Posted on 02/18/2007 7:30:33 PM PST by freedomdefender
Stuff from the 17th century would be even more alien to the original Christians than our stuff would be to people from the 17th century. Belting out Latin to the accompaniment of bizarre musical instruments would be just as strange to them as belting out English to the accompaniment of bizarre musical instruments.
Either way, it's all a matter of taste and collective effervescence. Some people have religious experiences with older hymns, some people with newer hymns, and some people with the Backstreet Boys. God is curiously silent on the matter of "old" hymns vs. "new" hymns. In His infinite mercy, he even allowed the Backstreet Boys to prosper for some time.
No, I'm not condemning the music of any indigenous people.
I didn't mean to imply you were...I was using them as an example of the different types of worship in the world. We all have our own taste in music...but to call one type muck..to me is a condemnation of God's worship. So it isn't your cup of tea...well to be honest I prefer more worshipful music myself. It is my style..the way God made me to worship Him. But I cannot condemn or judge another person's way of worshiping our God. He wired and made them in a different way...they enjoy the loud music...I believe God does too.
God created music....all its forms...I believe His intention was to be worshiped in all forms of music...unfortunately some music (ex. rock n roll) has been perverted by the evil one and twisted to bring him glory....but I also believe God is a jealous God and wants the rock n roll loud music back..he wants it to be used as it was intended..to worship him. So satan stole it for a little while...I see nothing wrong with the church taking back what has been stolen and honoring and worshiping the Lord with it. Satan thinks he owns everything down here...but he doesn't ..God does...and that includes all the drums and basses, cymbals and electric guitars...the Bible talks about a day when the whole earth will worship Him in spirit and in truth...whole meaning ALL.....everything in it...even the rock and roll.
It's too bad your church has so few young people....our is brimming over with them....(I am one of the older generation there...51). Maybe the bigger question would be..why aren't they there? Music is such an important part of the youth scene...it just stands to reason that you can attract them by using something what is attractive to them....you speak their language...missionaries to Russia aren't going to speak to the natives there in spanish...it doesn't make sense....you can't draw a wayward teen with gregorian chants either....makes even less sense. The youth are the future of the church...if we don't attract them now..they will be harder to get later once they are set in their ways.
Missing corporate worship is a sad thing...so much happens during ours that it is hard to miss out on it..and yes we have guitars and drums...Up until a year and a half ago I was a worship leader in our church...taking a break from it for now...but I miss it alot....nothing better than getting caught up in the Spirit and singing songs to him. Maybe you can find another body with a worship team more to your liking...you are missing out on so much when you don't worship with the body.
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
It never said it has to sound good . . .
I believe in Angels too...~P~
I am so grateful to you for posting that link to the movie. I had heard of it but knew nothing about whether it was good or not. The trailer has made me weep. Thank you. I'll be in the theater on February 23.
That would be Hell, to me.
But, listening to "beautiful old hymns" probably would, too, unless they were given a terrific new arrangement like Michael W. Smith's Crown Him with Many Crowns
Maybe as a musician (for which I am one) I can relate better to that line. On the John Tesh "Red Rocks" DVD, he talks about how the song reminds him to keep the praise worship music pure. Not no "make it" his own, but to sing it to the Lord in spirit. I suppose too many musicians are in it for the self rather than for Him.
SO I can see where a congregant would wonder, "What have I made it, and what is it?" Some people turn that line internally as a way of examining their consciences (for we have all sinned.....).
At a recent confirmation service for 120 teenage and adult candidiates our musicians set the tone with bongoes, guitars and a particularly lively snare drum solo. (Barf-o-rama time...) The musicians seek "relevance" while the congregation seeks spiritual renewal.
I have a tortilla with an image of some woman that looks like Ellen DeGeneris.
It don't sing, though.
That's probably a good thing.
No, but we haven't ruled out the possibility that the author is a pinhead.
Don't think I'd be too keen on an Ellen DeGeneris taco. (Shudder)
There is a modern song I love. It's been a long time since we heard it in our church and I don't recall the title, but its chorus is,
There is a Fountain
Who is a King
Victorious Warrior, Creator of all things,
My rock, my shelter, my very own,
Blessed Redeemer Who reigns upon the throne!
It sounds triumphant. I sing it myself around the house.
That's nice; but I prefer:
"There is a fountain, filled with blood
Drawn from Immanuel's veins;
And sinners plunged beneath that flood
Lose all their guilty stains."
It may not suit our modern sensibilities; but Christianity IS about the Blood of Jesus Christ; and many of our modern songs try to keep that fact under wraps, I'm afraid.
I prefer yours as well--I was just remarking that there are some of the new songs that have merit as well.
Shouldn't they be focusing on Spring Training?
I read about Daniel dancing "with all his might" for God and think the music in heaven is going to be unstoppable, better-than-we-can-currently-imagine joyful music, next-level Earth Wind & Fire jams of eternal funky praise.
With that kind of a holier than thou attitude, you might not have to worry about leaving. You may not get there. Won't you feel funny if that's the kind of music played in Heaven? LOL!
I've been to many churches and have listened to it all. It's not about the music. It's about the Worship! The condition of a man's heart. Our love for God. That is what God looks at. :o)
It doesn't have to sound good, but it has to be godly and God-centered, as well as probe the depths of God's character.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.