What Do We Do Now that Rock Won't Go Away?-Part 1

 What Do We Do Now that Rock Won't Go Away?-Part 1 

We are beginning a several part series on rock music.  The reader should be reminded that in these series we do not make any attempt to bring the discussion to a definite conclusion.   therefore, the reader should be sure to read all previous posts before continuing.

 

       Rock music has been around long enough that most Christian musicians have conceded that it is not going away.  Many conservative musicians have gone through the different stages of complaining about it, ignoring it and finally tolerating it.  Likewise, some conservative Christian musicians have believed that it was not suited for sacred musicing, that it might be in some situations used of the Holy Spirit, and finally that since it is not going away, we might as well get on with the program and use it regardless of its suitability or usefulness.  Others of us have continuously refused to perform rock music on the basis of its suitability and appropriateness in public and private worship. 

       Richard S. Taylor once wrote, “Some readers will point to the conversions which apparently occur following the use of religious rock, with the dubious assumption that even one soul saved is a divine endorsement. The question is, “What is true, appropriate, and inherently sound?”  In some of our sincere but misguided evangelism, the Spirit reaches around our gimmicks and finds some conductor over which spiritual energy can flow to reach a hungry heart.  If the Word is preached, if sincere testimonies are given, if there is an atmosphere of warm love, of course there will be fruit.  But let us not naively suppose the deafening rock music has been the instrument.” A Return to Christian Culture, by R.S. Taylor p.90.

        I believe that Dr. Taylor’s statements reach to the core of the matter.  A host of Christian musicians have failed to understand that, in the long run, a discerning music leader will ultimately choose music that is “true, appropriate and sound” music praxis.  Any other musical direction leads a body of believers down a faulty musical and worship path.