IMPACT OF SECULAR MUSIC ON THE MORAL LIFE OF CHRISTIAN YOUTHS

ABSTRACT

This study is an investigation of the ‘Impact of Secular Music on the Moral life of Christian Youths in Delta State, Nigeria’. Christian Church is known for its orderly form of worship. Its musical pattern of worship is arranged from entrance to recessional hymns for dedications, wedding, etc. This kind of music has its purpose and impact in the secular world; the impact of this secular music on the moral life of Christian youths in Delta State calls for this study. In doing so, it examined some contemporary secular music like makossa, reggae, rock and roll, jazz, azonto for Christ, kukere, alanta, yahuzee, hippo and the like that have penetrated deeply into the musical tradition of the Christian Church in Delta State. Similarly, the study examined the factors responsible for the importation of secular music into the music of Christian tradition. Research questions were developed and administered in line with the objectives which are based on the impact of secular music on the moral life of Christian youths. Following the questions were null hypotheses which were stated to free the study from preconceived results and an impaired related literature review was undertaken. To give a clear picture of the impact of secular music on the moral life of Christian youths in Delta State, a set of questionnaire, interview and observation were adopted as instruments for the study. Eight hundred and twenty

(820)copies of the questionnaire were administered to the youths, church leaders, and members of the Christian Church in Delta State.

Eight hundred and two (802) questionnaires were returned. The data collected through questionnaire were analysed with means, percentage, frequencies and t - test statistics.

The demographic variables of the questionnaire were analysed with frequency and percentage statistics, while the hypotheses were tested with means standard deviation and t - test. The results of the findings were presented in tables. Hypotheses 1 revealed that both clergy and members of Christian Church were aware that secular music lyrics have made an inroad into the church. Hypotheses 2 revealed that Christian youths and their adults differ significantly in their opinion on the effect of secular music on the moral life of Christian youths. Hypotheses 3 revealed that majority of male and female members agreed that secular music dancing styles has negative impact on the moral life of the youths. Hypothesis 4 indicated that both male and female members of the church concur that secular musicians dressing has negative impact on moral life of the youths. The result of hypotheses 5 is of the opinion that Christian youths should be trained to genuine music that inspires true worship of God. Also skimpy dressing and energetic dancing of secular music makes the church look more of a social gathering than a place of worship. It was discovered that secular music has negative impact on the moral lives of Christians youth’s in Delta State. In this case, Christian youths should be educated on the importance of descent dressing especially when it comes to worshiping God, and their immoral dancing steps in church should be minimized so as to differentiate worship from the disco hall. Distractive or less meditative music should be discouraged, so as to help those that are used to solemn and meditative way of worship in the Church. All forms of music used during worship should be properly screened by musical directors of the Christian Church before playing it in the church by the youths or choristers.