Below is an excerpt from an article titled “Christians Can’t Ignore the World…” -@ktackel
Today I was reading Acts 17 and it is amazing how Paul uses the local culture of the time to reach people. I think there is a big disconnect in churches about using the culture of the time in church. Well, ok, actually more than a disconnect, there can be major arguments on the subject!
Many churches are using secular songs and video to make a point in relation to a subject they are trying to teach. Now before we go further, I will say secular songs for the sake of doing them, to me has no point, but if they relate to a message I think there can be good reason backed by Paul in this case.
People often think that secular media in church can be seen as sin or just wrong to God but I believe that if we truly want to meet people where they are especially people that are not Christians then it needs to be considered. Starting in Acts 17:16 and onward Paul talks about how he walked around and saw the various idols and how distressed it made him. So I believe in reading that we can’t close our eyes to the world and what is going on, we can be distressed by it, but we should not ignore it.
In Acts 17:28 Paul even quotes a poet of the time to help people relate to his message. So what you say? Poets of that time are like popular musicians, or rock stars of our time. Meaning if a preacher uses lyrics from a secular band for example to make a point relating to the message I believe it is completely biblical, as long as there is a point and it points people back to Jesus.
Read the rest of the article here.
I like this. I’m torn a little about it, but it provides some food for thought. I agree with the over all point, but I think that it can cause problems. Below is the comment I posted at the article.
“I play drums, grew up in church, and have changed my opinion on this more than once.
I would have no problem with using a secular song to illustrate a sermon topic, but I couldn’t see using it as part of the worship portion of the service..
Worship is to be upward looking, about God to God, and exalting Him above all else. It’s not for us or meant to instruct us (although it probably does both to some extent) it’s about us worshiping him.
Anything that puts a light on ourselves by definition is not worship, at least not worshiping Him.”