"Music can name the unnameable, and communicate the unknowable." --Leonard Bernstein
This song by Barry Manilow from another generation tells how much we owe to music. God actually "wrote the very first song," not Manilow's composer. The Bible doesn't mention the usage of music until the days of Jubal, "the father of all those who play the lyre and the pipe" (Gen. 4:20, ESV). Music predated man because Job mentions in Job 38:7, "[W]hen the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?" There obviously have always been heavenly choruses, just like the one that greeted the shepherds at Christ's birth. The Greeks of antiquity studied music under the aegis of the Pythagoreans, who "held music in high regard" and was "therapeutic for the soul." The modern scales owe their development to them and their studies. They thought music "soothes the savage beast." Everything to them was ratios, proportions, harmony, and mathematical relations.
Actually, all music is of God, it's the lyrics that may be corrupt or inappropriate. That means every genre! I don't appreciate Country, but that doesn't make it bad music. I do not judge people who do, they just relate to it and I don't. Some people take to Soul, Rhythm, and Blues, or Rock and Roll because of their culture, DNA makeup, or the people they hang out with. No music is of the devil or evil per se--only lyrics and a love song are of "good report" no matter what genre it's in. Music can be used by the devil for evil purposes like stirring up evil passion or lust, but it depends more on the lyrics than the musical genre. As I mature in Christ, I become more fond of classical music because I just love music per se, and don't care to get too overstimulated by Rock anymore.
As far as church music goes, it is advantageous to have an understanding that it must be biblically sound and not just have a catchy tune. We tend to remember them, but they may not be uplifting, edifying, and/or doctrinally sound. I think it is vital to the health of the church to respect all manner of holy music as Col. 3:16 says (songs, hymns, and spiritual songs), and not get uptight over who it appeals to--we must all cater to each other and not monopolize the music scene with our favorites, but let all the people feel included and part of the celebration and worship service on the Lord's Day.
There are some hymns that I just love and will never forget, and remember singing them to a pipe organ or in a choir and they bring back sentimental feelings; however, worship is more than sentiment! The passages must delineate the truth and proclaim praise to God: "Blessed are the people who hear the joyful sound (Ps. 89:15)." The Psalms say, "Shout to God with a voice of triumph! (Ps. 47:1)." I have been in churches where they really make use of clapping to keep the beat and this is an effective tool (however, it's just a tool or gesture to aid in worship).
The most important thing is that our hearts be right before the Lord and we are not just giving lip service and worship from a pure heart. Sometimes people just memorize the Dance of the Pious (cf. Matt. 15:8) or go through the motions because they've done it umpteen times: As Isa. 29:13, ESV says, "And the Lord said: 'Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men....'" Again it is written, Jer. 12:2 (NIV) says, "You are always on their lips but far from their hearts." Religion that only goes lip-deep is not up to par nor spiritual--"He that worships God must worship Him in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24).
The Puritans were very legalistic and published the first book in America known as the Bay Psalm Book to be used as their hymnal. They didn't believe in singing anything that wasn't in the Bible! Some churches actually rule out forms of accompaniment such as instruments and singing a cappella. Today most churches that are "with-it" have drums, acoustic and/or electric guitar, and bass with a possible piano or organ to boot. Worship leaders are the fad and some believers are especially gifted at getting the Spirit going and livening the church up. This is not just a passing fad or phenomenon, but the future of worship, and if you are only into singing the old standby hymns, there is a church for you that is that conservative, but most evangelical churches today get inspired by the music industry and their members like to sing the popular songs they hear on the radio or at concerts.
Music is a powerful conductor and medium of worship and an actual vehicle that helps make God's Word come alive in us--we can remember things better when set to music, for number one. Personally, I used to be addicted to religious radio stations because I thought that was the spiritual thing to do; however, now God has just given me a love and appreciation for music in general and instead of worshiping vicariously by listening, I can study and read the Bible to classical music that seems to fit the mood and relax me.
There is a time and there is a place for all genres of music. Johann Sebastian Bach wasn't the only profoundly spiritual and religious man who was very prolific musically in the classical genre: Felix Mendelsohn, a Jew, became a devout Lutheran like Bach. I believe God has given me this spiritual awakening to have a taste for the classics. Some would swear that Jesus speaks "Country." After Whitney Houston passed, I realized her gift of music and no one could sing "Jesus Loves Me" quite like her, yet she was largely known as a pop star. Amy Grant was the first gospel crossover star to make it big in the pop genre. Elvis, the so-called "King," actually started his career with Gospel and had a Christmas album.
In sum, it is paramount that all worship music be biblical, regardless of genre, while all other music (and we must not be so sanctimonious or pseudo-pious, legalistic, or holier-than-thou (cf. Isa. 65:5) that we can't even listen to it at all) must just be good music and uplifting to one's soul per Philippians 4:8, (ESV), says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things [even if secular and what I mean is that some people limit God to spiritual things]." Soli Deo Gloria!
This song by Barry Manilow from another generation tells how much we owe to music. God actually "wrote the very first song," not Manilow's composer. The Bible doesn't mention the usage of music until the days of Jubal, "the father of all those who play the lyre and the pipe" (Gen. 4:20, ESV). Music predated man because Job mentions in Job 38:7, "[W]hen the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?" There obviously have always been heavenly choruses, just like the one that greeted the shepherds at Christ's birth. The Greeks of antiquity studied music under the aegis of the Pythagoreans, who "held music in high regard" and was "therapeutic for the soul." The modern scales owe their development to them and their studies. They thought music "soothes the savage beast." Everything to them was ratios, proportions, harmony, and mathematical relations.
Actually, all music is of God, it's the lyrics that may be corrupt or inappropriate. That means every genre! I don't appreciate Country, but that doesn't make it bad music. I do not judge people who do, they just relate to it and I don't. Some people take to Soul, Rhythm, and Blues, or Rock and Roll because of their culture, DNA makeup, or the people they hang out with. No music is of the devil or evil per se--only lyrics and a love song are of "good report" no matter what genre it's in. Music can be used by the devil for evil purposes like stirring up evil passion or lust, but it depends more on the lyrics than the musical genre. As I mature in Christ, I become more fond of classical music because I just love music per se, and don't care to get too overstimulated by Rock anymore.
As far as church music goes, it is advantageous to have an understanding that it must be biblically sound and not just have a catchy tune. We tend to remember them, but they may not be uplifting, edifying, and/or doctrinally sound. I think it is vital to the health of the church to respect all manner of holy music as Col. 3:16 says (songs, hymns, and spiritual songs), and not get uptight over who it appeals to--we must all cater to each other and not monopolize the music scene with our favorites, but let all the people feel included and part of the celebration and worship service on the Lord's Day.
There are some hymns that I just love and will never forget, and remember singing them to a pipe organ or in a choir and they bring back sentimental feelings; however, worship is more than sentiment! The passages must delineate the truth and proclaim praise to God: "Blessed are the people who hear the joyful sound (Ps. 89:15)." The Psalms say, "Shout to God with a voice of triumph! (Ps. 47:1)." I have been in churches where they really make use of clapping to keep the beat and this is an effective tool (however, it's just a tool or gesture to aid in worship).
The most important thing is that our hearts be right before the Lord and we are not just giving lip service and worship from a pure heart. Sometimes people just memorize the Dance of the Pious (cf. Matt. 15:8) or go through the motions because they've done it umpteen times: As Isa. 29:13, ESV says, "And the Lord said: 'Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men....'" Again it is written, Jer. 12:2 (NIV) says, "You are always on their lips but far from their hearts." Religion that only goes lip-deep is not up to par nor spiritual--"He that worships God must worship Him in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24).
The Puritans were very legalistic and published the first book in America known as the Bay Psalm Book to be used as their hymnal. They didn't believe in singing anything that wasn't in the Bible! Some churches actually rule out forms of accompaniment such as instruments and singing a cappella. Today most churches that are "with-it" have drums, acoustic and/or electric guitar, and bass with a possible piano or organ to boot. Worship leaders are the fad and some believers are especially gifted at getting the Spirit going and livening the church up. This is not just a passing fad or phenomenon, but the future of worship, and if you are only into singing the old standby hymns, there is a church for you that is that conservative, but most evangelical churches today get inspired by the music industry and their members like to sing the popular songs they hear on the radio or at concerts.
Music is a powerful conductor and medium of worship and an actual vehicle that helps make God's Word come alive in us--we can remember things better when set to music, for number one. Personally, I used to be addicted to religious radio stations because I thought that was the spiritual thing to do; however, now God has just given me a love and appreciation for music in general and instead of worshiping vicariously by listening, I can study and read the Bible to classical music that seems to fit the mood and relax me.
There is a time and there is a place for all genres of music. Johann Sebastian Bach wasn't the only profoundly spiritual and religious man who was very prolific musically in the classical genre: Felix Mendelsohn, a Jew, became a devout Lutheran like Bach. I believe God has given me this spiritual awakening to have a taste for the classics. Some would swear that Jesus speaks "Country." After Whitney Houston passed, I realized her gift of music and no one could sing "Jesus Loves Me" quite like her, yet she was largely known as a pop star. Amy Grant was the first gospel crossover star to make it big in the pop genre. Elvis, the so-called "King," actually started his career with Gospel and had a Christmas album.
In sum, it is paramount that all worship music be biblical, regardless of genre, while all other music (and we must not be so sanctimonious or pseudo-pious, legalistic, or holier-than-thou (cf. Isa. 65:5) that we can't even listen to it at all) must just be good music and uplifting to one's soul per Philippians 4:8, (ESV), says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things [even if secular and what I mean is that some people limit God to spiritual things]." Soli Deo Gloria!