Not only Beautiful but also Suitable—part 2

Not only Beautiful but also Suitable—part 2

          We always experience sacred music in the context of community.  Most people like what they have often experience and mistrust that which they do not understand.  Such is most often the case with a person’s likes and dislikes when considering religious music and musicing in the context of religious settings both in and out of the church worship setting.  At this point the question arises, “Do frequent ways of religious musicing and these often experienced ways of doing so codify or establish a worthy sacred music praxis?” 

          I contend that frequent ways of musicing or musical traditions of church music do not insure that a style of music or the way that it has often musiced is automatically worthy to become the basis of sacred music praxis.  In other words, the way we have always musiced unto God does not insure that our music or musicing is “suitable to the subject”

Not only Beautiful but also Suitable—part 1

Not only Beautiful but also Suitable—part 1

          Although I do not agree with the French philosopher Blaise Pascal’s theology or much of what he wrote, I do agree with a statement he made in his Pensées when it is applied to sacred music.  He wrote, “It is not enough that a thing be beautiful.  It must be suitable to the subject, and there must be in it nothing of excess or defect.”  Many Christian musicians seem to have forgotten, or never learned about the fact that a musical composition has the propensity to be either congruent or incongruent with the purposes of sacred musicing. 

          The consideration of what is or is not beautiful in a musical composition is most often very difficult to establish with much of a degree of certainty.  Certainly there are cultural, musical and personal considerations that come into play in any such decision making process.  The musical neophyte will not have the historical and musical or experiential knowledge to make a purely empirical decision of what the beautiful in music consists of when speaking of the arrangement of the formal properties of the music.

Musicians Commissioned, Separated, and Taught

Musicians Commissioned, Separated, and Taught

          Those who suppose that the concept that there is that which is right and wrong, and that which is legitimate and appropriate in music is only a late twentieth century desperate effort to fight new approaches to music and music performance are sadly misinformed.  As early as the lifetime of Plato (c.420BC—c.348BC), philosophers were considering the concept of what was right and wrong concerning music and judgments made on this basis.  I am aware that there is much about Platonic thought (and Aristotelean thought) that a Christian does not agree with philosophically and biblically, but I see no reason that a Christian musician should not give serious consideration to the fact that from ancient times until somewhere in the twentieth century, philosophers believed that there was such a thing as right and wrong concerning music and music performance.

          As I have mentioned many times in this blog, the Bible is not silent concerning musical performance in the process of training our young people.  The twenty fifth chapter of I chronicles begins by explaining that,  “Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals…”  This verse makes it very clear that these Levite sons were separated to perform on instruments of music.  They were commissioned, separated, and taught how to perform the music of the Temple.

Thought for the Day

 Christian musicians should study sacred music and musicing by the Levite musicians in Ancient Israel.   It is an inspired window into the concept of musicing unto God.

Musicing that is Congruent with the Purposes of Worship

Musicing that is Congruent with the Purposes of Worship

Although it is possible for a composer who is not a Christian to order the building blocks of music in a fashion that will make them congruent with the purposes of scared musicing, it is the responsibility of the Christian composer, arranger and performer to be filled with the Holy Spirit in order that his or her involvement with music will be influenced by the Spirit instead of Satan.  Romans 8:6-8 instructs Christians to be filled with the Spirit “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  So, then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.”  Furthermore, 1Corinthians 2:14 explains, “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”   However, 1Corinthians 2:6 promises that the Christian is not alone in his or her musical endeavors, “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.”

          The way a composer or arranger organizes and utilizes the building blocks of music will give them the propensity to either be *congruent or incongruent with the purposes of sacred musicing to a high and holy triune God.  It is not the building blocks of music that are good or evil, but rather it is how they are arranged and performed that gives them positive or negative meaning.  To be more specific, it isn’t diatonic seventh chords, incomplete dominant ninth chords, augmented sixth chords, Neapolitan sixth chords, syncopated rhythms, put beats, dynamics, or hemiolas that are profane.  It is the way that a composer, arranger or performer uses them that determines their appropriateness or inappropriateness.  There is no such thing as an evil chord, dynamic or rhythm per se, but every astute performer, composer or arranger understands that they may be used inappropriately in a given situation.  Furthermore, the inappropriate *juxtaposition or *amalgamation of styles of music is capable of making subtle, or not so subtle, jest of the very thing that a Christian musician is supposed to be expressing when he or she musics unto God.

Thought for the Day

It should make sense to a Christian musician that if there is music that is appropriate for the purposes of worship, there is music that is not appropriate.

Artistic Arrangements of God’s Creation

 Artistic Arrangements of God’s Creation.

The concept that God does not have anything to say about sacred and secular music is false.  As a matter of fact, this faulty view actually denies God’s authority over the whole of creation which includes the whole of music.  It behooves all of us to study His Word and discern just what His will is concerning music.  It is also safe to conclude that all Music Matters very much to God. Although it is presumptuous to claim to know exactly all that God thought when he thought music into existence, we do know from His infallible inspired Word more about how to music unto Him than many Christians suppose. 

                   As we have already considered many times in this blog, music in its beginning, is not the original concept of primitive mankind, but rather the concept of God who is alpha and omega the beginning and the end.  To assume anything less is false and has no basis in or outside of Scripture.  God created the mathematical ratios that form sound or tone, the basis of music, and it has existed from the time of creation. As we have stated before, man did not evolve into existence, and likewise music did not evolve into existence. Although mankind has developed music over the thousands of years since creation, these advancements in the way that the building blocks of music are fitted together are not actually creations.  They are only constructions or artistic arrangements of God’s creation.

Thought for the Day

Christian musicians should get rid of the sense of ownership of music.  As Christians, the music we perform belongs to God.

Be Ready to Fall Down

Be Ready to Fall Down

Daniel 3:5 states “That at the time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up.” This ancient admonition sounds like a twenty-first century admonition to worship whenever and whatever is going down musically at a particular time.  These three Hebrew men refused to violate their conscience musically or spiritually.  Twenty-first century musicians are at times put in a place where they will have to take a stand.  The Bible lesson in this Scripture is very clear.  These three men would not worship the Chaldean image and they would not worship with “all kinds of music” merely because they were pressured to conform. 

       The result was that they got themselves thrown into a fiery furnace.  Sorry!  These men took a stand about worship style and idol worship which incurred the wrath of those who were in charge.  Those in authority were so mad that they heated the furnace seven times hotter than normal.  So, if you take a stand musically and spiritually, get ready to enter the fiery furnace

       These three Hebrew men maintained a meek and quiet spirit, which included a good attitude, and God honored them and took care of them.  You may feel that you are in the fiery furnace because you refuse to go along with worship that that does not follow Bible principles of musicing unto God.  However you must stay “cool” in the midst of the hot furnace.  If you do, God will take care of you.  God cared so much for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that He got into the furnace with them.

Thought for the Day

No Christian musician wishes to be misunderstood when it comes to his or her musicing.  Never-the-less it is most likely going to happen sooner or later.  When misunderstanding comes the Christian musician must be sure that his or her music philosophy is congruent with good common sense and what the bible teaches about music and musicing.

Song for the Day I gave My Life for Thee by Frances Havergal

Prayer for the Day

My precious Lord and Savior I want You to know that I trust You to guide me through the struggles of this life.  Even though I trust you, I need Your help to remain calm when I am misunderstood by others.  The three Hebrew Children are remembered because they remained calm in the fiery furnace.  Lord, I must confess to You that I probably would not have remained calm in that situation.  I need you every hour of every day because although I trust that You are able to protect me, sometimes I’m not sure that you will.  Lord, I love You and want to show your love You by living out my trust for You.  Lord I am asking You to help me not to fall down and capitulate in the time of trouble. This honest prayer I am praying this dy.  Amen.

How to Become an Unashamed Christian Musician

How to Become an Unashamed Christian Musician

1 John 4:17-18, “Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”

            As a Christian musician you may be wondering how it is possible that you could possibly stand at the day of judgment without fear.  1 Peter 1:13-16 gives some brief instruction in what  the Christian can do to make this possible.  “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”

            Romans,” 5:5 explains that God makes this hope possible when it states, “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”  However, it is our responsibility to take control of our thought life.  St. Paul declared in Ephesians 6:14-17 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God…”

            So, there are several things that the Christian musician needs to do to become an unashamed Christian.  We do not have to live a defeated Christian life.  It is a mistake to take the “poor pitiful me” defeatist attitude about Christian living.  God wants us to be proactive Christians.  He wants to guard our hearts and our minds.  So, do not listen to Satan, or Christians, who will whisper in your ear that you can not live a victorious holy Christian life.

Thought for the Day

The Children of Israel wondered around in the wilderness for 40 years, but they wouldn’t have been necessary if they had listened to God.  I know He knew the way through the wilderness, but He also knew the way around the wilderness. 

Song for the Day  Victory in Jesus by  Eugene M. Bartlett

           

God’s Way Is the Best Way

God’s Way Is the Best Way

Submission by C. Austin Miles

1. The path that I have trod, has brought me nearer God,

though oft it led through sorrows gates.

Though not the way I'd choose, in my way I might lose,

the joy that yet for me awaits.

[Chorus]

Not what I wish to be, nor where I wish to go.

For who am I that I should choose my way.

The Lord will choose for me, 'tis better far I know.

So let him bid me go; or stay.

2. The cross that I must bear, if I a crown would wear,

is not the cross that I would take.

But since on me 'tis laid, I'll take it unafraid;

and bear it for the Master's sake.

3 Not what I wish to be, nor where I wish to go.

For who am I that I should choose my way..

My soul shall rise above this world in which I move;

I conquer only when I yield.

          This gospel song is one of my favorites. It sort-of tells part of my life story for the first verse says,” Though not the way I'd choose” is true of my youthful choices.  I wanted to be a life-stock auctioneer.  When I was a boy I attended many life-stock auctions and learned how to “cry” an auction.  So, becoming a music educator was not my first choice for a life-long career.

          However, God had a much different plan for my life. As I look back on my life I can sing with all my heart, “Not what I wish to be, nor where I wish to go.  For who am I that I should choose my way.”  Although being a life-stock auctioneer would have been a fine profession, it was not God’s will for my life!  When I was making plans to be an auctioneer I was not a Christian.  When I yielded my life to Christ I found out that “I conquer only when I yield”.

Rooted and Grounded

Rooted and Grounded

Psalm 1:3, “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

            Our neighbors next door had two very large maple trees in their front yard.  They were beautiful to look at, but little did we know that they were defective.  They were at the bottom of a hill and all the run-off water surrounded them when the rain came in abundance.  Much to our surprise one of them toppled over and barely missed their house.  When we inspected the trunk of the tree, we found out that the roots were very small and had not gone very deep into the soil.  Also, there was no large tap root.  So, they were not strong enough to withstand the wind.

            The roots of the tree had regularly received so much water that they never had to go deep into the ground in order to receive water.  The application to Christian living is obvious.  The “dry” spiritual times that a  musician experiences causes the Christian to send his or her spiritual roots to go deep into the rich  spiritual earth. With this in mind the statement in Ephesians 3:16-17 is more easily understood i.e. “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love…”

Prayer for the Day

Our heavenly Father, I confess that I do not like the “dry” spiritual times that come as the enemy of my soul tempts, troubles and accuses me.  I am not asking You to allow Satan to trouble me, but if he does, I know that Your grace can make me a stronger victorious Christian.  So, I am asking You to help me to trust Your plan for my life.  Help me to be faithful and true when I am troubled, perplexed, tempted during the “dry” times in my spiritual walk with You.  This I am praying in Your wise and wonderful name.  Amen.

THE PSALMS PROFOUND INFLUENCE IS TIMELESS—part 2

THE PSALMS PROFOUND INFLUENCE IS TIMELESS—part 2

          Plumer noted the long tradition which the psalms represent when he stated, "The Psalms are wonderful.  They have been read, repeated, chanted, sung, studied, wept over, rejoiced in, loved, and praised by God's people for thousands of years." Plumer, W.S.  Psalms.  Carlisle, Pennsylvania:  The Banner of Truth Trust, 1978, p. 5.

    Barnes pointed out the timeless value of the Book of Psalms. “It is not a little remarkable that the Psalms in the estimation of religious person, hold substantially the same place under the clear light of the Christian dispensation which they did under the comparatively obscure Hebrew economy, and that with all the additional light which has been imparted under the Christian revelation, the Psalms have not been superseded.  The Christian looks to the Psalms with an interest as intense as did the ancient Jew, and, as expressive of personal religious experience, as well as for the purpose of a manual for worship, the Psalms are selected by the Christian, from the whole Bible, as they were by the Jew from the books in his possession--the Old Testament.”  Barnes, Albert.  Barnes' Notes on the New Testament.  Grand Rapids: Kregel Publication, 1962, p. XL.

          So, the Book of Psalms is probably without doubt the greatest devotional book in the Bible.  The fact that the most practical book of devotion in the Bible is a song book is proof of the importance of music in the life of the Christian.  It should also be pointed out that although this collection of lyric poetry is deep in its religious, ethical, and theological content, it is presented in such a way that the common man is able to identify with its situations and understand its meaning.  Since this great collection of music has not become outdated or its message superseded, the psalms will relate to contemporary Christian experiences.  For this reason the twenty-first century church musician should seriously consider its value in public worship.

Thought for the Day

Although a host of writers over several centuries have purported that the psalms are of timeless value, church musicians have evidently not shared that opinion since many of them rarely include them in congregational worship.

THE PSALMS PROFOUND INFLUENCE IS TIMELESS—part 1

THE PSALMS PROFOUND INFLUENCE IS TIMELESS—part 1

          This collection has served throughout the centuries as the main devotional source of the Bible.  The uses of the collection are many.  Here are just a few:

          1.       It is a song book intended to be sung.

          2.       It is a devotional book for both public and private worship.

          3.       It contains many Bible doctrines.

          4.       It is a fascinating poetical book.

          5.       It generally contains theology, history, prophesy, prayers and praises.

          6.       It expresses the deepest religious expressions.

          7.       It relates to saint and sinner.

          8.       Its message relates to the current needs of believers since its message is  

                      timeless.

          Some writers believe that this book has had as profound an influence on Christendom as any other single book of the Bible. Perone stated, "No single book of scripture, not even the New Testament has, perhaps, even taken such hold on the hearts of Christendom.  None, if we may dare judge, unless it be the Gospels, has had so large an influence in molding the affections, sustaining the hopes and purifying the faith of believers."1 Eiselen concurs when he states, "There is no body of devotional literature in the world comparable to the Psalms in expressing the reality, depth, and purity of religious experience."2  Henry purports that, "There is no one book of scripture that is more helpful to the devotions of the saints that this, and it has been so in all the ages of the church, ever since it was written and the several parts of it were delivered to the chief musician for the service of the church."3  Allen states that, "The Book of Psalms is the single master representative book in the entire Old Testament.  In it are mirrored the basic theological convictions of the people who produced the Old Testament."4  Clarke sums up the thought quite well when he states, "I know nothing like the Book of Psalms:  it contains all the lengths, breadths, depths, and heights of the patriarchal, Mosaic, and Christian dispensations.  It is the most useful book in the Bible, and in every way worthy of the wisdom of God."5

 1.       Perowne, J.J.  The Book of Psalms.  Vol. 1 and 2.  Grand Rapids,         Michigan:  Zondervan Corporation, 1878.  (1968 Printing), p. 22.

2.        Eiselen, Frederick; Lewis, Edwin; and Donleavy, David.  The Abingdon Bible Commentary.  New York:  Abindon-Cokesbury Press, 1929,           p. 514.

 3.   Henry, Matthew.  Matthew Henry's Commentary. Vol. 3, McLean, Virginia:  MacDonald Publishing Company, no date, p. 237.

 4.       Allen, Clifton J.  The Broadman Bible Commentary.  Nashville: Broadman Press, 1971,  Vol. IV, p. 153.

 5. Clarke, Adam.  Clarke's Commentary.  Vol. III,  Nashville:  Abington Press, no date, p. 218.

Thought for the Day

I wonder why psalm singing ha almost disappeared in the public worship of so many fellowships or believers even though there is so much written about the importance of psalm singing?  Perhaps it is because many church musicians have come to believe that songs of our own composing ate more relevant than the inspired Word of God.

THE SONG BOOK OF THE BIBLE—part 2

THE SONG BOOK OF THE BIBLE—part 2

          The inspired psalms are an interesting, exciting, and quite fascinating collection of ancient Hebrew poetry.  These Hebrew songs are the largest and oldest complete collection of mono-theistic religious poetry and melodies surviving in the world today.  This collection of lyric poetry is studied and respected by saints and scholars throughout the world.  Even those who do not respect the Bible as the inspired word of God, revere this book for the quality of its poetical verse.

            The quality of this Hebrew lyric poetry gives credence to the belief that there was a high level of literary and musical development among the ancient Hebrew culture.  The recent deciphering of the "Biblical accents" or the te'amim by Suzanne Haik-Vantoura has produced what she believes are the actual melodies of the psalmody of the Bible.  In Chapter VIII the subject of the deciphering of the te'amim will be treated more thoroughly.

Quote for the Day

 “Calvin praises the Psalms for their teaching concerning Christian prayer. He speaks glowingly of the privilege and access we have to the courts of the Almighty”: … it appeared to me to be requisite to show … that this book makes known to us this privilege, which is desirable above all others-that not only is there opened up to us familiar access to God, but also that we have permission and freedom granted us to lay open before him our infirmities, which we would be ashamed to confess before men (p. xxxviii).”  http://www.cprf.co.uk/articles/johncalvinpsalms.htm#.VoP7vfkrLIU 

THE SONG BOOK OF THE BIBLE—part 1

THE SONG BOOK OF THE BIBLE—part 1

          I often refer to the Book of Psalms as a "Song Book" instead of a "Hymn Book" since the psalms are not all etymologically considered to be hymns.  Many writers have referred to the Book of Psalms as the "Hymn Book" of the Bible and we take no occasion with such reference to the Book of Psalms.  However, it is a different kind of lyric poetry that is not like hymns, gospel songs, or worship choruses.

          The Book of Psalms is not only "our" song book of the Bible, but it was the song book for the religious services of the second Temple.  Although some of the psalms were sung in the first Temple it was not completed at the time that Solomon's Temple was built.  Since the time that the Old Testament Canon was finished, the Book of Psalms has served as perhaps the greatest Biblical source of materials for hymns, gospel songs, and praise choruses.

Quote for the Day

          “In the Preface to his commentary on the Psalms, John Calvin confesses that words cannot convey the wonder of this inspired book: ‘The varied and resplendid [i.e., resplendent] riches which are contained in this treasury it is no easy matter to express in words … the greatness of [the Psalms] does not admit of being fully unfolded’ (Baker ed., p. xxxvi; pages given in Roman numerals refer to this book).”  http://www.cprf.co.uk/articles/johncalvinpsalms.htm#.VoP7vfkrLIU

THERE IS MUCH WRITTEN ABOUT THE PSALMS—part 2

THERE IS MUCH WRITTEN ABOUT THE PSALMS—part 2

          Since there is so much written on this first book of the Hagiographa, it is difficult to know just what should be included in this work that will be most helpful to ministers of music.  It seems that the first order of business should be to remind church musicians that this book is the "Song Book of the Bible."  This book does not merely contain music, it is all music.  This is an inspired sacred song book, and since its contents are completely religious in nature, the minister of music must have knowledge of how these poems (songs) are constructed in order to knowledgeably sing these most excellent songs. 

`         It is also important for musicians to understand the content of these songs in order that they may be performed with understanding as I Corinthians 14:15 admonishes.  Finally the chief singer or chief musician is to be reminded that these songs were not intended to be read but rather sung since this and all Old Testament scripture was intended to be chanted or sung.  Reading these songs never does them justice for this is not a "Talk Book" but rather a "Song Book."

Thought for the Day

Although we are admonished to not sing three types of songs in Ephesians 5:19, we are directed to sing psalms many more times I the Bible than the other two types of songs.

THERE IS MUCH WRITTEN ABOUT THE PSALMS—part 1

THERE IS MUCH WRITTEN ABOUT THE PSALMS—part 1

          The study of music in the Book of Psalms is an awesome task.  Many of the other aspects of music in the Bible are not well researched by Bible commentators, but the subject of the "Psalms" is a well-worn topic.  There are hundreds of complete volumes devoted to the study of the Book of Psalms.1 These books range from small paper back volumes on the devotional aspects of the psalms to monumental treatises like William Plumer's Psalms which is 1,212 pages in length.

          Many of the Bible commentaries on the psalms have valuable introductions that give information on the history, poetry, theology, arrangement, authors, inscriptions, parallelism, figures of speech, inspiration, prophesy, names of God, divisions, collection, and even musical terms in the Book of Psalms.  There are often long discussions concerning the dating, collection, and authenticity of the inscriptions of the various psalms in this ancient collection of poetry.

Quote for the Day

1Chronicles 16:9, “Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works.”

Should All Christian Musicians Study? Part 3

Should All Christian Musicians Study? Part 3

          There are many practicing Christian musicians that find out in the midst of their music ministry that that they are incapable of “understanding (noeo 3539) neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm (diabebaioomai 1226).” This phrase connotes that it is possible for a Christian to follow a ministry (music) praxis and not be able to confirm thoroughly, with any logical biblical understanding, why they believe (affirm constantly)   what they believe.

          Third, “rightly dividing the word of truth” is a must to any Christian ministry.  This is most certainly the truth in the case of music ministry. Portions of 2Co 6:4-7 teach us that, “… in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses… By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left…”  Remember that the onus of approval falls on the Christian musician “Eph 5:8-10 speaks to this fact when it states, “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth ;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord…”

Quote for the Day

 1Corinthians 14:15, “What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.”

Should All Christian Musicians Study? Part 2

Should All Christian Musicians Study? Part 2

          It is a fair question to ask why I purport that all ministering musicians.  The answers to this hypothesis are found first in the statement in 2Timothy 2:15: “Study to shew thyself approved (dokimos 1384) unto God”. Dokimos means, in this situation, that the musician’s serious and accurate study will cause that musician to music in a way that will render this music and musicing acceptable in the sight of God.  This phrase would also connote that the musician has, by study, has “tried” the music and the way he or she plans to musics so that it will be acceptable unto God.

          Second, the statement “a workman that needeth not to be ashamed” is self- explanatory—those who study music and music in the Bible are a lot less apt to later be ashamed of how thy musiced unto God, than those who rush in like a bull in a china shop and find themselves in the unfortunate situation mentioned in 1Timothy 1:5-7,. “Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.” 

Quote for the Day

2Corinthians 10:18, “For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.”

Should All Christian Musicians Study? Part 1

Should All Christian Musicians Study? Part 1

          2Timothy 2:15, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”   Study requires the devotion to acquiring knowledge on an academic subject. This most often requires reading and the dedicated study and detailed investigation of books.  In this case St Paul was doubtlessly referring to devoting time and attention to the acquisition of knowledge of the “Book of Books” in order to acquire knowledge of what it teaches.

          It stands to reason that all Christian musicians must study music and that this study must involve a long broad study or the whole of music.  The verse quoted above does not directly mention the study of music, but I believe that the Bible principle taught here logically extends to the study of music for the Christian who is a ministering musician.  I also believe that it is essential for all ministering musicians to study what the Bible teaches about music and musicing.

Quote for the Day

Ecclesiastes 12:9, “And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.”

Is Music a Language?—part 6

Is Music a Language?—part 6

           Giving the music part of music a label that is inclusive of all that it “is” and is capable of doing to the whole-life of the individuals who encounter it is problematic. However, I believe that music, as an art form, is “meta” and the term metalanguage   may be used, more or less effectively, to explain that music is characteristically self-referential in that it has power within itself to communicate understandable meaning to the performer and the auditor.

          So, as I have mentioned in my writings and lectures many times, music is at least analogous to a language in that it is capable of communicating meaning and that the meaning it communicates is understandable to those who encounter it.  Although the music part of music i.e. music alone does not communicate verbally, it does non-verbally, and that since the time of Plato and Aristotle, various music philosophers have contended that music’s communication has the power to effect the whole- life of everyone who encounters it. Furthermore, the notion that the music part of music is not capable of communicating anything at all is a Johnny-come-lately theory that is not supported with conclusive evidence that music is a weak and benign art form without any ability to communicate anything at all, or that it has its own meaning that does not relate to life outside of music’s closed bubble.

                    Thought for the Day

Regardless of which side of the debate over whether or not music is a language every Christian musician must come to grips with music’s power.

Is Music a Language?—part 4

                         Is Music a Language?—part 4

          Everyone brings something to the listening or performing experience.  Part of what each person brings is taken from his or her previous experiences with music, but part of what a performer or listener brings is from the real world outside of music. Therefore, I am a referentialist.  Although I do not adhere to every tenant of the mainstream of philosophical music referentialists, I contend that everyone musics in reference to the real world experiences that he or she has encountered outside the realm of music.  I do not believe that music’s meaning is its own meaning with no relationship to what one has experienced in life.
          Greensburg refers to music as a “non-verbal language”.  When one views the music part of music in this manner it opens new understandings about the power of music without words. This power is at least partially made possible by various unspoken understandings that are molded by the performer’s knowledge of music and cultural and environmental surroundings that will affect that person’s encounter with music.

Thought for the Day

To deny that everyone brings something is to misunderstand that people live in a total world.  This means that whether we wish to recognize it or not, what we derive from our life experiences and from community affects our view of the nature, value and meaning of music.

Is Music a Language?—part 3

Is Music a Language?—part 3

          It appears that Greensburg believes that music has the ability to communicate meaning because of his statement that it “can encode volumes of…information”.  One of the many definitions of encode is to convert some kind of information into a form suitable for the transmission of a message.  So, I believe that music has the power to transmit various kinds of information and that music’s ability to deliver a message to the performer and the listener is “meta” i.e. self-referential.  Therefore, music’s power to communicate functions more efficiently in some aspects than a spoken (verbal) language. 

          The music part of music (the music without words) does have the power to communicate understandable meaning to the performer and the auditor.  However, it is not always easy to predict with certainty exactly what the music will communicate to the listener.  The reason is that music reaction is always referential.  What this means is that all music performers and listeners music both actively and passively  in the perspective of what they bring from their music knowledge and also what they bring from their spiritual, social, psychological, historical, and philosophical backgrounds.  As I have often said in my music lectures and in my writings, no one musics either actively or passively in a vacuum or in a bubble. 

Thought for the Day

Have you ever thought about why some Christian musicians try so hard to deny that music communicates understandable meaning?  What are they trying to prove?

Is Music a Language?—part 2

 Is Music a Language?—part 2

          It is evident that Greensburg believes that music has understandable meaning, at least in the areas of social, historical, and philosophical information.  It appears from the statement above, that the key factor in the area of music’s ability to communicate meaning to the auditor is the hearer’s understanding of the music.

          The significance of this discussion today is that the notion that no one who knows about music and music philosophy believes that music is a language.  On the contrary, the arguments for and against music being a language is still very much alive.  As I have often written, although there are problems with referring to music as a language, I contend that it is at least analogous to the term language.  I sometimes refer to music as a meta-language simply because it is beyond language is some ways.   

Thought for the Day

If music does not have understandable meaning, then what is the value of music’s meaning.

Is Music a Language?—part 1

Is Music a Language?—part 1

          In a recent ad for the Book How to Listen to and Understand Great Music, 3^rd Edition by Robert Greenburg this statement was made, “Music is a non-verbal language that can encode volumes of social, historical, and even philosophical information, provided you know how to understand it.”  Greenburg seems to have a modified theory about music being a language.  Some believe that music is a language; others consider it to be a universal language; while still others believe music to be no language at all.

          Greenburg touches on another major argument that questions whether or not we can understand music’s meaning at all.  Some summerly dismiss the question of understanding music’s meaning by simply asserting that music does not have any meaning at all.  Still others believe that music has meaning but that its meaning is an isolated meaning that is not related to life or any understanding that is related in any way to life outside of music’s little bubble.

Thought for the Day

The argument over music being a language in no way settles the question of music’s affect on all who experience it.

Aesthetic Experiences with Music

 Aesthetic Experiences with Music

Some music philosophers believe that those who are not knowledgeable concerning a style of music being performed are able to have aesthetic experiences with the music.  As a matter of fact, the MEAE (music education as aesthetic education) movement purports that aesthetic experiences should be one of the major goals of music education.  Praxialists doubt whether students who are not knowledgeable musically can have an aesthetic experience with music. Praxialists also question how often those who are musically knowledgeable actually have aesthetic experiences with music and musicing.  So, there is no general agreement among music philosophies about aesthetic musical experiences.

There is general agreement among music philosophers that some people who perform music or experience musicing are capable of having aesthetic experiences at least part of the time.  Therefore, the Christian musician cannot ignore the philosophical issues that surround aesthetic experiences.  So, all Christian musicians need to consider if and how aesthetic experiences with music do or do not affect sacred musicing. 

Thought for the Day

Christians who ignore aesthetics must somehow believe that if they ignore this phenomena it will go away or at least that effect that aesthetic experiences will not affect them and the people they minister too musically.

Attitude Adjustment

Attitude Adjustment

      My beloved former pastor R.E. Carroll used to tell those of us who worked closely with him that when trouble and misunderstanding arose in his life that he would pray, “Lord handle me.  Lord take care of my attitude.”  Rather than pray that the Lord would change the other guy, he would ask the Lord to change him and his attitude.

       So, when the heat is on, do not try to music unto God until you have had an “attitude adjustment”.  I believe that it is impossible to have an efficacious music ministry when your heart is not prepared or “fixed”.  I say again, heart fixing is absolutely necessary before you music unto God.  It doesn’t do much good to tune your harp until you have tuned your heart.

Thought for the Day

Being upset or angry at someone else over a long period of time hurts you much more than the person with whom you are angry.

Singing under Stress

Singing under Stress

Psalm 57:7 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed:  I will sing and give praise. 

       Evidently David prepared this Psalm for the chief Levite musician during the time he was fleeing from King Saul.  While under great stress the Psalmist David found it necessary to prepare his heart before he could sing and give praise unto God.  This Scripture says that David “fixed his heart.  The Hebrew word kuwn (3559) means that David prepared his heart so that he could sing and rejoice, even though he was under great pressure from King Saul.

       Christian musicians who are constantly working with others will from time to time find themselves under great stress.  At such times there will be situations that are capable of causing hard feelings and misunderstandings.  Dealing with these situations will require much heart preparation.  If the Christian musician does not take time to make the necessary heart “fixing”, burnout is sure to happen.  

Prayer for the Day

Dear Lord, as I come to you in prayer at this moment, I want to thank You for Your sustaining grace in times of stress.  I am asking You to help me to trust that You will never let any stress overtake me.  However, I need Your help at this moment.  Lord help me to not lean on my own understanding or strength.  I confess to You that when the pressure is on, I do not trust my own inner strength to take me through the time of trouble and stress.  Here I am Lord. Please help me just now.  This I am praying in Your strong name.  Amen.