Why we allow our children to listen to "secular" music

Not all non-christian music is created equally. But there are the obvious few that I think we can probably all agree on, like wedding anthems and line dances.

What music means

Beyond that, we do allow our children to listen to music that would be considered “secular”. See, music talks about a wide array of topics, like how to treat others and how you should expect to be treated. Praising God, and the struggles and victories of our faith, are more of those topics. Some are about social struggles, economical struggles, success, joy, heartache and loss. Many artists used their voices to promote changes in our history.Music is an expression of feelings. We need to feel like “hey, I went through something like that”; we need to be able to relate on a human level, to know that we’re not the only ones who feel the way we do. Music can offer you a look into someone’s emotions. You can explore other people’s perspective. It can open your eyes to a life that you’ll never walk, troubles you’ll never have.

And, oh by the way, not all songs about love are raunchy and nasty. They can be tender and endearing. Just like the affection they see between mom and dad.

A glimpse into the world that surrounds them

My children have to take their faith out into the world. They shouldn’t be naive to what’s going on around them. We shouldn’t be a tiny island that knows nothing of the world around us. We should be practicing the technique of examining, not immediately turning away what doesn’t fit into our beliefs. This is not to be confused with letting your guard down, and allowing all things into your life. Have you ever seen Breaking Amish? I want my children to have more than two options; crazy wild in the streets, or scared back into their safe bubbles. Jesus called us to go out into the world, but not to be of the world. We have to learn to filter. The music we allow them to hear offers a glimpse into the world around them without being harsh or profane. Here are a few artists that we listen to: India Arie, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Anita Baker, John Coltrane, Nora Jones, and more like this. These are voices that we feel have something constructive and real to say. They prompt our children (mostly Aden at this point) into very honest conversations about what awaits them.

In conclusion

That doesn’t mean that we allow them listen to every kind of music. We invite music into our house and into our lives that have something to offer. I won’t argue with you that most of what I hear on the radio today shouldn’t even be considered music anymore. These are the things that we do avoid and filter for them! They’re learning to have an appreciation for real instrument playing, and real voices (that aren’t auto-tuned), simply put-real talent. Even with the music that we do allow, we still filter that. They don’t need too much exposure. So when we say no, they understand that we’re doing what’s best for them.

With all that said, we mostly listen to music that lifts our spirits and drives us towards God, His love, His character, and our faith. We don’t keep them from everything; just things don’t breathe inspiration, real thought, or creativity into us.

Please, share with me. You know I’m always curious as to others perspective, and always willing to learn. How do you see it?