Humanism and Music Philosophy

Humanism and Music Philosophy

            One of the most influential music philosophers in the U.S. Bennett Reimer stated that"... the arts may be conceived as a means of self-understanding, a way by which a human's sense of his nature can be explored, clarified, grasped.  Many words have been used to describe the value of insight into one's nature as a responsive organism: 'self-unification' (John Dewey);'personal identity' (Susan K. Langer); 'individualization' (Leonard B. Meyer); 'individualization' (Carl G. Yung); 'self-actualization' (Abraham B. Maslow); ‘integration of the personality' (Paul Tillich).  All these terms signify the humanizing value of self-knowledge."  (A Philosophy of Music Education by Bennett Reimer, pp. 25-26.)

            This long list of general and music philosophers is proof of the fact that a great host of influential music philosophers are strong humanists.  They believe that music begins and ends with SELF.  What is even worse is that those on the list above all believe that a musician can and should derive life's significance from the arts.

             Now you know why I hammer the thesis that "God made Music" and "God owns music" so hard. You have probably guessed already that I believe that we derive life's significance from the Bible and from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ our savior.  I have devoted almost all of my life, and all of my adult life to the study of music education, music of the Bible, and philosophy of music.  None of my studies have ever brought me to the conclusion that we derive life's significance from music or any of the fine arts.   I am reminded of the verse in I Corinthians that explains that, "For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom new not God..." (Verse 21a), and also II Timothy 3:7 which states, "Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of truth."