Nov. 18, 2007 - Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs
Isn't it funny that various groups of Christians tend to get stuck on a certain style of singing, denegrating all others? Actually, I don't really think it's funny. I think it's a crying shame. It is sad to me that 'contemporary' Christians regard psalm- and hymn-singing as "stodgy" and boring. But just as sad that there are some who throw out all contemporary music as shallow, maybe even sinful.
If there is one good thing about having a mottled history in the church (everything from cape-dress wearing anabaptist to toe-tapping charismatic), it's that I've learned to appreciate the good in all sorts of styles of worship. As a teen I would drive for hours to get to Mennonite and Brethren youth gatherings, to enjoy four part harmony hymns, rousing choruses, and Sunday singing from the Ausbund. But I also learned to enjoy some of the more contemporary music, and stuff from Vineyard and Maranatha. To be sure, there are plenty of insipid and worthless contemporary songs, but I would venture to say that there are also a few insipid hymns, too (should I be putting on a flame retardant suit about now?). It's not the style that makes the music worthwhile, but the content. And good content can come in all sorts of packages. We have a tape from the Catholic John Michael Talbot, which we enjoy both because of his beautiful musical stylings but also because the songs are all taken directly, word-for-word from Scripture. I used to have a tape from Christafari, a Christian reggae band, but someone stole it. These days we fill our Sunday evenings with Gospel bluegrass. Late-nights we sometimes listen to Christian R&B and hip-hop. And if you see me out driving my old van, the boys and I are likely nodding our heads in time with some good Southern Gospel or "black Gospel" music, the latter of which we've learned to enjoy from our church. Just as there is beauty in a group of God-loving people singing sedate hymns in beautiful harmony, I have started to see the beauty of watching weary faces transformed with joy as they sing about God's goodness complete with handclapping and a little stomping. Sure, there are showmen and frauds in those kinds of churches, But there are also little old arthitic ladies who are simply so thrilled with being in God's presence that they ignore the pain and others judgements, and dance.
I wish churches could develop some kind of mix. Young people need to hear the deep theology of the old hymns. Older folks may need to learn how to make a joyful noise. All of us need to be less concerned about the style and sound of our music, and more concerned with the state of our hearts while we are singing.
Comments
Nov. 18, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by SmallWorld
Great post. This is a source of never-ending frustration in many congregations, to be sure. Imagine how silly the worship wars must seem to our Father. He's got to be rolling his eyes and wanting to put us in the time-out chair...
Nov. 18, 2007 - You are so right!
Posted by Katie in Ohio
I love almost all kinds of music that honors God. I have some styles I prefer more than others (simply from a musical stand point and tender ears when it comes to certain loud noises LOL ... don't laugh... I know, I have three boys, I should be used to loud noises).
Our church has been in an uproar for a while since contemporary music was introduced in a second service. THEN, our music leader (a woman, nonetheless) went to Liberia for 2 years on voluntary service and became charismatic. you can be sure she shakes things up now and again! We also had a pentacostal couple move here from Louisiana. What does a 'good' Mennonite church do with a homeless tongues-speakin' couple from the south?? We find out they can sing and put them on the platform, of course! hahahaaa. THAT really lit some fires under people :-)
Ah well, the Spirit revives us all... change is good
Nov. 18, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by dustinsdreamer
I couldn't agree with this post more! I grew up in a very conservative, albeit not as conservative as you describe, church where it was all hymns and you dare not clap your hands. We now attend a more charismatic church. I have also learned to appreciate many styles of music that worship our God.
I've found on Sundays that a local station plays really good "black Gospel" as you put it. I'm sure some heads would turn if people heard what this very very white girl with her very white children were listening to. Ha! But hey, I don't have to have the greatest rhythm in the world to enjoy great music!
Wow, that was a long comment. :)
Nov. 18, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
This is one of the reasons I love my church so much! We go to a Christian Reformed Church, and we often have a mix of contemporary music with 'worship leaders' and hymns with the organ in our worship services. It's so beautiful!
I grew up in an Anglican Church, which was very formal and when I went to University joined a church with ONLY contemporary worship music. I appreciate very much that my church is able to balance the best of both worlds =)
Nov. 18, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Jalanda
This entry makes me smile. There is hope for us, eh?
Nov. 18, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Harmony
Just a glance through any hymnal will prove that there are insipid and shallow hymns, too. That being said, the music that survived decades and centuries is *mostly* the best of the bunch. I think that's why I like old songs (hymns is a bit of a misnomer, IMO) more than contemporary songs. Not that there aren't beautiful and deep and meaningful contemporary music. I would just rather wait ten or fifteen years for most of the shallow ones to get weeded out and then add the best ones to the hymnal. ;-)
I love small and simple worship. I have been a part of churches that did big productions, solo performers, bands, etc, but I think that for me I like the simpler style.
Nov. 19, 2007 - Defining Music
Posted by Anonymous
Appropriate church music can be very controversial, but it needn't be. From what I understand, God tells us in the Bible to Praise Him. Music is part of the worship service. That worship is to focus on God and God only. That is what the music should reflect. The music must focus on the melody and not the beat.The words must reflect the saving grace of Jesus and His Deity. The melody should encourage us to think of the words, not the constant beat which takes away from the words. The words should reflect biblical passages rather than words that do not have a deeper meaning or are clear about God's Grace and Mercy. Using this definition, there are many hymns, both new and old, that do not reflect this, and should not be sung in church. Cultural appeal should have nothing to do with this.
Nov. 19, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
<quote> Appropriate church music can be very controversial, but it needn't be. From what I understand, God tells us in the Bible to Praise Him. Music is part of the worship service. That worship is to focus on God and God only. That is what the music should reflect. The music must focus on the melody and not the beat.The words must reflect the saving grace of Jesus and His Deity. The melody should encourage us to think of the words, not the constant beat which takes away from the words. The words should reflect biblical passages rather than words that do not have a deeper meaning or are clear about God's Grace and Mercy. Using this definition, there are many hymns, both new and old, that do not reflect this, and should not be sung in church. Cultural appeal should have nothing to do with this.
</quote>
I feel praise music differs from worship music. Just my opinion. Very curious what defines appropriate to this poster.
Blessings
Nov. 19, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Victorious
I agree with you here. I grew up *mostly* in churches with hymns, but had cousins (one on my mom's side, one on my dad's side) I visited once or twice a year each, who went to pentecostal churches w/ contemporary praise music. Then I went to Christian school at a pentecostal church, same thing. Visited my grandparents' old-order Mennonite church a few times, went to a VERY southern baptist church w/ southern gospel music, a few Methodist churches, an acapella Church of God church, etc. So many styles of worship! But as long as the worship is centered on God and not self, that is what is important. I'm sure God loves our praise whether it is unaccompanied, slow and contemplative, fast and intense, or whatever. As long as we praise Him and adore Him. I have to admit I wish my current church would have hymns sometimes but the head pastor does not like hymns! But other than the lack of hymns, we do have quite a variety of music styles represented. Sometimes Spanish, sometimes gospel, mostly contemporary, though. OK I've rambled on enough tonight! LOL
Blessings ~ Diane
Nov. 20, 2007 - I totally agree.
Posted by Anonymous
There are some hymns that I think are rather flowery and unbiblical... or that use certain words in order to just make a rhyme (LAME!).
At the same time, like you, I regularly find theologically bankrupt lyrics in praise & worship tunes that are popular. No matter what kind of music it is, we've got to beware of poor lyrics.
Like you, I like it all- hymns/praise & worship lyrics/ and if I may be so bold, several songs by U2 and other artists that are praising to God- if it's theologically squared up and doesn't have a 'me-centered' set of lyrics.
Jess
Nov. 20, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by cappuccinosmom
Thanks for all of the comments! They're interesting!
Anonymous mentioned "cultural appeal" and I may have to brew up something about worship and culture. :) It's easy to forget that there are 6 billion people out there, very few of whom have every had the joy of singing an old white European hymn in four part harmony. ;)
Nov. 24, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Martha
It sure can be a conterversial subject, I myself enjoy a variety of music. We enjoyed listening to Keith Green growing up in spite of going to a church that was made up of ex- mennonites and amish. I enjoy a wide variety of music, but have to say I really enjoy singing hymns the most! I do like some of the ones written today as well. I also even though raised quite conservative was named after a secular Beetles song and was familiar with singers from my dad's era that were not Christian as well....I had a varied upbringing! I love gospel music though and my husband listens to alot of Russian music.
Dec. 10, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by terry
well said
May. 8, 2008 - Gospel Music & Guitar
Posted by Anonymous
It's such a Blessing to hear that the gospel community has a world class gospel guitarist & Singer.
He's becoming quite well known.
His name is GW Williams,many people say he's ranked as one of the top 5 living guitar players in the world today.
It's good to know that us Christians have people posted out there serving in Gods Army from all walks of life.
Below is a link I found at his web site, I ask if I could post this around to help spread the news of His Gospel Music and GW said it was ok with him.
<a href="http://jordanriversguitarforum.blogspot.com"> Rock,Blues,Jazz Guitarist GW Williams </a>
Aug. 14, 2008 - hymn lyrics
Posted by Anonymous
any body know lyrics to mennonite song we used to sing "the love of god is like a flame on and on it is the same....another part was "if the heart is made his dwelling place
