Okay, quick think about one or two of your favorite songs that you like to hear on the radio. What makes them something that appeals to you? Is it the music? Is it the words? Is it the rhythm or the melody? Whatever it may be, there is just something there that draws you to that song and that touches the depths inside of you.
Okay, another quick thing. When you think of God's Word and God's message put to music, what kind of music do you think of? Many would equate this with an instrument like the organ, though in recent decades, a number of musical instruments have been tuned and played and have had God's Word and God's message attached to them. Yet, I am relatively sure that there are quite a few out there who would answer my question with "The organ, of course!"
At times, it may seem that a particular instrument or style of music is sacred. I have had discussions with those who claim that God's Word and God's message cannot be respectfully played or sung to any instrument other than an organ. Yet, one thing that I like to point out is that, in the Bible, that particular instrument is never even mentioned, let alone as the sole means by which God's Word and message can be sung. However, for many, it seems almost sacrilegious to have music in worship played by any other instrument.
This is not to say that their preference for that particular type of music is wrong. For many, growing up with organ-led worship music has led to a great preference for that. There is nothing wrong at all with organ music or organ-led worship. For those who prefer it, it becomes the means by which God's Word and message comes meaningfully to them. Praise God for that!
However, it must also be acknowledged that not everyone is going to resonate with that particular kind of music. Guitars, drums, flutes, pipes, and all other kinds of instruments may also be utilized to sing God's Word and God's message. The idea that these kind of instruments lead to sensationalizing and self-promotion may be true at times, but no more so than the organist who plays to show off their skills. Ideally, all would play to the glory of God and to aid their fellow worshipers in their time with God.
Music touches our hearts and souls in deep, meaningful ways. God also seeks to touch our hearts and souls in deep, meaningful ways. To me, it seems to make sense that we combine these two in our times dedicated to God. And if it happens to be in different musical styles, then we should be thankful to God for such creativity, which is, after all, a reflection of Him.
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ReplyDeleteGreat posting Scott. Typically those that are fixed on a 'sanctified' instrument for worship such as an organ really don't have a real handle on history.
ReplyDeleteFor example: Not everyone knows that in the early 1700’s Isaac Watts introduced hymns such as, "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross." As a result many Christians rejected the music as ‘worldly’ whereas many other churches ended up splitting over his hymns. My point being, what one generation considers as a 'sanctified' style, another generation will condemn as a 'worldly' style.
Personally, I prefer the lyrics of the older hymns rather than much of the lyrics of today's music. However, like good missionary contextualization we are in a position to retain much of the older hymns and musically contextualize them for the ears of the 21st century man.
Great posting Scott.
Matt, you bring up a good point. It's not so much the music as it is the words which convey God's Word and message. Perhaps one of the worst parts of much of the "contemporary" music phenomenon is that the lyrics lacked so much in terms of theology.
ReplyDeleteI've often wondered why more Lutheran musicians don't work to create the great lyrics and teachings of our church in a musical style that touches people's hearts. That would seem like a very worthy endeavor to me!