What is a Music Philosophy?-part 1

What is a Music Philosophy?-part 1

What is a music philosophy? It is a series of systematic beliefs concerning the nature and value of the whole of music. What is a Christ-centered philosophy of music? It is a series of systematic beliefs (statements) concerning the nature and value of the whole of music in which Christ has preeminence— thus we use the term Christocentric. Christ’s teachings are at the center of this philosophy which is the antithesis of a humanistic music philosophy where man is the center of all philosophic endeavors. If we are going to keep God at the center of our beliefs concerning the nature and value of all of music endeavor, then we must, as Colossians 2:8 warns, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ” (NIV).

          In order to discuss the development of a philosophy of music we must be able to define what it is. Many church musicians and music educators that claim they do not have a music philosophy are outspoken about what should or should not happen in church music and in music education. Although they declare that they do not have a philosophy of music, they do have one; it just is not systematic, thorough or written. These beliefs should be written, and they should be systematic. A Christian musician who does not want to be ashamed must “Study to shew thyself approved [i.e., tested or approved 1384] unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15)

Thought for the Day

It appears that many Christian musicians must believe that if we ignore the problems that surround music ministry, they will go away.  Are they going away?