We have previously discussed [1] the questionable and problematic nature of several well-known hymns as a question of fact, and seen that legitimate concerns exist for all of these songs, some more than others. How are we to deal with these concerns, though, as a question of God’s law. Rather than simply deal with such matters on an ad hoc basis case by case, let us seek to find principles to rule our conduct taken from the scriptures themselves. Rather than relying on our shifting feelings as a sign of God’s special revelation to us (as is often done by the corrupt among us), let us see what principles govern not only this issue, but other issues where people are offended by the behavior of others. Let us look at two principles that have a specific context, one of which relates exactly to the specific context of being concerned about the ways of the heathen, that also apply in general across wide principles, so that we may understand the mind of God not by our own wishes and desires but rather by the revealed will of God in the Bible.

Principle One: Respect The Sensitivities Of Others

The first principle that we can use in a case like this is a principle that we encounter in the epistles of Paul where clean meats were being sold in the markets after having been first offered to idols. This is something that Paul finds it necessary to address to to the brethren at Corinth and at Rome, and it is a case that others have twisted to make it seem as if Paul was talking about something else entirely. That said, this is an issue that applies to much more than simply clean meats offered to idols, but applies to any area where someone has a conscience that is offended by the sensitivities of others. As Christians, our conduct is not to be governed by our own whims or selfish desires, but rather our concern for others, and that includes showing tenderness to even their silly and immature and irrational sensitivities rather than trying to bludgeon them with a harsh view of what we see to be true, even where we are actually right.

We find this principle articulated in Romans 14:19-23: “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.”

For those who do not believe that music and lyrics from dubious lyrics is a big deal, this principle is a reminder that our actions are constrained by our own consciences as well as the consciences of others, if they happen to be more delicate than our own. It does not behoove a Christian be selfish and demand to act in such a way that leads us to behave uncharitably to others, to cause conflict where a bit of restraint would allow for people to work out their conscience in a godly and gradual fashion rather than forcing upon them a burden and pressure, or to stir up against ourselves unnecessary bad blood. It is far better for us instead to behave with restraint and gentleness, and kindly respect the scruples of others, even at cost to our own comfort and enjoyment. This obviously applies to a lot more than just music.

Principle Two: Avoid Pagan Customs

The next principle gives a sense of caution in reminding us that scruples and a sensitive conscience may not be the result of weakness, as may be commonly believed by those who fancy themselves to be strong, but rather the result of a heart that is sensitive to God’s ways. This was, if we remember, a problem that was dealt with in Corinth when the brethren fancied themselves to be spiritually mature in their tolerance of the sin of incest, when Paul had to forcibly remind them that this was a sin too gross for even the heathen Gentiles to accept. Sometimes that can be the case for Christians as well, in that we may glory in our grace, not realizing we are gracious towards those things that God abhors, leaving us to attempt to “out-grace” God, and fail to hate the evil that God hates.

We find the second principle clearly stated in Deuteronomy 11:19-32: “When the Lord your God cuts off from before you the nations which you go to dispossess, and you displace them and dwell in their land, take heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.’ You shall not worship the Lord your God in that way; for every abomination to the Lord which He hates they have done to their gods; for they burn even their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods. Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it.”

This principle is pretty blunt. Such knowledge of pagan ways as a believer has (see the example of Paul in this) is to use such knowledge as a cultural bridge to biblical truth, a means to an end, or (in the manner of Jude) as a way of quoting the books that people respect against the conduct of those people. When it comes to music, liturgy, symbolism, holy days, or any other spiritual matter, we are not supposed to copy the ways of the heathen in order to appeal to them. This is, after all, the characteristic reply of Hellenistic Christianity (most notably the Catholic Church), which fails to recognize this important principle of understanding God’s ways and the need to safeguard them from contamination with heathen corruption. We should do better than that.

Conclusion:

In looking at these principles, it is important to remember that these principles will generally apply to the same people in a situation, but from different perspectives. Regardless of whether the scruples of others are justified or not, our conduct should be above board in respecting those scruples. At times, those scruples will be the result of weakness or immaturity, and respecting those scruples provides the atmosphere where growth and maturity takes place. At times, though, those scruples will be the sign of sensitivity and understanding of God’s ways, and a reminder that we need to be more responsive to God’s laws and less interested in bragging about our own supposed maturity. In either case, we need to avoid copying the ways of the heathen and show respect to the sensitivities of others in those cases where that sensitivity shows itself, in such areas as music, and many other areas of behavior. As is always the case, though, knowing is a different matter than doing.

[1] https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress.com/2014/09/08/towards-a-principled-view-of-honoring-god-in-song-part-one/