Extremism in any area of life is dangerous. While maintaining balance is often considered wise, it can sometimes lead us to compromise our principles. In certain matters, however, we cannot afford to strike a balance or remain neutral; we must say “NO” firmly, even if it is painful. Such honesty reveals our integrity and helps others understand our principles.
When contextualization is discussed, proponents of “Disco” and “Rock” music may eagerly claim that these genres align with their intentions. But is this truly contextualization?
The problem is that we often misunderstand what contextualization means. Conforming to the world’s image is not contextualization. True contextualization allows the Lord to enter a particular culture without compromising its moral values rooted in Scripture. It does not mean embracing all cultural systems as valid vehicles for presenting the Gospel. Contextualization is not about making people feel comfortable regardless of their convictions or lifestyle.
Culture is a gift from God, and while certain social systems may become corrupt, they are not inherently evil in their original form. The Gospel can be incarnated within such cultures. However, anything that rebels against God’s order is not from Him. Democracy, though flawed, is a God-given political system. In contrast, systems like bureaucratic authoritarianism and communism, which oppose democratic principles, can be seen as rebellious, and therefore rooted in evil. We cannot replace a God-given system with one inspired by rebellion in the name of human rights or to cater to people’s whims. For example, we cannot justify perverted sexual relationships like homosexuality and lesbianism under the guise of basic human rights, while recognizing that individuals have choices as long as they do not affect the basic structure of society. Perversion in any form will have its own negative impact. For example, ‘Food’ is meant for the stomach, but that doesn’t mean the stomach is a place to dump anything in the name of enjoying life.
As for the origins of Disco and Rock music, I have encountered various controversies. Since these genres originate from a different culture, I am hesitant to judge whether they are natural gifts or not. Although I have read materials on this subject, I struggle to understand their moral values. However, given their impact on society and life, we must acknowledge that they do not contribute to the spiritual growth of people anywhere.
Any system must be evaluated based on its meaning to the people who follow it. The significance of the Gospel in addressing life’s challenges and how we interpret it is far more important than adhering strictly to eternal dogmas. Even if Rock and Disco had wholesome origins, their current meaning is tied to sensation and indulgence.
I once engaged with a ministry group in India that argued that, thanks to television, middle-class urban youth are exposed to Rock and Disco music, often with sensational imagery designed to stir emotions. They asked, “So, what’s wrong with using the same music for spiritual purposes?”
My question is this: if a young man watches Rock and Disco with sensual movements on TV and then attends your ministry the next day, hearing the same type of music with a spiritual spin, will it lead him to feel peace and calm, experiencing the peace of God? His mind will likely recall the sensual imagery from the night before, because human minds are weak and easily drawn to the flesh. Our flesh is not dead, and the devil never takes a weekend off. Sevanand’s cry in Romans 7:24—“Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?”—was not the cry of a weak person, but of a mature believer struggling with sin.
Similarly, the young man’s mind will be drawn back to lust and sensation rather than to experiencing peace. Some might argue that Rock music has led people to the Lord in Western countries. I cannot speak to that, but in India, where people are not raised in that kind of music culture, though music is integral part of our life—from birth to death— Rock music is primarily associated with sensation. Using it in ministry here could lead to mockery rather than true contextualization. This is not an area for balance to say “yes” and “no” but requires a firm “yes” or “no.”
The following points from Eric Barger’s book, From Rock to Rock: The Music of Darkness Exposed! [Huntington House Publishers, Louisia, 1990] may help us understand the harmful effects of such music. Barger writes from his own experience, which we in India may not fully grasp:
“Listening to rock music never sent anyone to Hell. No, it simply teaches people how to get there, destroys God’s desire for one’s life, produces idolatry, and conditions those who listen with satanic ideals.
Certainly, not every song on rock and country radio is evil. They don’t all say ‘worship the devil, take drugs, kill your parents, and commit suicide.’ If they did, who would listen? It’s every third, fifth, eighth, fifteenth, or twentieth song that teaches the adversary’s goals explicitly.”
Dr. Billy Graham echoed this concern, noting that much modern music promotes immorality, drug use, and even occult themes. He urged parents to set clear guidelines for their children, as many have been harmed by the influence of these songs and the lifestyles of those idolized in popular culture.
Holiness is not legalism; it is true freedom—freedom from sinful desires and readiness to serve God. Spiritual freedom is real, but our love for God must reign over our natural desires. No, music will not send us to Hell, but if we let it dictate our actions, we will be instructed on how to get there, as it takes our eyes off the Lord and leads us back to the world.
I wrote this back in 1993. Now social media has turned the world upside down. There are serious debates about whether students should be allowed to bring mobile phones to the classroom. In some cases, schools are instructing students (even those below ten years old) to inform teachers if their parents spend too much time on mobile phones instead of giving them attention at home. Teachers are then calling such parents to warn them. The situation has reached the point where teachers must now extend their moral lessons to the parents of their students. This recently happened in a school in Chennai, where my nephew’s two sons are studying.
Living alone in solitude with complete freedom, I know the dangers of social media and impose self-discipline on what to watch and what not to watch. Although I use AI and watch important programs on social media, I often make strict decisions to say “no” to watching all the time and to every program. Otherwise, I must pay the price for it. This is the reality of life now. Beyond music, in every area of life, we must say “Yes” or “No” and not try to balance both.
**Dayanand Bharati**
*[17-02-1993 & 07-09-1993, Goa & Gonda]*
Revised on 24-9-2024
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