Recently, I came across an interesting blog by Brian McRrorie entitled Bowing Down. He is an assistant pastor of a fundamentalist church who nevertheless sees several glaring problems with the fundamentalist movement as a whole. What caught my attention was his position on unity and separation expounded on in the comment thread of an article where he defended his pre-trib/pre-mill position on eschatology. I found myself in agreement with much of what he said–you can read the discussion here.

Anyways, he posted an excerpt from an article which compares the food and drink addressed in Romans 14 with music. The views expressed in that article (entitled “What is Christian in Music?”) are similar to my own. And Dr. Terry B. Erwell (of Towson University), the author, expresses his insights in a very clear and helpful manner. For the purpose of this post, I will quote briefly from that article, and then recommend that you go over and read the whole article here. (Don’t worry, it is not a long read). I am sure you will find it to be helpful as you think through this issue.

…The experience of Christian eating is that done to the glory of God; likewise the experience of Christian music making is also marked by a dedication to the Lord. Paul writes in Romans 14:6 that food choices are a matter of individual taste. In music individuals prefer different instruments and varied styles of music often not of necessity but rather of preference. This also holds true for corporate bodies such as churches. Just as regional or national cuisines develop in different parts of the world, musical traditions have and should develop in churches throughout the earth. A variety of musical styles should be encouraged in the church. Our brief survey of music in historic and contemporary churches indicates that Christians have served the Lord with great musical ingenuity throughout the centuries. We must realize, however, that our preferred musical traditions may not suit others. Paul cautions us against despising the eating habits of others, so too we should seek to avoid judging the listening habits of others in matters simply of taste. That food which tastes good to us may not satisfy another. That song which draws us closer to God may leave another’s heart unstirred. Paul cites the example of a vegetarian who out of conscience cannot eat meat and the Jew who cannot eat anything that is unclean according to their dietary code (Romans 14:2). Above we have already seen in the first letter to the Corinthians that food sacrificed to idols may also violate a person’s conscience (I Cor. 8:4-13.) Bringing the analogy to music, there are people who for the sake of their consciences should not partake of certain music. This may be due to cultural upbringing or the association of a musical style or instrumentation with demeaning and sinful practices. Just as an alcoholic may not return to the bottle, certain people cannot return to the music associated with a demoralized period in their lives. These matters of conscience are distinguished from matters of taste since a person transgressing their conscience experiences spiritual harm. No where does Paul encourage a person to violate their conscience, rather they should follow its guidance. Paul admonishes the Christian who is free from restrictions of taste and conscience to be sensitive nevertheless to the needs of others when choosing food or drink….

∼striving for the unity of the faith for the glory of God∼ Eph. 4:3,13 “¢ Rom. 15:5-7