How Christian parents can keep their children safe from dangerous lyrics

Secular music is full of all kinds of messages that have the potential to lead young people astray. From lyrical references to sex, drugs and violence, to the risks of idol worship, parents can feel powerless in the face of a song with a good beat and a catchy tune.

Should we be concerned about the spiritual effects of secular music on our children? How should we talk to them about what they listen to and help keep them on the narrow path?

Firstly as parents I think we need to be informed. What are our children listening to and what are the lyrics? What are the music videos like? I hadn’t listened to pop music since I was a teenager and when I started learning about it, I was shocked at how sexualised the videos have become. As well as the obvious red flags like promoting sex before marriage, I think it’s also important to look at how ‘spiritual but not religious’ beliefs are being promoted through high profile singers. For example Taylor Swift has a song called ‘Karma’ and has said in an interview that she believes in the concept. Singers are also promoting anti-Bible and anti-Christian views. For example, in a pro-abortion song, Swine, Demi Lovato claims that our right to choose to end a life is more important than the Bible.

When a five year old dances around to Katy Perry singing about wanting to end her life, does it matter? Young children probably don’t hear the lyrics or understand them. However when we look at the Bible we see that music is a powerful, spiritual force. It was David playing the harp that drove out Saul’s demon in 1 Samuel. 16-14-23. In 2 Kings 3.15 it was after a minstrel played that Elisha prophesied. It’s clear from the Bible that music influences our souls even when there are no words.