Well, of course they are...yet we certainly use mechanical devices as aids for teaching, speaking, and admonishing. Such as now, you and I conversing via computer and network.
This process isn't invalidated because computers are involved, is it?
You know that I am speaking about mechanical instruments of music.
sorry. #232 meant for ALL
Oberon, I don't know, but I wonder whether if in large CoC's the preachers use microphones? As I said, I don't know, haven't been to a large CoC, but that would certainly be adding something much more mechanical and technological than a harp or piano into the preaching mix. (Paul CERTAINLY wasn't specifically commanded to preach with a microphone!) Can someone unbiased who has visited a large CoC (where hearing would be difficult without a microphone) tell us? Also, are the Psalms really widely used there as quoted in the "speaking to yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs" scriptural support reference. - I'm sure someone unbiased and undenominational who knows will click in here sooner or later, we can only hope.