Posted on 12/28/2013 10:20:36 AM PST by Laissez-faire capitalist
As to "in church" I mean that not so much broadly as to the Church (body of Christ), but as to which styles are Biblically permitted in individual churches.
1.) At what point (scripturally) does a church worship team (for instance) go too far when plucking the bass guitar or electric guitar, or beat the drums too loudly? At what point is the "riff" (or beat) becoming too "wordly."
Define "wordly" music as opposed to non-wordly music if/when discussing this. I ask this of those who lean more towards the Michael W. Smith type worship services or to those who like the Southern Gospel type worship services.
2.) At what point does "Southern Gospel" music become a little too Southern and thus become too worldly/honkey-tonk/Country/Country Rock? I ask this of those say they like who like what they deem to be Godly "Southern Gospel."
3.) I still can't find any scripture that exegetically/hermeneutically says that a service must be marked by only Latin/Gregorian chanting. Surely these churches can imploy other "styles" of music, too, at least in the "main" service.
Those pretty much irritate me also.
On the other hand, when I was younger, there were 2 gentlemen who led worship in my church. Both were about the same age.
One was a very quiet person. Very "traditional". Everything he led seemed slooooooow. I remember one time, closing the hymnal and not singing, as the song we were singing seemed almost like a funeral dirge. There was no life or excitement to the song. The song...
Joy To The World.
The other man only led worship occasionally. But when he did, everything was different. First, he seemed to always be smiling. He greeted people with an ear to ear smile, a enrgetic "hello" or "how ya doin'", with a hearty handshake.
On stage, leading worship, he always seemed to pick the uplifting songs (either that, or he made them all uplifting songs). He'd stand on stage with that big smile, joyful announce the song to be sung, the music would start and when the people were to sing, he'd wave both his arms to lead. If IRC he made a triangle motion, but on the up swing he'd rise up on his toes for a little added affect.
To this day, when I'm in a good mood, or feeling particularly thankful, or out of the clear blue, the hymn "In My Heart There RINGS A Melody" pops in. A smile crosses my heart and face and I think of Dick Cooper.
There is a place for contemporary styles of worship music. But the emphasis needs to be on WORSHIP not on people, or music or style of music. Even old songs can be appealing to young people.
In the Garden Of Eden by I Ron Butterfly
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtUJCM6g2Rc
Both strains creep me out. “Praise group” repetive chanting reminds me of the Hitler Youth rallies, and the “love songs to my new girlfiend, Jesus,” just creep me out, period. No majesty, no reverence, just creepy cloying almost homoerotic emoting.
Truth be told I do not like to sing myself, preferring to listen to good music. Worship sans music is just fine with me. That is why I prefer house-based Bible studies rather than corporate gatherings.
>> By “noise”, what do you mean? Beat on a trash can lid and bang rocks together?
And by “joyful” can there also be songs that are more somber in their “tone”? <<
Yes. A person who is beating on a trash can lid with his heart filled with joy and lifted toward God is music to His ears. A person who has played the organ for years at a church, but finds it a mundane chore, is not.
It’s not what anyone hears, it’s what is coming from the heart, which is what everything else in the Bible points to as well.
Sing a new song too the Lord.
Perhaps you might want to read, “Why I left the Contemporary Christian Music Movement” by Dan Lucarini, Evangelical Press, ISBN 0-85234-517-8
Available new and used on Amazon, this book was written by a guy who pushed for and was a musician in the contemporary music scene. He is a now a former “worship leader”.
Judging from your questions, I suspect you may not like what you read in this book but it will answer the questions you pose. May god bless you as you read it.
There's the rub. Music can be more or less inclusive or exclusive. When music becomes less cerebral, for example, it will appeal more easily to adolescent feelings. Can't say they are unbiblical, but definitely specialized.
Some posters here have touted the "different style inclusivity." It works to some degree, but you know what happens when you eat at the Smörgåsbord.
They did something similar in a South Park episode. Cartman re-wrote a bunch of pop songs replacing "you" (as in "I love you") with "Jesus" or some such thing. Hilarity ensues.
Yeah ... they’re putting on an Entertainment Show For the worldly masses, and not informing them of what God says, in that they will go to hell in their sinful state, unless they avail themselves of the Salvation that is through, Jesus, the Son of God and Messiah of Israel.
“Inclusive” usually means we stop talking about sin and stuff too. Pretty soon Church is nothing but a feel-good motivational sermon that helps nobody like Joel Osteen.
Oh, that's just so much nonsense.
Godly wisdom
"Never been a sinner, never sinned.
I've got a friend in Jesus."
Wonder which denomination preaches that?
Yes, there are kinds of “inclusive.” Have to distinguish between the good and bad kind. I think smorgasboard styles are not easily digested.
Nothing you described would attract me to be a member of that any more than Romney, Graham, McCain and Snowe would be inviting to me to become a member of the Republican Party
This should cinch it. Only sacred music — no jazz, no rock and roll, etc.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/religion/3105625/posts?page=1#1
What does the Church Really Say about Music in Mass?
The "Gathering of Witnesses" (recap Monday's BCL Subcommittee on Liturgy and Music)
I Had a Dream: The Music of Palestrina and Gregory the Great Had Come Back
A Change of Tune in the Vatican (shift taking place in liturgical music)
Pope Against Pop Music In Mass
Next Stop On the Liturgy Train.... (Music!)
St. Louis Jesuits: 'I don't think we're rebels at all' (liturgical music)
Making Music at St. Mary Major; the Becket Battle
SYNOD OF BISHOPS - 10OCT05 - Participation of the Laity (with music)
Catholic Liturgy - Pre-recorded Music at Mass And More on Communion Services
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