Musical Meaning in Musical Sounds-part 4

Musical Meaning in Musical Sounds-part 4 

            If at the time that St. Paul lived music had the capability and power to send clear or unclear messages to the people of ancient Israel, surely it has no less power over audiences today.  Therefore all Christian musicians must take great care concerning the musical techniques they use in their musicing unto God. Ancient cultures, including their philosophers, believed that music had great power and expressed meaning.  It has been only modern and post-modern philosophers in the second half or the twentieth century, including many church musicians, who have believed that music was (and is) not capable of saying anything. 

            I am well aware that this mention of music is found in the midst of St. Paul’s discussion of the controversy over known and unknown tongues. However, Paul made part of his point in his discussion of the sound produced by musical instruments (music alone). There is no logical reason to discount what this great linguist wrote here, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, about the message of music having distinction if the notes are played accurately.   

Scripture thought for the Day 

Psalm 89:15, “Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.”