One extremely touchy subject in Christian
circles is that of music. It has been said that “music is the language of the
soul,” so it makes sense that one’s emotions would be so involved. Sadly, as
with many things in the Church today, what the Bible
says and what the reality is about music are given a back seat to the emotions
of too many professing Christians.
Here at PFBC, it quickly becomes obvious that
we keep our music very conservative instead of pandering after the ever popular
CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) used in the vast majority of churches. Why
do we do this!? “Why can’t we be like all the other churches? Why is our
music so old-fashioned? All the other churches have life-changing, dynamic,
exciting worship that brings people closer to God and changes their lives.
Their music enables them to enter the presence of God and experience Him for
all He is! Why can’t we be like them?” Those are valid questions! This brief
article cannot do justice to the biblical answer; so I will very briefly summarize,
as best I can, why...
The CCM “worship” that takes place in most
churches is problematic. About this, Vaughan Roberts, in his book True
Worship, wrote the following:
1) God’s Word is marginalized. In most
of those churches, music and lighting designed to “lead to ‘encounters’ with
God” are the focus; the preaching of the Word is shortchanged.
2) Our assurance is threatened. If we
associate “God’s presence” with a particular experience or emotion, what
happens when we no longer feel it? The reality of God in our lives depends on
the mediation of Christ, not on subjective experiences.
3) Musicians are given priestly status.
When music is seen as the means to “encounter God,” worship leaders and
musicians are vested with a priestly role. They become the ones who bring us
into the presence of God rather than Jesus Christ. And the Pastor or Elder who
merely preaches? Well…
Then there are those who believe that music is “amoral” (without right or wrong), revealing a lack of even a basic understanding of music form or function. It can be demonstrated, both in everyday life and from the Scriptures, that music affects body, soul, and spirit. Therefore, music has moral attributes – i.e. it does have both good and evil effects on individuals.
Then there are those who believe that music is “amoral” (without right or wrong), revealing a lack of even a basic understanding of music form or function. It can be demonstrated, both in everyday life and from the Scriptures, that music affects body, soul, and spirit. Therefore, music has moral attributes – i.e. it does have both good and evil effects on individuals.
For one everyday life example, Muzak (a
multi-billion dollar, worldwide corporation) exists (and quite profitably so!) specifically
because of that effect music (any kind or style of music) has upon
people. Specific styles of music are designed by Muzak to control customer behavior
in any business establishment using its services. This has been proven to be
effective 100% of the time; in fact, Muzak guarantees it in writing.
David, when serving King Saul, played his
harp to calm the agitated king. His playing affected Saul in that he was
“refreshed” (a physical effect), “made well” (an emotional effect), and “the
distressing spirit would depart from him” (a spiritual effect) (1 Sa.
16:14-23).
Music (any and every style,
regardless of the lyrics) has been proven time and time again, both in everyday
life and from the Scriptures, to be a moral agent. Yet ignorance reigns
(willfully) in the Church regarding this effect!
The basic science of music (any kind
or style of music) is that it has three basic parts to its form: melody,
harmony, and rhythm. The melody is the part that carries
the “tune.” The harmony are all the “extra notes” that make the tune
sound more interesting. The rhythm is the “beat” that makes a song
“flow” (rhythm means “to flow”). The rhythm is the physical aspect
of the music – it’s what makes it “work” – thus, it is vital. The harmony is
the emotional aspect of the music; the way harmony is formed always has
a direct impact on one’s feelings. The melody is the part to which
everyone relates (if you “know” a song, what you “know” is its melody); thus,
the melody is the soul/spirit of music. According to Scripture, what is
the most important aspect of our lives: our bodies, our emotions, or our
souls/spirits? According to Scripture, upon which are we to focus as Christians?
Does that include in our music? Yes! For a song to be “good,” it ought
to have well-balanced form with theologically accurate lyrics. CCM is typically
more pagan than Christian.
There’s much more, but that’ll get you
thinking.
