The Shift in Sacred Music Paradigm—part 1

The Shift in Sacred Music Paradigm—part 1

            In the sacred music of ancient Israel, melody was considered to be a vehicle upon which the word of Jehovah rode into the hearts and minds of the worshiper.  Biblical research has proven that the most important aspect of sacred music in ancient Bible times was the word of Jehovah.  All the elements of music were servants or helpers of the word of God. The rhythm of Bible music was always the natural rhythm of the words.  .  So, sacred music was not originally conceived as primarily an artistic rhythmic experience, but rather an artistic intellectual experience.  It was a means by which the worshiper could experience the import of God’s Word more clearly.

             The English word, music originally came from the word “muse” which meant to think.  Much of the religious music used in worship services in this century has morphed into music that amuses i.e. causes the seeker and the worshiper to not think rather than being a source of greater understanding of God’s word.  Church music should not be a source of entertainment or amusement.  It should always be a concomitant of the Logos Christos.  As Colossians 3:16 teaches, the Word of God must first dwell abundantly in the heart of the musician.  The Logos Christos becomes a source of wisdom that contains true truth which the musician uses to teach and admonish those who hear and or sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.