If you hear “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” you may think of a Byrds song written by Pete Seeger in the 1960’s. However, if you are a Bible reader you of course realize these words come from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. This is just another pop culture example of using The Bible to gain notoriety, to cover up the Gospel, and to twist its meaning. In the song the author adds on “Turn! Turn! Turn!” which sounds dizzying and confusing, and the final lyric “A time for peace, I swear its not too late.” Which is a call for world peace. I am not the world’s greatest expert on The Holy Bible, but I don’t believe that world peace is what is called for or prophesied, excepting at the end of days during the Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ. It sounds a lot more like the goal of Luciferians who pursue one-world government and the reign and perfecting of Earthly man.
But this convergence calls to my mind an even deeper discerning: I realize now that nearly everything in popular culture can be interpreted in at least two different ways. In a real sense, a follower of Jesus Christ will see a totally different world than a secular person. The Bible reader will recognize quotes and references as what they are and perhaps see them as attractive or indicative of appropriateness or goodness. The worldly person will subconsciously feel attracted to the holy scripture, but at the same time perceive the secular perhaps even anti-christian message that will be added on or braided into the message. For example, most people think of John Denver as a dope smoking hippy from Colorado who sang a lot of groovy songs about peace and love. But I believe after studying and playing his music for many years that he was a follower of Jesus who sprinkled the Gospel throughout his lyrics. He also seems to have included some worldly aspects in his work, whether on purpose or simply because of his personality or because he was required to by corporate interests there is no way to know.
Discernment requires wisdom, and that comes only from praying to God to receive it. I certainly don’t have all the answers but it seems that sometimes artists use words from The Bible because they know they are powerful but then don’t honor the Author with their deeds and works. Why would you name your musical group Peter, Paul and Mary and then sing about things that sound religious but aren’t? Perhaps it is a bit like preachers and teachers, the psalmists are going to be people who are called by God, and also those who serve Satan will infiltrate and emulate. Another way to corrupt and disillusion innocence. Consider the super-group Styx: a band named after the Egyptian river of death certainly sounds like a rock and roll band that has sold their souls to the devil. But once again, if you look closely at the lyrics there is a lot of Gospel imagery and tone and beauty. But just as with John Denver, there are certainly nods given to scoffery, skepticism, and the like. “I thought that they were angels, but to my surprise, we climbed aboard their starship and headed for the skies.”