A brother recently wrote to me, "I would love some biblical input on rewriting well known songs from the world and singing them in church services. Do the lyrics' original meaning make using their music 'unclean' for church? Should we sing songs that make people think of Lady Gaga Rhianna or Nicki Minaj? We've done songs by "worldly" artists for special events (not Sundays). Are worship services different from a biblical standpoint?" How should I answer him? What are your thoughts?
Many songs in the course of church history were worldly songs rewritten for Christians. The brother must not know too much about the history of hymnology!
On the other hand, I can imagine that some tunes might be highly distracting, or dishonoring to the Lord, because of their pagan origin. Judgment calls will have to be made.
