Aesthetics and “Joyful Noise”-part 1

Aesthetics and “Joyful Noise”-part 1

            We have discussed the development of a Christian music
aesthetic. We have also discussed a noise-based music aesthetic and
translations that have mistakenly translated ruwa as joyful noise. As
we mentioned earlier, the actual Hebrew word used in all of the texts 
mentioned that have been translated joyful noise is the word ruwa 
(7321) which meant to shout with joy. The NIV justly translates Psalm
66:1-2 as follows: “Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory
of his name; make his praise glorious!” It also translates 81:1 as “sing
for joy”; 95:1, “come sing for joy”; 95:2, “extol him with music and
song”; 98:4, “shout for joy”; 98:6, “shout for joy”; and 100:1, “shout for joy.” 

            Some Christian musicians declare that these verses command
Christian musicians to perform religious music with noise. There
are no biblical imperatives for musicians to include noise in musical
offerings to God. There is nothing in the Bible record that encourages
Christians to include noise in musical worship to God.  The use of beauty
in the arts in worship serves the purpose of creating atmospheres and
preparatory moods for the corporate worship experiences.