[sionnsar]

I sincerely hope this will not be used as ammunition by, um, some of FR's disputants; after observing the discussion on How to fix the Western rite [Anglican, Catholic], I nearly did not post this article.

The writer focused on the Catholic church, but my experience is that his comments apply across the board, from Catholic through Episcopal to Protestant.

--sionnsar

[sionnsar]

Traditional Anglican ping, continued in memory of its founder Arlin Adams.

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[trisham]

The composers of … reformed folk music have created a large repertory of songs with mild harmonies, comforting words, and a sort of “easy listening” sound; it is all so very undisturbed and appealing, the musical equivalent of the warm bubblebath.

**********

Interesting article. Thanks for posting it.

[The_Victor]

The composers of … reformed folk music have created a large repertory of songs with mild harmonies, comforting words, and a sort of “easy listening” sound; it is all so very undisturbed and appealing, the musical equivalent of the warm bubblebath.

I've been to a number of churches that utilize this music. It is the musical equivalent of tepid oatmeal.

[good_fight]

As bad as "reformed folk" might be, I've recently seen/heard worse. I attended the baptism of a relative's child at a "seeker-sensitive" Presbyterian church and was regaled on Sunday morning by a full-on rock band with four female singers who cavorted like the Supremes. I suspect the lyrics were theologically dubious, but they were too overamplified to make make out clearly. Then the spotlight -- oh, yeah, there was complete nightclub-style lighting -- focused on the guitar player in the midst of a ripping guitar solo and we were urged, no, commanded to stand and "give it up for Jesus!"

I'm part of the "rock generation" and even used to play in several (very unsuccessful) rock bands. I have no objection to the genre and can even see it being used positively in a certain type of worship service. But what I saw that morning was as ego-driven as anything I'd seen with secular bands. It was all "look at me, look at me, look at ME!"

My little girl started crying -- it was just too loud -- and we had the perfect chance to excuse ourselves. We came back into the "sanctuary" in time for the baptism -- which was very stagy and, while following the liturgy to a degree, provided an opportunity for some well-placed quips from the pastor.

We walked out as soon as we decently could. Our kids were simply shell-shocked. My 5-year-old daughter -- catechized in the Real Presence at the Eucharistic -- said, "Daddy, I think that was too loud for Jesus to be there. It probably hurt his ears."

[Alex Murphy]

reformed folk music

Not sure if the author's talking about the Regulative Principle hymns of the Reformation, or the latest Word Records "Zoe Girl" release here.

"Reformed folk music" is an incredibly poor phrase to use. What music is being referred to here? Is it the current playlist on K-LOVE? The content of contemporary Christian (rock) music in the last four decades is more Arminian in theology and practice than Reformed. And I'm not aware of any church that uses "folk music" in worship, unless the writer meant music performed on guitars instead of organs? The term "folk music" conjures up memories of acoustic guitars strumming out Joan Baez protest songs, not the electrified Fender Stratocasters performing the latest John Tesh worship song on stage during Sunday Mass.

[reaganaut]

As an Evangelical Christian, I enjoy "praise and worship" music - at home, in the car. I do not believe it belongs in church services. When I go to church, I want traditional hymns, an organ or piano, and a choir. Formal music adds to the spirit of reverence that should be part of church worship.

BTW, my husband has sang both in choir and on a 'worship team' and he would rather sing in a choir for the same reason.

[q_an_a]

food for thought - Thanks for you posting of this article. If you heard some of the I/me versions of modern liturgy practiced in some ECUSA churches in the Chicago area, you would know that the devil has taken the apple to a new group of people in the guise of CHANGE.

[Gamecock]

The writer focused on the Catholic church, but my experience is that his comments apply across the board, from Catholic through Episcopal to Protestant.

I thing that most Calvinists will agree with much that is posted here. IMHO modern Christians want God to be a big buddy, and not God.

Gang?

GRPL PING

[Mr. Jeeves]

Check out Neal Morse.

[Ex-Episcopalian]

In my Evangelical Presbyterian Church, we have a traditional adult choir (I sing alto) along with "praise teams" who begin the service with music. The choir performs a wide variety of music, from very traditional classical music to gospel. The music director also plays the violin when we sign the old hymns from the hymnbook, and we occasionally have a brass accompaniment (which I love). When I first joined, I have to admit I didn't really like the contemporary praise stuff, but I have grown to like most of it. I particularly like "Shout to the Lord," and have even been known to clap along. It just goes to show that a person can adapt to a lot of things! However, I would very strongly object to loud rock-style music. My church doesn't do that (at least so far).

[openotherend]

Please show me where pipe organs are mentioned in the Bible. Please tell me how poor Nicaraguan churches whose members live on dirt floors can "all" get a pipe organ. Thanks in advance.

[Quix]

Don't want to start a vanity for this . . . BUT PLEASE HELP.

Am looking for artist and song title suggestions. I'm trying to down load a bunch of additional songs for my MP3 player--I like a limited variety of worship/Christian music.

Old hymns are fine depending. Judy Collins on Amazing Grace is great.

I liked the old HYMNS TRIUMPHANT first tape.

I like some contemporary Christian music IF

IF

IF

it is NOT heavy beat rocky, noisey, obnoxious in those terms.

I like more folk song ballad style or at least melodious.

Any suggestions?

[ohioWfan]

The problem is not praise music. It's the exclusivity of praise music.

There has always been a mix of "songs, hymns and spiritual songs" in churches, but the problem now, is that traditional, theologically sound hymnody is almost completely absent from a large number of churches. (One book of choruses......271 of them, to be exact.....didn't have ONE reference to the Cross in any of it's songs).

It makes musical worship a mile wide and an inch deep, and the musical, theological education that used to take place in church non-existant (including worshipping God with our MINDS).

It's a serious spiritual problem, IMO, and part of the reason so many Christians in America are so weak......

(btw, I am a Protestant church musician who lost my job in my former church after 18 years so that the church might become more 'culturally relevant.' I'm now in a Presbyterian Church that values depth, traditon, and worshipping the Christ of the Cross)

[hellinahandcart]

Second one of your threads I've bookmarked today, though this is an old one.

Oh, how I miss my former church and choir, especially now during Lent.