Christians divided over music

are drawn to God through the music.
Others argued that hip-hop and other genres couldn’t be used for the gospel since they are rooted in worldly entertainment and as such dishonour God.
Tatenda Maposa, who supported my view, said that churches should move with the times, adding that hip-hop and other genres are suitable for use in spreading the gospel because they are more modern and appeal to a wide cross-section of people.
“I agree that hip-hop gospel and other genres should be used by artistes in church. One thing for sure is that many people are into hip-hop and so if you use it to preach the gospel, your message will be well received unlike choral music which is old.”
Another reader who identified herself as Shamiso said the subject of music in church should not divide Christians since its main purpose should be praising God. “You can use any genre that is good enough for you. If I am good with hip-hop, I should be able to use it for the gospel,” said Shamiso.
Joshua Mutara said hip-hop gospel preaches the word of God and that people especially youths should not be afraid of the gospel.
“Was very happy to notice your view towards hip-hop gospel. If you checked recently we had the Unashamed Movement from America visiting Harare and Bulawayo. They really encouraged us as youths not to be ashamed of the gospel. They talked of the sins familiar within the youths and encouraged us to go for Jesus instead.”
Evangelist Jacob Mugugu said there is a guiding spirit behind every music which explains why some genres which were created by non-Christians should not be used for the gospel.
“Although there are no laid-down laws in the Bible as to which type of music we can use to praise and worship the Lord, it is important to note that behind every music genre lies a spirit. This rules out some of the music genres as they were not composed by people filled by the spirit of God.”
Oscar Siziba said hip-hop and other genres were created for worldly entertainment and as such did not respect God if they were used for the gospel.
“If any music genre is going to be used, it would mean that God has no standard or does not exist or exists as man would invent and make him be. That God can be praised anyhow, with anything that has his name literally translates into him being of no moral backbone and stooping to anything man can afford to give him.
“God is holy and requires his creatures to show him respect and reverence when they do obeisance to him. Reverence cannot be found in any and every kind of music. There is a certain kind of music that naturally draws man to God without man having created the atmosphere through his feelings, but responding to the nature and reverence contained in music”
Roderick Tayengwa said Christians would lose their spiritual standing if they listened to all kinds of music.
“Daniel 3 says they would fall down and worship the image. It is when we listen to all kinds of music that we fall. Forget you not that Satan was the chief musician and he was cast out of heaven with all his powers”.
Rejoice Moyo agreed that different forms of music can corrupt a Christian but added that Christians should return to the ancient religion when believers would call upon the name of God with faith that it changes the sinner.
“We need to know what music to play and when to pay it. Let’s go back to that old time religion when we called upon the name of God believing that it has the power to change the sinner.”
Since the Bible does not teach about genres of music, people should study the word of God more carefully to understand how music should be used in worshipping God.
I believe Christians should follow the advice given in 1 John 4 verse 1 which encourages believers to try everything to see if they are living according to the word of God.
Although there may be no agreement among Christians on which type of music should be used for the gospel, the Bible should give some insight on music while people should be guided by the spirit of God on issues to do with music.
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