Aesthetics and the Christian Musician—part 9

 

Aesthetics and the Christian Musician—part 9

          The purpose of all this discussion of progressive despair is to show logically how 20th century musical philosophy prepared the way for the autonomous philosophical practice of contemporary Christian musicians.  It is easy to see how the inordinate quest for music freedom of the world in the 20th  century strongly molded the autonomous freedom philosophy of contemporary Christian musicians.

          The parallels are astonishing.  Both believe that music aesthetic is totally a matter of personal opinion.  Both believe that rhythm and dissonance are extremely vital to their music.  Both believe that the only artistic standards in music composition are those which the artist imposes on himself.  Both believe that the composer and the performer are autonomous.  The godless worldly composers are not interested in what God thinks about music and the worldly Christian musicians are not interested in a philosophical belief that God thinks about the music part of music.

          How does a Christian musician develop a philosophy of music aesthetics?  Some Christian musicians believe that art derives most of its significance outside of itself.  This is especially true when we consider sacred music.  Worship music normally exists as a means to an end.  Music is a vehicle upon which the Word of God rides into the mind of the worshiper.  However, an increasing number of Christian musicians believe that music is a closed system and that its system of “knowing” and its significance comes within itself.  This philosophical belief allows a Christian musician to function independently of the Lordship of Christ.  Since they believe that music’s significance is in no way referential it only refers to itself and may not “say” anything at all.  This belief system allows a total artistic approach to religious music. 

 

 

Thoughts and Scripture for the Day

Psalm 115:1-8 states, “Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.  Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God?  But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.  Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.  They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:  They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not:  They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.  They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.”  Surely these admonitions teach Christian musicians that a Christian’s goal is a life of service and worship rather than lifting up self.  As we enjoy this Christmas season let us renew our vow to the God we love and worship to present ourselves fresh and anew to the reasonable service of being a living sacrifice unto God.  It is the rational thing for all Christian musicians to do each day of our lives.