The Music Debate Today

To begin with I’m not a big listener of music,

if my church didn’t have singing one week, I wouldn’t miss it,

in fact……

….any way…​

Music (Christian or other) offers so many things to complain about.

• too fast, too slow;
• in tune, out of tune;
• too loud, not loud enough;
• to old and hard to understand, too modern and culturally driven,
• repetitious, poetic, free-form;
• percussion or no percussion;
• organ or guitar;
• congregational, Gospel, old hymns, modern hymns, contemporary,
• Praise/worship, Hymns, Gospel, Pop, Instrumental,
• What is she wearing? dress too short, pants/slacks; too revealing,

IMO, it is the leaders that communicate a message in song,
they can do it well well or they can do it poorly.

So much depends upon the one leading the music.

If someone desires to create a ministry based upon a single type of music (to the exclusion of others) they can try to base it upon biblical principles but personally I believe they are stretching Scripture far beyond what it was originally designed to communicate.

Rob

 

Pretty sure @Deacon just ended the discussion! Well said brother!

 

First, there are a variety of music styles. There is no regulation against music styles in scripture therefore the normative principle applies and Christians are free to create with all the various styles.
In church, I believe all songs should teach us theology and point us to know God. Songs that evoke emotions that make yourself feel good are of little use as the person being lifted up is yourself. These types of songs can be found anywhere, including hymnals in a Fundamentalist church. An example is the hymn "I come to the Garden" which has no theological value and does nothing to teach you about God or lift God up. It is entirely about how the writer felt in their garden.

There is a Christian hip-hop artist who goes by the name "Propaganda." His theology is solid and his lyrics teach. The style is not for church congregational singing, but you will learn about God when you listen. He points you toward God. I'd listen to his song titled "GOSPEL" while never listen to "The Garden."

Does a song glorify and teach us about God. Then listen to it.

 

I am an IFB believer who is passionately against CCM. I completely reject the notion that we lost the battle for godly music long ago to the supporters of CCM. My church has never used any CCM. God willing, we never will.

 

Well to counter this, I grew up in IFCA and we had a hymnal full of theologically weak hymns. I'll take Sovereign Grace and Indelible Grace arrangements and words over those worthless hymns any day.
"I Come To The Garden", one of the songs that should be banished from any church.

 

All I can say is I like a song or I don't. I like some of all kinds and dislike more than I like. Pure music, not lyrics, the best song ever is Sweet Child of mine.

 

Scripture speaks about singing as a harlot (Is. 23:15). Regardless of how good the lyrics of a song might be, singing it in such a sensual way as a harlot sings is ungodly and unacceptable to God.

 

You calling Sandi Patti a harlot?

I honestly don't see how Isaiah 23:15-18 makes your case.

In that day Tyre will be forgotten for seventy years, like the days of one king. At the end of seventy years, it will happen to Tyre as in the song of the prostitute: “Take a harp; go about the city, O forgotten prostitute! Make sweet melody; sing many songs, that you may be remembered.” At the end of seventy years, the Lord will visit Tyre, and she will return to her wages and will prostitute herself with all the kingdoms of the world on the face of the earth. Her merchandise and her wages will be holy to the Lord. It will not be stored or hoarded, but her merchandise will supply abundant food and fine clothing for those who dwell before the Lord.

 

I know very little about Sandi Patti and did not say anything about her. Your suggestion (by way of a question) that my comments have anything directly to do with her is an illegitimate tactic.

Various CCM singers themselves, such as Amy Grant, have themselves said that they have chosen to speak, sing, act, etc. in certain ways so as to inject sensuality into their music.

Many musicians who themselves are not harlots use some of the same vocal techniques that harlots use to enhance their sensual appeal and the sensual gratification of their customers.

Regardless of who does it, injecting any elements of human sensuality and sexuality into divine worship is ungodly and unacceptable to God.

 

And what defines "godly" music?

 

There's a name I haven't heard in a while.

 

Quote from Amy Grant please. Find the exact quote and share it, or run the risk of being a gossip.

Do you listen only to Gregorian chants? If not, then who is to say that songs sung by conservative fundamentalists aren't sensual? We're the Gaithers sensual in their singing? Honestly, this boils down to pure legalism devoid of grace.

 

I try to stay hip with the youngsters...

 

I can't hear that name without thinking Salmon Patty.

 

How exactly does a harlot sing?

 

If I like it, then it is Godly. If I don't, it isn't. Any more questions?

 

I have two relevant quotes, but they are from secondary sources. When I have time to go to a public library (which may not be anytime soon) and validate the quotes directly myself from their original sources, I will post them.

In the meantime, you can search on Google for yourself and find relevant information.