious music with perfect pitch is awesome.

[Ross]

1 Corinthians 14:15 " What is it then? I will pray with the spirit and I will pray with understanding also: I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with understanding also.:
Singing from the heart, not for the sake of singing.

[GodSavesAll]

Ross yes! - It also reminds me of the scripture:-
"How beautiful the feet of those who bring good news!"
Yes, all the more special are things done through God! - By His people! - Every word true and meaningful. 
Beautiful.

I don't know how true this video is, but apparently this guy is playing the harp as David probably did back in the day...  I found it quite interesting...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kh2KwEwaroc

Imagine hearing this!:-    :HeartThrob:
Matthew 26:30
"When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives".

[GodSavesAll]

Stripping away the flesh has totally changed my taste.

This is so true, I have been feeling this very much recently.
God has done things beyond what I thought possible.

[Ross]

 :iagree:
We think we can picture what is coming, but Ephesians 3:20 states that He is able to do greater than we can think or ask.
The mind is happily boggling.

[marie glen]

Oh dear.. Charles Manson (who?s dream of helter skelter/optimum division seems to have been embraced by the world and its powers/politics, js).
    Someone asking you a trick question? Or they really wanted input. Can?t reject the words, if they?re good and true.. But truth can be used! I wouldn?t be a fan of Charlie no matter what.. tho will be corrected during the aionion kolasis. (Initial conditions portrayed in the rich man and Lazarus parable and in the outside of the vision narrative of revelation 22, the inner, outside of the light darkness, and gnashing of teeth. But which progresses to beating self up with many stripes, weeping and heart and for some gut wrenching remorse.. think cruel despots, etc.)
    But your everyday imperfect (like us all) musicians.. MUSIC a universal language! Of the heart and soul. So for me whether I appreciate the art would depend on the message. No hate, division.. blaming, labeling.. so far not much of that in music? But no - those hoes r witches i should beat sort of lyrics, lol. But later the artist or band may change.. WILL change ultimately.
    We?re all sinners/imperfect.. the word translated sin is hamartia, you likely know, and means to miss the mark. All miss the mark of perfection. Who would we love and care about if we required perfection? No humans that?s for sure. :gsmile:

[GodSavesAll]

Oh dear.. Charles Manson (who?s dream of helter skelter/optimum division seems to have been embraced by the world and its powers/politics, js).
    Someone asking you a trick question? Or they really wanted input. Can?t reject the words, if they?re good and true.. But truth can be used! I wouldn?t be a fan of Charlie no matter what.. tho will be corrected during the aionion kolasis. (Initial conditions portrayed in the rich man and Lazarus parable and in the outside of the vision narrative of revelation 22, the inner, outside of the light darkness, and gnashing of teeth. But which progresses to beating self up with many stripes, weeping and heart and for some gut wrenching remorse.. think cruel despots, etc.)
    But your everyday imperfect (like us all) musicians.. MUSIC a universal language! Of the heart and soul. So for me whether I appreciate the art would depend on the message. No hate, division.. blaming, labeling.. so far not much of that in music? But no - those hoes r witches i should beat sort of lyrics, lol. But later the artist or band may change.. WILL change ultimately.
    We?re all sinners/imperfect.. the word translated sin is hamartia, you likely know, and means to miss the mark. All miss the mark of perfection. Who would we love and care about if we required perfection? No humans that?s for sure. :gsmile:

...We have a potential buyer for: 'Herods Christmas Anthems 2025!'  :banana:

Thank you for giving your input Marie, very interesting!   :gimmefive: