I am always interested in discussions concerning the legitimacy of different musical forms for worship. In my opinion the common fundamentalist argument is very weak and lacking in Scriptural support. Recently I blogged on this issue briefly here.
Well lately I have stumbled onto a few interesting discussions on music over at Scott Aniol’s blog. He defends a view that contemporary music (for the most part) is categorically wrong. He does so from a more reasoned (and musically informed) position than the average fundamentalist standpoint. I still disagree with him, however. But I feel that pointing out these discussions will be beneficial and instructive for anyone seriously considering this issue. So here are three discussions worth looking at.
- Dialogue with Bob Kauflin. This is an interesting evaluation of Bob Kauflin’s new arrangement of music (as well as an added chorus) to William Cowper’s hymn God Moves in a Mysterious Way. Bob Kauflin then added some comments in response to Aniol’s evaluation. The discussion is insightful in that it provides us with a contemporary musician’s actual thoughts in writing a piece of music in contrast to the fundamentalist perception of that same musician’s intent.
- An Objective Analysis of Three Praise Songs. This discussion really gets to the heart of the issue in exposing the fundamentalist’s position concerning modern praise songs. Note: some of those differing with the “objective analysis” are in fact fundamentalists themselves (not every fundamentalist has an extreme position on music). Again, this discussion is very informative as to the arguments (pro and con) pertinent to this debate on music.
- United in Worship. This article is actually a dissenting opinion. The blog was kind enough to post an opposing view. The article is very interesting in providing a Biblically informed philosophy of music in worship that does not exclude all contemporary praise songs and etc. out of hand.
Picture was legally taken from here.
∼striving for the unity of the faith for the glory of God∼ Eph. 4:3,13 “¢ Rom. 15:5-7
Bob! It’s good to see you back in action. I have checked you blog in vain for new comments and always am encouraged by your thoughtfulness.
I agree with some of what Aniol says, but of all the people in the “CCM” movement to disagree Kauflin seems the oddest choice. He of almost anyone I have heard is the most Christ Centered. My complaint with a lot of modern Christian music–both CCM and fundamental type–is the lack of deeply, theological lyrics and meaningful music. However, Kauflin seems to combine a lot of that into one package. Some very intriguing articles nonetheless.
Matt,
Thanks for staying tuned! Sometimes blogging can be hard work! I enjoy it alot though. And I enjoy your comments and your blog too!
Bob
Whereas you have technically fulfilled the requirements of my Creative Commons license for the photograph by linking to the original post (thereby indirectly attributing credit), it would have been proper etiquette and appreciated had you informed me of its use on your site.
-Mark
Mark,
I apologize! I am still new to blogging and using Creative Commons work. I try my best to attribute everything properly. Going forward I will take your advice and contact the owners of the pictures personally when I plan on using their work.
Thanks, and God bless,
Bob Hayton