Featured Does CCM belong in the church

Or conversely, the title of the article could be, "Should Traditional Music be Allowed in Church" and the text could be the same.


This statement stuck out for me:

If the places where the world congregates to feed their flesh use a certain style of music it would make sense that it is probably worldly music.
If those places started playing hymns such as “The Old Rugged Cross” or “Amazing Grace” the musicians would probably be booed, and many customers would leave. Why? Because the music does not match the setting!


No, it's because they came expecting to hear electric guitars and music with a beat and not hearing hymns being sung. Has nothing to do with the setting.

 

If you've seen my posts in the "what are you listening to" threads, then you know I enjoy rock music. Secular rock, country, alt.country, Americana, folk, singer-songwriter, R&B, Beach Music, even some New Wave and "cowpunk" is about all I listen to.

But, no, I don't believe CCM or rock music belongs in church. Not because those things are morally wrong, in and of themselves (although, CCM has a lot of theology that's troubling, to say the least), but because it just isn't an appropriate vehicle for the message.

In the same way Bill Withers' "Lovely Day" is a beautiful song, but isn't appropriate for a funeral, CCM just isn't appropriate for a church setting.

 

By "contemporary" I assume that music somewhat imitative of current pop/rock is what is being referenced. Merely being of recent origin should have little/no bearing on whether the music is appropriate in church. A worshipful hymn like "His Robes For Mine", less than 10 years old, is of thoroughly traditional character and very strong theologically, and it's one among many such recent compositions.

I'm very traditional in my musical tastes - emphasis on "tastes" - but also recognize that there can be "guilt by association." If "Amadeus" was an accurate portrayal of Mozart (it's not) and I lived in 1785, I would not have had his wonderful music in church simply because it was associated closely with a notoriously sinful lifestyle. I also don't use alcohol recreationally, but that does not keep me from loving to hear the beer-drinking J.S. Bach's music in church or anywhere else.

 

What struck me most was a comment that stated, in essence, "Does the music make you want to kneel & worship - or dance??"
That seems to sum it up for me, but then I'm just an old fogey anyway!:laugh:

Also, when the bass guitars start sounding like ole # 99 coming around the bend and up a steep grade, something inside me just wants to start destroying things; have to get away from that racket muy pronto!!

 

Bring back the Gregorian chant!

 

Now that's real traditional Christian music.

 

:thumbsup:...as long as it is up on PowerPoint.

 

The last time I was involved in that type of thing was in the late-1980s. Remember the cassette tape? :laugh:

 

"If it's not in the hymnal, it shouldn't be sung in church" - Blue-haired Granny #3.

 

"If Fannie Crosby didn't write it, we won't sing it." - Blue Haired Granny #4