[rwfromkansas]

Well, God says in the OT to worship him in the ways that he has set forth, so we don't need something to be banned in order to not do it, just not something that can be supported with Scripture.

The early church was patterned after the synagogue, which sang Psalms only acapella. There are recorded instances of Paul and Jesus singing what is translated as a "hymn" in Scripture. Scholars agree that Paul's singing in jail and Jesus' and the disciples singing at the last supper were actually Psalms. To my knowledge, there is no examples of anything being sung by folks in the NT besides Psalms.

We are just looking at this differently. You say, "well, hymns aren't banned." I say, "the predominant Scriptural suppport seems to be for Psalms and we should worship God not according to the 'he didn't tell us we couldn't' attitude, but instead, the attitude that what Scripture supports clearly, we should try to do."

It is a radically different approach to worship than most are used to......heck, it is new to me.

God bless.

[Theo]

What is a "hymn"? Are people still writing them? What is a "Psalm"? Doesn't Scripture encourage the singing of "Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs"? Don't the Psalms themselves encourage singing unto the Lord "a new song"?

You wrote:

... the predominant Scriptural suppport seems to be for Psalms and we should worship God not according to the 'he didn't tell us we couldn't' attitude, but instead, the attitude that what Scripture supports clearly, we should try to do.

I think it is *excellent* to *start* with Scripture as you build your theology of "worship." Most people would start with their feelings, or with contemporary expressions of worship, and try to bring in Scripture to support their view. But you are right to start with Scripture. Cool. :-)

I'd argue that the primary thing we should strive for in contemporary worship music is sound doctrine. "Worshipers" should be responding to some truth about God, not to a cool guitar hook. As we ponder God's grace in light of our sinfulness, for example, we are moved to respond in worship. If guitars and synths are relevant to the congregation, perhaps it's appropriate (if it supports the theme of the lyrics) to accompany congregational worship with guitar and synth.

I'm getting ready to jump in the shower (um, seriesly), but I'd absolutely love to continue this discussion either online or off-line.

[GraniteStateConservative]

What denomination worships that way?

[hocndoc]

Of course we should worship Christ in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers that God, who is Spirit seeks.

Romans 14 seems to cover this subject best. I can't imagine why anyone would want to remain the "weaker brother."

I can't imagine what non-believers think about this sort of conversation.