Is Secular Music Bad Because It Doesn't Edify?

As a fan of heavy metal music, which is often perceived as the antithesis of religious music, and as a listener of all genres, I must vehemently say NO. In fact, I would go so far as to suggest that secular music often conveys a more profound and practical message than its religious counterparts.

Secular Music as a Source of Empowerment

Let's take a look at a song like Nothing Else Matters by Metallica. This track encourages you to trust in your authenticity, rather than conforming to others' expectations. It implores you to explore different perspectives, questioning what you have been told. In contrast, consider the song Leaning on the Everlasting Arms by Elisha A. Hoffman and beautifully performed by Iris Dement. This song instructs us to have faith in God, asserting that everything will be fine as a result.

While both songs offer guidance, it's difficult to say which one is more beneficial. The fact remains that both, in their own way, impart valuable lessons.

Edification in Religious Music: A Mixed Bag

Some religious music can come across as stale and uninspired. For instance, the band Jars of Clay is often criticized for producing derivative and lackluster work. However, this doesn’t mean that all religious music is inherently lacking. Songs like Johnny Cash's The Man Comes Around offer timeless and meaningful messages, despite their overt religious themes. Similarly, Dave Brubeck's Mass is celebrated for its brilliance, transcending the religious narrative to focus on the musician's skill.

The core of the matter is that music itself, whether it's secular or religious, can be edifying. It is challenging to pinpoint what makes one piece more edifying than another, but I am increasingly convinced that an abstract notion like 'quality' plays a minimal role. More significant is the emotional connection you have with the themes and the artists, or how it resonates with you on an emotional level.

The Absurdity of the Edification Debate

The idea that music is bad if it doesn't serve an educational purpose is equally absurd. Beethoven's 5th Symphony, for instance, should not be considered evil simply because it lacks explicit educational content. Like any form of art, it evokes profound emotions and stimulates the human spirit.

Debasing entire genres of music due to this misplaced criterion is closed-minded and misses the true essence of what music can be. Embracing a diverse range of music and recognizing its power to inspire and uplift is essential for a rich and fulfilling experience.

Ultimately, music, whether secular or religious, should be judged on its ability to touch the human heart and soul, rather than on any preconceived notions of edification or purpose.