Developing a Unified Music
Philosophy
According
to Francis Schaeffer, up to the time of Kierkegaard, philosophers had always
hoped " ... that they would be able to construct a unified field of
knowledge."[i]There
are two ways in which Christian musicians may develop a
consistent, congruent, unified system of beliefs concerning the nature and
value of the whole of music. They must utilize Bible based epistemology
(theory of and limits of "knowing") and methodology (the
method used for coming to a knowledge of truth).
The first requirement is that the musician must believe that there is objective truth concerning how to music unto God, and that we are able to know and appropriate that truth. Second, that Bible knowledge concerning music is not dispensational, but is relevant to all generations of musicians. 2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished [exertizo 1822- equipped fully] unto all good works.” The Bible did not say that the Word was profitable but that it is profitable.
What does "all Scripture" mean? Does it mean all passages except those mentioning music? Are these ancient musical writings profitable in the twenty-first century? Are they inspired or not? Are they too difficult or too *esoteric for us to understand? The Scriptures on music are there, and since God is there we have objective truth concerning music. The question is, "What are we going to do with this truth?" James 3:13 asks "Who is a wise (sophos 4680) man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation [i.e. lifestyle] his works with meekness and wisdom (sophia 4678)." The wisdom is there, and the validity is there. It is our responsibility to use this knowledge to form a congruent music philosophy.
The first requirement is that the musician must believe that there is objective truth concerning how to music unto God, and that we are able to know and appropriate that truth. Second, that Bible knowledge concerning music is not dispensational, but is relevant to all generations of musicians. 2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished [exertizo 1822- equipped fully] unto all good works.” The Bible did not say that the Word was profitable but that it is profitable.
What does "all Scripture" mean? Does it mean all passages except those mentioning music? Are these ancient musical writings profitable in the twenty-first century? Are they inspired or not? Are they too difficult or too *esoteric for us to understand? The Scriptures on music are there, and since God is there we have objective truth concerning music. The question is, "What are we going to do with this truth?" James 3:13 asks "Who is a wise (sophos 4680) man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation [i.e. lifestyle] his works with meekness and wisdom (sophia 4678)." The wisdom is there, and the validity is there. It is our responsibility to use this knowledge to form a congruent music philosophy.
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