Do Mormons Listen to Secular Music? Unveiling the Truth behind Musical Preferences in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Do you ever wonder if members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly referred to as Mormons, engage in the listening of secular music? If so, you're not alone. In this detailed exploration, we will delve into the rich tapestry of musical preferences within this faith community, uncovering the reasons behind why they may or may not listen to secular music. Whether it's big band, bluegrass, or rock, we'll explore the complexities that shape the music choices of Latter-day Saints, while also clarifying the nuances behind their self-identification and music consumption habits.

Why Some Mormons Refrain from Calling Themselves 'Mormons.'

One interesting aspect of this conversation is the self-identification of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While some may refer to themselves as 'Mormons,' our community prefers to identify as 'Latter-day Saints.' This distinction is not merely a matter of terminology, but one that carries deep theological and cultural significance. When we, a family, choose to use the term 'Latter-day Saint' instead of 'Mormon,' it is a reflection of our desire to emphasize our unique history and belief system, which is distinct from the broader association with the term 'Mormon.'

Exploring the Variety of Music in a Latter-day Saint Family

Our household, like many Latter-day Saint families, has a diverse range of musical tastes that reflect the richness of our faith community and cultural background. On Sundays, we exclusively listen to religious music, often featuring performances by renowned choirs such as the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. These hymns and spiritual melodies serve as a powerful reminder of our faith and its role in our lives.

However, our musical preferences do not stop there. During the weekdays, we immerse ourselves in a wide array of genres including big band, bluegrass, classical, contemporary country, disco, electropop, rock, and many others. This eclectic mix of music reflects the diverse experiences and backgrounds within our family and community. From the smooth tones of jazz to the energetic beats of funk and salsa, our music choices are a testament to the vibrant and inclusive nature of Latter-day Saint culture.

Music Consumption and Spiritual Upliftment in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

When it comes to spiritual upliftment, we draw inspiration from a wide array of sources, not solely from hymns and other religious music. While hymns are an integral part of our worship and daily lives, we also find solace and joy in secular music that aligns with our values and beliefs. For instance, individuals like David Archuleta, known for his secular music career and his LDS background, often find their music spiritually uplifting. Even secular music artists such as Donny Osmond, known for his role in the musical Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, can provide emotional and spiritual resonance.

Permitted Music in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

So, are Latter-day Saints permitted to listen to any kind of music? The answer is a resounding yes. Our faith encourages the appreciation of a wide variety of music, as long as it aligns with our values and does not interfere with our spiritual practices. While there are no strict prohibitions on secular music, it is important that we choose music that reflects righteousness and moral integrity.

To illustrate, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in our family enjoy genres such as rock, pop, and electronic music, all of which we believe can be sources of spiritual growth and upliftment. We believe that music has the power to inspire and draw us closer to God, and through careful selection, we can use music to enhance our spiritual lives.

Music Collection of a Latter-day Saint

Our personal music collection, as a Latter-day Saint, reflects this broader perspective. In our collection, we have a vast array of 396 folders containing music from a wide range of genres. While only a small portion is religious, we recognize the value in diverse music that can enrich our lives in spiritual and emotional ways.

For example, our collection includes:

396 folders of music in total, reflecting the rich variety of genres we enjoy. 9 folders with religious music, including not only hymns but also some non-Latter-day Saint compositions. Latter-day Saint artists in our collection include a blend of secular and semi-religious artists, such as: Myself (creating secular MIDI music) David Archuleta (American Idol contestant and a talented secular artist) Donny Osmond (even incorporating religious satire into his work, such as in Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat) Kirby Heyborne (known for his rock versions of religious songs) Part of the band of The Killers (rumored to be a Latter-day Saint, though not confirmed) The Piano Guys (though primarily known for secular music, some of their work may offer spiritual upliftment for those who connect with it)

These examples illustrate how Latter-day Saints can find spiritual value and upliftment in secular music that aligns with their values and beliefs.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice to listen to secular music in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a matter of personal freedom and informed choice. While our community may not identify as 'Mormons' publicly, we embrace a wide range of musical expressions that reflect our diverse cultural backgrounds and spiritual journeys. By engaging with both religious and secular music, we seek to find joy, inspiration, and a deeper connection with God, all while remaining true to our faith and values.