So, I was chatting with some friends on another site and asked if there were any Lecrae fans in the chat room. Quickly, I got 2 responses saying that Christian Rap isn't actually Christian, as it adopts 'the world's' tunes and such. They believe that styles of music like Christian Rock and Rap are not actually Christian music. My question? Why? What about the genre demands the Christian label be removed? If they're singing to glorify God, why does the beat matter?

So, what are your thoughts? Are genres such as Christian Rap/Rock actually Christian? Please give a thorough, thought out response. Thanks!!!

I've got this uncle who believes almost all music that claims to be christian is not.  He said it had something to do with the timing like a 4 beat time vs a 2 beat time or something I don't know enough about music.  Let's try to look at it this way though.  Say I wrote a book about Christianity would it not be a Christian book because I used modern English?  I think if something gives a Christian message to the world in the name of Jesus it would be considered Christian.

Ah, I have asked this same question many times. It really is an indefensible position to say it can't be Christian because it has the same sound as "Worldly" music. That would mean that even southern gospel is worldly, as it has a worldly counterpart as well. The only genre that leaves is Choir music. At one point, even the beloved song "Amazing Grace" would have been considered radical and worldly. The standards of what is worldly change everyday, and become more and more lenient, which is another reason why I think we need a very specific set of guidelines.

My question is, what makes a beat, tune, or rhythm ungodly? It can't be fast? It can't have an electric instrument? It has to fall into a specific set of beats? In the end, I say, in order to say that this music isn't Christian music, you have to offer a scriptural reason. If you have a verse to back it up, then please do tell me.

My personal guidelines on a song are simple:
1. Does it communicate an attitude or message that the Bible says is wrong?
2. Does it make you feel ungodly feelings?
3. Does it glorify sin, or any type of ungodly principles?
4. How does it make you feel?

If you answered no to questions 1-3, and can honestly say the song doesn't make the Christian in you feel uncomfortable or unpleasant, then it's Christian music. That's all just my personal opinion, and I in no way mean to say that it's the absolute truth. I'm just as prone to being wrong as anyone. *tries to not debate, despite posting in the debate forum* lol

fightorace : Yeah, I understand that. A 2/4 is mostly just slower than a 4/4 beat. Pretty much just things like Gospel and hymns would be in the 2/4 song group. There's more to it, but that's a simplified version of things. I like your view, by the way. You make a good point.

Honestly in the end I don't really see why people have to put music into genre's. Music in the end is the essence of the artist who wrote it, and ultimately music is simply music, I don't see why so many people are against certain types of music. Sure it may not be their cup of tea but it's still music in the end. Everyone seems so quick to judge the music that they don't like simply because they don't like it personally. In the end though it's just a matter of opinion and everyone is entitled to their own, there are really no exceptions there. Anyway, this is just my thoughts on music in general. I wouldn't rely too strongly on what I've just said at all nor would I take it to heart if I were you.

Frodlex : I don't want to start some sort of flame war, but I honestly don't think that Screemo and most Rap can be considered music. With screemo, you can't even tell what's going on, and rap usually has really poor music, not to mention no actual singing. That's just my two cents.

I personally think that as long as it conveys a good message about God, and not just some random garbage, then yeah, it's Christian music. If, however, it talks about God ONCE and then just goes somewhere else, it's not Christian music, and that's a whole other story.

There is actually quite a bit on this topic.  I'll just keep it short.  
-Regarding musical instruments:  The Bible leaves this to personal preference
-The Beat:  It is not the beat that draws demonic attention, but the intent of the participants.  The Bible never cautions against drum beats. scriptural references on drums or in this case, tambourines:  1Samuel 18:6;  Psalm 81:2
-The song writers / artists:  There are songs that reflect spiritual truth but are not specifically written for the Christian community. Many of these songs are performed by individuals who have background knowledge of Christianity but are in a period of searching for what they believe.  The walk and focus of the singers/songwriters can't necessarily determine whether a song is "Christian."

So, if instruments and the beat are not an issue and if the writer/singer is not a decisive indicator of "Christian music," this leaves lyrics.
Words can, and should, express spiritual truth. Colossians 4:6 says that all our conversations should be "full of grace, seasoned with salt." Ephesians 4:29 says our words should be edifying—they should build others up.  Technically  the lyrics can't be Christian because Christian means "follower of Christ" so this can only refer to a person.  It would probably be better to call a song's lyrics "scripturally sound" or biblically edifying.

So to conclude.  If the artist or the writer of the song is not a perfect person, it only matters if that knowledge will distract you from the message of the song.  If the drum beat distracts you, you are free to worship the Lord with music containing no drums.  It is a matter of personal preference.  God gave us music to enjoy and to build us up.  Psalm 40:3 says, "He has put a new song in my mouth—Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the Lord."