Should We Use the Music of Ungodly Composers? - a podcast by Jonathan Michael Jones

Throughout my ministry, I have had some form of the
following question: is it okay to use the music of ungodly composers and
song-writers in your ministry? This question could certainly be asked of other
Christian artists and creators such as authors and preachers. The question is
likely not derived from thoughts of their work but rather their lives. In my
experience, it has been asked out of a genuine concern for God’s people and how
using such people’s work will impact the local church. Years ago, a prominent
Christian musician to which I grew up listening professed his own homosexuality
while I was serving in a local church fellowship; I am still asked questions
about whether it is wrong or right to use his music. While I openly admit that
his decision has had drastic negative effects on professing Christians, we should
assess whether using his music is still acceptable.

Although we should test and measure
everything we allow into our lives, I would like to examine how to respond to
the music of ungodly composers, song-writers, and hymn-writers. I firmly
believe that it is acceptable and even good to use the music of anyone,
irrespective of the composer’s lifestyle, if the music is created within the
bounds of certain parameters, namely correct theology. Regarding this topic
then, I have four thoughts concerning the church’s use of ungodly composers’
music.

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