Who is to say what’s right or wrong with rap music?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: Is it wrong to listen to rap music? Some people say yes, others no. Some say it’s wrong to watch movies or certain television shows. Who is to say what’s right or wrong in these areas? – M.E.
A: We must remember that our minds are molded in many different ways – often in ways we are not aware of at the time. It is good to ask ourselves these questions and consider what we are feeding our minds.
Many things that we watch, listen to, and read have a profound influence on us. When we belong to Christ, we are called to live a life of purity and holiness. God wants our minds to be shaped by Him so that our thoughts and goals reflect Christ. This is why the Bible often places a high value on the mind and stresses the importance of what goes into it.
The Bible tells us that we are not to live as unbelievers do “in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God … . Put off, concerning your former conduct … and be renewed in the spirit of your mind … put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness” (Ephesians 4:17–18, 22–24, NKJV).
It is important for us to consider the words, ideas, and philosophies that occupy our thinking. Much of the music today speaks favorably about drug experiences or suggests that certain patterns of life are best, when in fact they are sinful. When this is the case, we are to turn from all of this and set our minds on Christ. When we commit our lives to Christ Jesus, we will want to do everything we can to honor Him in all that we do, say, and think.
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
©2025 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(c)2025 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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