Music styles--part 1

Music styles--part 1

       Dr. Robert Berglund once said, "Why is it that almost every music appreciation textbook written deals with style in music?  The obvious answer is that it is through style that music assumes much of its meaning to the listener." A Philosophy of Church Music p. 22.    Roger Scruton explained that, "The first step towards understanding music, therefore, is to understand sounds as objects of perception." Understanding Music, p.5.  So, it is universally understood by music philosophers that style matters.  Furthermore, music understanding is achieved through many means, but paramountcy through  the understanding of sounds delivered through music style.

       Why should the Christian care about music styles?  It is believed by many Christians that style is only a matter of musical taste and therefore of little or no concern to the spiritual outcomes of sacred music.  The only problem with this "all styles are ok" notion is that this notion is just not ok!  In our posts for the next few days we will be considering music styles and their effect on both sacred and secular music in the life of a Christian.

Thought for the day--music styles-part 1

How do Christians deduce that if they read the Bible, attend church, and pray they will become so spiritually fortified that they can listen to any type of music they wish and it will have no negative effect on them?