Developing a Music Philosophy in Christian Perspective—part 10

Developing a Music Philosophy in Christian Perspective—part 10  

            In many fellowships of believers, church music is now being held hostage by religious humanists who are busy “developing their human potential” at the expense of congregations of people who come to God’s house to worship “they know not what”.  These confused audiences are compelled to observe and participate musically with church musicians who are hocking their musical wares in these musical “worship” events.  They are being guided through these music events by musicians who, by their musical enactments, require God to share the glory and honor and praise with themselves. Every church worship leader should remember that Psalm 115:1, declares, “Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.”

            At this point in this philosophical discussion it is important to discuss traditional ways of musicing unto a triune God.  Traditional ways of musicing in public worship should constantly be reviewed to cull out mundane and banal music.  New ways of musicing unto God should be constantly reviewed also to insure that they are appropriate and God honoring.  There is nothing inherently with new music and likewise there is no logical philosophical to abandon time honored sacred music simply in an all-out effort to be fashionable and trendy.  This topic is much too involved to cover adequately in this series of posts.

             May I suggest that every music staff remember that one of the most important discussions of how to music unto God  in the New Testament is prefaced by the admonition in Ephesians 5:15-17 to, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.”  Note that Christians are admonished by St. Paul to seek the will of the Lord rather than the will of the congregation.  Next Paul establishes the necessity of being continually filled with the Spirit.  Finally, he adds specifity to the use of music in worship by stating very distinctly recommending, “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs [non-carnal songs], singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;”