Around here, we have been having quite the discussion on music lately! And that has been the case around the fundamentalist blogosphere for the most part, as well.
I just wanted to take this time to highlight a great post on the subject by Tom Pryde. It would be well worth your time to read his thoughts on this matter.
Let me give a few excerpts here, too, if I may.
The problem is that it really isn’t about drums, guitars, microphones, or any other atomistic element of the issue. The whole question is one of communication. Of course, it is true that this communication is heavily dependent upon cultural context, but this is hardly a justification for “anything goes.” The fact is that our culture can identify the emotional content of music more clearly than many would like to admit, and since we are not independent of our culture, it makes little sense to argue as if we are outside of it.
The fact is that the better the emotional expression fits both the message and the context, the more clearly, powerfully, and effectively the message will be conveyed. This is at least one very good reason to take music seriously. It is also true that musical communication is highly flexible and not at all precise. This means that context can heavily influence the nature of the emotional expression.
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Proper corporate worship requires us to adapt to a form of expression that suits the whole, rather than our own individual tastes. If we fail to adapt, then we are left finding music that suits us, or we at least want the occasional use “our” kind of music. In both cases, the focus is wrong, and a deep misunderstanding of both music and worship is revealed. When my heart is right before God, the style of music matters far less than my own heart’s expression to God. If you need a particular style to “feel” worship, then there is a deeper problem in your worship.
For these reasons, at least (there are more reasons) a more conservative approach to corporate worship is essential. In the first place, it drives us to music that is less faddish and more enduring. In the second place, it drives us to music that is easily accepted by the entire congregation and is especially suited for congregational singing.
The careful reader will notice that I have not actually endorsed any style or approach to church music. Rather, I believe a principled approach will lead each Spirit-filled congregation to expressions of worship that are meaningful and communicative in their context.
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Do go and read his post, there is much more on this over there. And while you’re at it, you may want to keep an eye on Brian McCrorie’s recent post on this subject too!
∼striving for the unity of the faith for the glory of God∼ Eph. 4:3,13 “¢ Rom. 15:5-7