[Claud]

I just get a little fed up with the people who believe that an 16th century hymnals on an organ are more righteous than a modern song with drums and guitars.

Not more righteous no, but more appropriate yes. It's not just a matter of different times. There was all kinds of music in the 16th century that was more akin to what rock is today--dancing, exhuberant music with drums and stringed instruments. But that stuff wasn't used in churches back then--because they thought (and rightly I think) that it wasn't appropriate.

Likewise...do you think Christ and the Apostles were using the "popular" music of the time liturgically? Bust out the harps and the cymbals and drums and play the music that was typically heard on the stage or in the theater? No, they were singing psalms, and using chants as old as the hills--probably similarly to the way that Jewish folks continue to chant today.

Can rock n' roll be Godly and devout? Of course! But does it give the kind of sacred, quiet and prayerful atmosphere that belongs in church? Or is it more conducive to jumping around and emotionalism?

[Mr. Brightside]

Not more righteous no, but more appropriate yes.

I can respect your preference, as long as you respect the preference of others (which you don't).

[Mr. Brightside]

do you think Christ and the Apostles were using the "popular" music of the time liturgically?

Hmmmm. I could not find the word, "Liturgical" in the Bible, even in the King James Version. http://www.biblegateway.com/keyword/?search=liturgical&version1=9&searchtype=all

[Binghamton_native]

A couple of more points regarding music in church:

1. It should be participatory, not just a performance.
2. Although I enjoy some of the contemporary songs, I don't think it can be disputed that they are not as 'transportable' as hymns. What I mean is that if you visit another church (on vacation), you will probably not know many of the songs if they are contemporary, as that church's current set may be different than the set used in your home church. Not so with hymns.

[beezdotcom]

But does it give the kind of sacred, quiet and prayerful atmosphere that belongs in church? Or is it more conducive to jumping around and emotionalism?

Who jumps more than someone conducting Handel's Messiah? Is there no emotionalism in a chant or a psalm?

Empty emotionalism isn't measured by the tempo, volume, or style - it's measured in how 'feelings' get substituted for true spiritual contemplation and worship.

Meanwhile, "rock" is a pretty broad term. Are you talking about ballads, or heavy-metal-fuzz-clash guitar?