[jtill]

I long ago gave up on good church music, so it doesn't enter into my appreciation of the service.

I never thought it would enter into my appreciation either, until we moved from a church that had fabulous music - both choral and contemporary.

Now, in my new surroundings, I find myself very irritated at the fact that the responses are never spoken aloud by the congregation--just murmurs--and the singing is about the level of humming. Grates on me, it does.

[Miss Marple]

I have been concerned about the deterioration of liturgical music and hymns for years...going all the way back to my early years in the Methodist Church. Every year it seems that more and more weirdo songs appeared and traditional hymns were jettisoned. Then the praise music started, with a whole group of people who thought that those were the only "truly religious" songs. Then the rock music. Then the sacred dance.

I now sing whatever is indicated and simply listen to the grand choral arrangements of old hymns here at home. I have no explanation for why the Church has lost its way on music...and if you ask me, most of them have, whether Catholic or Protestant.

The last church service that had appropriate music (that I heard) was the 2001 service after 9/11 in the National Cathedral. And Laura Bush, no minister she, chose the music.