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Music and the Brain

Music and the Brain

Dr. Jennings,

I was wondering what you think the Christian’s relationship with music ought to be.  Since the Bible doesn’t speak to the popular styles of music of our day, is there any scientific research or human experience that you might cite in order to either recommend or caution against rock, pop, jazz, and hip hop style music?

 How about classical style music?  I’m mostly interested in learning more about the relationship between music and the brain. 


Thanks for your feedback and questions regarding music. Over the years I have received multiple questions regarding music, what impact does it have on the brain? Are certain forms of music healthier than others? Should parents worry about what music their children listen to? Is it the music style or lyrics that are the problem?

A great review, by Sarkamo et al., is found in Brain: A Journal of Neurology (January 2008, Vol 131;3 p 866-876).

Listening to music is a complex brain process that triggers activity in not just the auditory brain circuits, but activates the emotional and cognitive regions, the bilateral network of frontal, temporal, parietal, and motor functions, as well as impacting memory, attention, pain processing, mood, impulse-control, manual dexterity, and emotional processing. (Peretz and Zatorre, 2005, Bhattacharya et al., 2001; Janata et al., 2002; Koelsch et al., 2004; Popescu et al., 2004), Blood et al.,1999; Blood and Zatorre, 2001; Brown et al., 2004; Koelsch et al., 2006; Menon and Levitin, 2005).

 Music can reduce anxiety, depression, and reduce pain perception. (Cassileth et al., 2003; Cepeda et al., 2006; Siedliecki and Good, 2006).

Recent cognitive and neuropsychological studies suggest that it may also enhance a variety of cognitive functions, such as attention, learning, communication, and memory, both in healthy subjects (Wallace, 1994; Thompson et al., 2001; Thompson et al., 2005; Schellenberg et al., 2007) and in clinical conditions, such as dyslexia (Overy, 2003), autism (Gold et al., 2006), schizophrenia (Talwar et al., 2006), multiple sclerosis (Thaut et al., 2005), coronary artery disease (Emery et al.,2003), and dementia (Brotons and Koger, 2000; Foster and Valentine, 2001; Van de Winckel et al., 2004). In stroke rehabilitation, elements of music have previously been used as a part of physiotherapy (Thaut et al., 1997) and speech therapy (Belin et al., 1996) to enhance the recovery of motor and speech functions.

Sarkamo et al. also documented that post stroke patients who listened to music daily, when compared to those who listened to audio books and those who listened to neither, “showed that recovery in the domains of verbal memory and focused attention improved significantly more in the music group than in the language and control groups. The music group also experienced less depressed and confused mood than the control group.”

Brain scans of children’s brains before and after musical training demonstrate structural brain changes for children who received music lessons. It had been previously documented that adult musicians have structural differences in their brains when compared to non-musicians. The question was whether the differences existed prior to the musical training and contributed to their musical ability or whether the brain changed as a result of the musical training.

Gottfried Schlaug of Harvard Medical School conducted a study (The Journal of Neuroscience DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.5118-08.2009), which documents different brain development in children receiving music lessons.

They matched musically untrained 6-year-olds for socioeconomic background and gender and then randomized them into two groups. One group received keyboard lessons for 15 months, the other group didn’t. MRI scans documented that the part of the brain associated with hearing and manual dexterity (auditory and motor cortex) grew larger in those who had lessons. These children did better in tasks involving manual dexterity and their ability to differentiate melodies. But the two groups did not show differences in unrelated skills such as mathematical ability.

Such research has led world renowned neurologist Oliver Sacks to state,

“I said earlier that there’s no one music center. And one of the things which is now apparent from brain imaging is that music can involve many different parts of the brain, special parts for the response to pitch, and to frequency, and to timbre, and to rhythm, and to melodic contour, and to harmonic and everything else. In fact you may find that much more of the brain is involved in the perception and the response to music than to language or anything else. One aspect of this is that if one does brain imaging, you can often distinguish the brains of musicians from the brains of non musicians, because certain parts of the brain may become so enlarged in response to music that you can see the changes with the naked eye. You can’t say that’s the brain of a mathematician or a visual artist. You may be able to say, I think that’s the brain of a musician.”

Clearly music has profound impact upon our brains and thus our mental and physical health. So the obvious question, does the type of music one listens to really matter? Or is all music equally beneficial?

From a Christian point of view, one is immediately cautious. Does it really make sense that a modality which has as powerful an effect upon the human brain as music would not be exploited by Satanic forces? Would Satan really attack humanity in every other way but not pervert and twist music to his purposes, especially when we realize who Satan was before his fall?

The Hebrew for “Lucifer” is helel (brilliant one) or halal (to flash forth light) and comes from the root word, halel, which is the same root for “Hallelujah.” Lucifer was the heavenly Hallelujah or choir master or music leader!

But our suspicion that music could be exploited to cause negative effects upon brain development, mental, physical and spiritual health is not sufficient. If our suspicions are true, then evidence should document this reality. And, in fact, the evidence does.

Research by Wingwood et al., published in the American Journal of Public Health (March 2003, Vol 93, No. 3 | 437-439), documented that,

Logistic regression analyses illustrated that after controlling for covariates, greater exposure to rap music videos was independently associated with a broad spectrum of health outcomes. Compared with adolescents who had less exposure to rap music videos, adolescents who had greater exposure to rap music videos were 3 times more likely to have hit a teacher; more than 2.5 times as likely to have been arrested; 2 times as likely to have had multiple sexual partners; and more than 1.5 times as likely to have acquired a new sexually transmitted disease, used drugs, and used alcohol over the 12-month follow-up period.

Previous research by Robinson, Chen, and Killen, published in Pediatrics (Jun 4, 1998) documented that watching pop music videos increased the risk of adolescent alcohol consumption by 31%.

In 2006 Brown et al. published in Pediatrics (Vol. 117 No. 4 April 2006, pp. 1018-1027), that exposure to sexual content in music increases sexual behavior in adolescents. In fact white adolescents age 12-14 who had the highest intake of music with sexual content, were 2.2 times more likely to have had sex within the next two years as those adolescents of the same age who had the lowest intake of music containing sexual content.

Clearly music can affect us, some music promotes positive effects while other music is damaging. The question of course is, how does one know what music is beneficial, what is harmful and what is neutral in its effect?

There is a Biblical principle that seems to get it exactly right, “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

First examine the lyrics – if the lyrics are violent, sexual, vulgar, nihilistic, unkind, cruel, defamatory, or otherwise ugly then I would recommend against such music. Both science and scripture warn of the damaging consequences to such content.

Second examine the emotional reaction. Does it relax, calm, unwind, inspire, encourage, or instead does the music cause tension, frustration, anxiety, stress or even discomfort?

Third examine the impact the music has on attitude, behavior, function and performance of your children. Any music which is consistently associated with negative attitudes, rebelliousness, hostility, irritability, or reduction in healthy function should be carefully scrutinized and removed from the auditory diet of the child if found to be damaging.

Regarding music style, volume is key – any volume which damages auditory neurons is unhealthy and unreasonable, regardless of style of music and should be avoided. Certain music genres are more consistently associated with damaging volumes, so greater caution should be exercised with such music.

In summary, music has profound impact upon the human brain with subsequent affect on mental, physical and spiritual health. Music which has demonstrated beneficial effects include classical, baroque, religious, inspiration, spiritual, and many forms of modern music which connote healthy messages. Whereas, rap, heavy metal, and other forms of modern music which connote unhealthy messages, values or morals, or which cause stress, anxiety, tension or irritibility have demonstrated harmful effects. As always, while we are all free to choose freely which music we prefer, not all music is equally healthy – choose wisely!

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Testimony 37

Hearing Dr. Jennings’ presentations in person came at a pivotal moment in my spiritual journey that began about nine months ago, when the fault lines inherent in my belief system began to crack under questions that most reasonable people end up asking about God and His nature. These were questions I couldn’t find answers to, and they shook my faith. I was unable let it go any longer and be satisfied. My Christian experience became distant. I was afraid; the fear in me rose like thorns, pushing me away from Jesus. And then someone heard my questions and introduced me to this ministry, and my life has totally changed.

I can tell you that this new, “present truth” message is far grander and life-changing than when I shifted from being an agnostic and then a nominal Christian. It has radically altered my worldview, because it reveals a God that makes sense. It is a revolution. I believe that Dr. Jennings’ message is the final message that must go to the world. If any message could be called “righteousness by faith,” as abused as that term is by the right and the left, this is that message, because Jennings’ biblical message identifies a God who is different, whose character isn’t an impossible contradiction.

I walk this path now without fear. I see people differently, and the Holy Spirit burns in my heart. Many call Dr. Jennings’ message false and compromising, but it isn’t false, because I’ve seen the fruits within my mind and body. It is not compromising, because in this message is the only road to holiness that makes any sense. No longer do I behold a pagan god who is always angry and suspicious. Instead, I behold a God who is freeing and loving, always working for our good, and giving me every reason to love my enemy even to my own death, just as Jesus pleads with us. God is good.

Anthony L., CA, USA

 

Testimony 61

I grew up in a prominent protestant church and had what I like to call religious anxiety. I’ve always had questions about God and Salvation that no one could seem to answer.  I didn’t know how to find resolution. During 2020, at the height of my anxiety, I fell to my knees and begged God to show me truth and light and to give me the hope that I’ve been longing for. Days later, I stumbled upon your online videos and it was like a veil was lifted and EVERYTHING made sense! For the first time in my almost 39 years of life, my religious/spiritual anxiety has lessened. I feel a sense of freedom and peace I’ve NEVER had before… and it’s all because my view of God has changed. Thank you!

Ashleighn C.

 

Testimony 71

When I was 9 years old, I remember setting at our devotional table with a hunger and thirst for God that wanted more, deeper, BETTER. I can remember literally crying and pounding on the table, “I know these teachers didn’t mean to give us error. They taught what THEY had been TAUGHT, but didn’t ANYBODY READ THE BOOK?!?!?” It mattered to me then. It mattered to me as a teenager. It matters now as I teach bible classes. It didn’t have to be so hard as I watched so many give up and lay God’s great plan and gift of salvation aside as being “impossible.” Then, a friend sent me a link to Come And Reason’s website. I grew excited. YES! FINALLY! Then another friend told me to stay away, saying her son had just broken up with a girl because she was involved with Come And Reason and that “Tim Jennings preaches a false gospel.” But, AFTER many years of developing an authentic and, dare I say FUN relationship with Jesus, through the Holy Spirit I see this message has been around a LONG time, since the apostle Paul, Ellen White, Graham Maxwell, Ray Foucher, and yourself (though I admit, you’ve made me back up, rewind and replay the clips, and get out my well-worn Bible on a few things.) I’m so thankful I have found LIGHT during these DARK days. I am not alone.

Vicki DiNitto

Testimony 49

I came into the church at 21, but that is as far as it went. I was so confused about what love is. I couldn’t find it in the bible, because I am not a person that can read between the lines. I have no logic. I have read many, many books; trying to figure out the crux of the matter. They were helpful, but something was still missing. I have become very frustrated to the point of crying out to God, “Where can I go?”  I needed some basics.

I found two books, written by Timothy Jennings, MD, to be very helpful. God showed me that I had lived my whole life in fear. I didn’t even see it. Now, I do. God is so good.  I discovered the “The Remedy”  Dr. Jennings new book, “The God-Shaped Heart!” Oh, I was so excited, I purchased them right away.

I can get rid of most of my books, because “The Remedy” brings the Love of God out so clearly, even I can’t miss it. Now, I want to sit and read my Bible. Wow, what a revelation! It is just simply Awesome! I am so grateful to Jehovah Almighty for hearing my prayer for more understanding! I am so encouraged!

Jackie S.

 

Testimony 55

I was born [into the church], then I left it for many years. 10 years ago, I came back, but I could not take the hypocrisy and the lack of answers to the missing pieces. I struggled, but I did not abandon my commitment to know the truth. God is leading me to the simple understanding of his relevance and I am relearning what the church taught me as a youth… that he loves me, that he has led me to a knowledge of him such as I have never known. He is using Dr. Jennings to connect the dots that are now so apparent and hiding in plain sight!

Dean P., Arlington, TX, USA

 

Testimony 6

I got the book “Could It Be This Simple?” a few months ago and the reading was wonderful and I was fascinated. I lent the book to a friend at work. She is having a difficult time and the book is helping her to find Jesus and I found this very exciting. She has asked me questions and I can see her life changing.

H. S., Australia

 

Testimony 11

I would love to have a copy of “Healing the Mind” DVDs to have in my therapy office. I enjoy having clients check out materials to enhance their therapy experience. I have sat under Dr. Jennings’ teaching at an American Association of Christian Counselors convention and respect his work greatly.

K.B., LA, USA

 

Testimony 51

I Love This Ministry!!!!!!! I see first hand how this message is desperately needed, how erroneous beliefs about God and His Character negatively affect humanity at every level. I thank God for your ministry, as I was searching on my own and was discovering some of your same beliefs and was blown away when I found your ministry. I know you hear it all the time, but it is truly life changing. May God continue to reveal His Will to you and Bless you!

Eric S., Sanford, FL, USA

 

Testimony 4

I’m a youth leader in South Africa. We as a youth group are currently using a lot of the material on the Come and Reason site. Since we’ve started using the material, our youth group has grown.

R. V. N., South Africa

 

Testimony 46

Over the past couple of years God has been expanding my view of Himself and His character. Along my approximately 40-year journey, I have often had questions, but was hesitant to voice these and step outside the traditionally accepted thinking, for fear of admitting that I may in fact be eternally lost. In the recesses of my thinking has been the thought – if one blindly accepts (which is widely regarded as “real faith”) and does not question, is this really ‘truth?’ I often find it challenging to grapple with very theological ‘speak,’ but Dr. Jennings has a real gift of explaining spiritual concepts with clear practical examples. The weekly discussions are growing my Christian experience and slowly changing my view of how to live as a child of God in today’s complex world. Finally the whole Old Testament sanctuary teaching moved in my mind from fantasy to reality!

Beverly S., South Africa

 

Testimony 43

Two years ago I stumbled upon your book, “Could It Be This Simple,” and then found “The God-Shaped Brain” videos on YouTube, your bible study class, and the ‘Come And Reason’ mobile app. I shared your book with a friend and after nine months of showing love, patience, and kindness this person has been changed by the love of God, too. The same love that healed me, I now express to other women in tangible ways, such as to a Baptist woman with high anxiety and childhood trauma. She was extremely happy and relieved when I shared about the so-called “judgment of God” and burning in hell. She had no desire to serve a God that was so harsh. I have repeated the phrase dozens of times to her. “What we believe has power over us, but we have power over what we believe…”

This message that you are sharing has changed my life. I will continue to serve other women and bring this message of God’s healing love to their lives by sharing your books, YouTube videos, and The Remedy Bible app. Keep up the good work. Don’t be discouraged. God is doing a mighty work in and through this ministry!

Jill L., Midwest, USA

 

Testimony 32

The message [of Come And Reason Ministries is] for all Christians (and those who may become Christians) and not just Adventists or any other group. It is difficult to imagine why any [anyone] with intellectual and spiritual honesty could find fault with the way you explained the healing substitution concepts and the truth about God’s character, though I know some will reject and criticize. On behalf of those in our group near Tacoma, WA, thank you and your staff for all of the hard work and for sharing the Gospel in this manner. God’s message of healing love will be carried to the whole world and then Jesus will come – He promised it.

Terry U., Tacoma, WA, USA

 

Testimony 9

I really enjoy with you the view of a gracious God. Thank you for sharing the work you are allowing the Lord to do in you.

L., Queensland, Australia

 

Testimony 40

I was brought up in a different faith and have been petrified my whole life of God. I believed that I would burn in hell for eternity. When I was 12 I started pursuing the things of this world, but for the next 45 years the Spirit was always calling me, as I knew there was a God through nature. I could see the vast sea of stars in the universe and knew there was something bigger out there. Five years ago, through a Revelation seminar, I was blessed to learn about God’s character and government.

Then I found Come and Reason Ministries and have come under some extreme pressure when I speak about the ministry. One time a member sent me an internet article titled “Whats wrong with Tim Jennings?” I asked her what she thought of it and she said “I don’t know, I didn’t read it.”

I have always wanted to find out for myself the truth about God, so I stayed with the Design Law construct and have been liberated to understand the big picture. Once we consider Design Law, all other Bible stories and prophecies seem to fit perfectly. It is truly beautiful to see people grasping how God operates this Universe of Love and the liberation it has provided in their lives. It blows my mind to see how consistent Design law is with what our founders believed. I hear statements like “This makes so much sense.”

Tom W., Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA

 

Testimony 24

I wanted to thank you very much for presenting your understanding of God. I’ve always been troubled by this question: Why did Jesus have to die? Since my conversion I understood that The Father & Jesus are one, I did not have issues with that. But was there not any other way to save us than for Jesus to die? I guess I actually had a question about God – if He is so wise, how come He did not find another way? I did not see the real ‘beauty’  in the cross. Only when you explained the picture in the medical context, Jesus providing medicine for my selfishness, have I started to finally ‘see the light’. Thank you so much. Your seminar, “Healing the Mind,” are absolutely marvelous & have shared them with my family and many other people, including colleagues at work. Thanks, thanks, thanks. May God bless you abundantly in your ministry.

M. W., Australia