A Parent’s Guide to Taylor Swift

Helping Our Kids See the Difference Between Worldly Love and Biblical Love

Taylor Swift’s newest album release reminded me of something deeply important for us as Christian parents: we cannot simply sit back and ignore what shapes the minds and hearts of our children. We do not need to be fearful or reactionary, but we do need to be watchful. God calls us to shepherd the next generation—and that includes helping them think carefully about what they see and hear.

Few artists today possess the cultural power that Taylor Swift holds. Her songs are ubiquitous, and her influence is undeniable. However, as parents, we must ask: Is it a good influence?

I know that for many families, her songs play in the background of everyday life—around the house, in the car, through earbuds. This discussion is not about guilt or finger-pointing; it is about awareness. Before we hand over our children’s hearts to any artist or message, we should pause and ask: What is being planted there?

My goal is not to dictate what you can or cannot listen to. It is to help us think biblically—to train our children to discern truth from deception and to guard their hearts from the subtle lies that so easily shape our loves and desires.

Taylor Swift is merely one example of a much larger conversation. The same biblical wisdom applies to nearly every influence in our culture today. So let us examine together what her music is truly conveying.

The Message Beneath the Music

In her 2019 hit “You Need to Calm Down,” Swift sings:

“Why are you mad? When you could be GLAAD? (You could be GLAAD) Sunshine on the street at the parade But you would rather be in the dark ages Making that sign, must’ve taken all night.”

The word GLAAD refers to the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. Kevin Wax, writing for The Gospel Coalition, observed that the lyric about being “in the dark ages” captures the essence of the modern sexual revolution—the notion that moral progress arises from embracing increasing sexual “freedom.”

In her own documentary, Taylor Swift stated, “I need to be on the right side of history,” expressing disdain for those who adhere to biblical convictions regarding marriage and sexuality. In her perspective, those who believe that intimacy belongs within marriage between a man and a woman are out of step with progress. This is not merely cultural commentary—it is a moral message. It redefines love, goodness, and truth according to worldly standards.

The Celebration of Sensuality

Beyond lyrics, Taylor Swift’s music videos often celebrate sensuality through suggestive clothing and choreography. These visuals impart powerful lessons—especially to impressionable hearts—about what it means to be desirable, confident, and successful.

As Christian parents, we have an opportunity to engage our children in discussions about what true beauty and strength genuinely are. The world frequently presents the body as a tool for attention or power, yet Scripture provides a far more profound depiction. Our bodies are not objects for display; they are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19–20), designed to glorify God and reflect His goodness.

True freedom does not arise from flaunting our bodies—it comes from surrendering them to God. The world labels sensuality as “empowerment,” but in reality, it enslaves us to the opinions of others. Holiness, conversely, is beautiful and liberating. It is what we were created for.

Our goal is not to shame or shelter but to shepherd. When we help our children understand why God calls us to purity, they begin to perceive that His design is not restrictive—it is protective, loving, and filled with joy.

The Hidden Message in Style and Movement

As parents, we must also assist our children in contemplating what artists are communicating—not solely through their lyrics, but also through their presentation. The manner in which Taylor Swift dresses and performs conveys messages that often reflect cultural beliefs about beauty and confidence.

Her performances frequently rely on sensual movements and revealing clothing to capture attention. Whether intentional or not, this communicates to millions of young viewers that to be admired, one must also be desired. The message is subtle yet powerful: your worth is tied to how you look and how much attention you can attract.

This is not a personal indictment of Taylor Swift—it is a cultural reality. The entertainment industry thrives on selling attraction and utilizing the human body as a means of influence. However, as followers of Christ, we understand that our bodies were never intended for self-promotion or seduction. They are, as Scripture states, “temples of the Holy Spirit” (1 Cor. 6:19–20)—sacred spaces meant to reflect God’s beauty, not the world’s standards.

This distorted portrayal of beauty adversely affects both our sons and daughters:

• For young men, it trains the eyes to perceive women as objects to consume rather than image-bearers to honor.

• For young women, it creates pressure to gain approval by conforming to what the world deems “confident” rather than what God defines as holy.

  
  

The world asserts that freedom equates to self-expression without boundaries. However, in God’s design, freedom emerges through devotion—through utilizing our bodies and creativity to glorify Him. True confidence does not stem from being admired; it arises from knowing one is already accepted and loved by Christ.

Parents, this presents us with a wonderful opportunity—not to shame but to shepherd. When our children witness performances like this, we can gently inquire, “What do you think this artist is attempting to convey about beauty, confidence, or love?” These are the types of conversations that help cultivate hearts rooted in truth.

Worldly vs. Biblical Love

Taylor Swift’s songs often center on love—but it is a love defined by emotion, self-expression, and desire. It proclaims, “Follow your heart,” even if that heart leads one away from God.

However, Scripture narrates a different story. True love does not originate with us—it begins with God. “For God so loved the world, He gave” (John 3:16). His love is not about self-gratification; it is about self-giving.

Our culture posits that love is about what feels good. Yet biblical love is about what is good. It is not self-seeking; it is self-sacrificing. It does not say, “I’ll love you if…”—it asserts, “I love you, even when…”

As parents, our calling is to impart this kind of love early. It does not commence in high school—it begins in the high chair. When our children grasp what genuine love resembles, they are better equipped to discern the world’s counterfeits.

Teaching Our Children the Marks of Biblical Love

When we discuss love with our children, we aim to provide them with more than slogans like “be kind” or “follow your heart.” We desire for them to comprehend what real love looks like through the lens of Scripture. God defines love not by how it feels but by what it accomplishes. Here are three truths every child should learn about love:

1. Love Is Unconditional

“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8

Help your children recognize that God’s love does not depend on our goodness or performance. He loved us when we were still sinners. This means that real love does not say, “I’ll love you if…” or “I’ll be kind as long as you deserve it.”

Engage your kids in discussions about how this kind of love manifests in everyday life:

• Loving a sibling even when they are difficult.

• Showing kindness to a classmate who feels excluded.

• Forgiving someone instead of harboring resentment.

  
  

Teach them that love akin to God’s is a choice, not a reward—it is grace in action.

2. Love Is Sacrificial

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” — John 15:13

Jesus did not merely instruct us to love—He demonstrated what it costs. True love gives, even when it is challenging. It entails prioritizing someone else’s needs above our own.

Ask your children, “What does it mean to give up something for someone else?” It might involve sharing a toy, allowing someone else to go first, or assisting when they would prefer to play. These small acts prepare their hearts for the larger sacrifices that genuine love necessitates.

Remind them that love is not about receiving what we desire; it is about reflecting Jesus, who gave everything for us.

3. Love Is Never-Ending

“Love never ends.” — 1 Corinthians 13:8

Human love can diminish when feelings fluctuate, but God’s love remains constant. This is why our love should be anchored in Him, rather than in emotion or convenience.

Convey to your children: “When God loves you, He never ceases. He does not abandon you when you falter or walk away.” Then connect it to how we love others: “That is how we should love too—steadily, patiently, faithfully.” Help them understand that lasting love is possible only because God first loved us (1 John 4:19). The more we comprehend His love, the more we can extend it to others.

Putting It All Together

Biblical love is unconditional, sacrificial, and enduring. It does not arise naturally—it is something God cultivates within us through His Spirit. When we teach our children to recognize and practice this kind of love, we provide them with a foundation that will protect them from the world’s counterfeits and direct them toward the One who embodies love itself.

Why This Matters for Our Kids

Modern media incessantly preaches a false gospel of love—one that asserts fulfillment comes from pursuing desire. However, the Bible teaches that joy is found in following Christ.

When our children grasp the essence of true love, they will not be easily swayed by imitations. They will recognize that joy is not derived from exploiting others but from serving them, not from sensual pleasure but from spiritual faithfulness.

Our objective is not to instill fear—it is to foster discernment. We aspire for our homes to be sanctuaries where truth, beauty, and holiness are celebrated more resoundingly than the cacophony of the world.

How to Talk to Your Kids About Music and Media

1. Start with Curiosity, Not Condemnation

   Inquire about what your kids appreciate in a song or artist before expressing your concerns. Conversations that begin with listening often lead to hearts that are receptive to truth.

   
   

2. Compare Messages with Scripture

   Teach them to ask questions such as: What is this song celebrating? What does God say about that? Help them discern how the Bible offers a superior narrative.

   
   

3. Celebrate What Is Good and Beautiful

   Enrich your home with music, art, and stories that reflect God’s truth and goodness. Demonstrate to your children that holiness is not dull—it is beautiful.

   
   

4. Lead by Example

   What we consume shapes us as well. Allow your children to witness you selecting what is pure and praiseworthy (Phil. 4:8). Our example communicates louder than any warning ever could.

   
   

A Final Word

Parents, you do not need to be experts on pop culture—you merely need to be faithful guides. The world will always sing about love, freedom, and happiness. Yet we have the privilege of revealing to our children a better song—the gospel story, where love gives, forgives, and never ends.

Let us assist our families in delighting in what is good, true, and beautiful, so that when the world sings its lies, our children’s hearts are already filled with the truth.