Are words or music more important?

I believe that the words and the music are of equal importance. The words should stir the spirit and the soul, they should bring glory to God. The music in regards to its timing, beat and measure, should not reflect that of the world. As Christians, we are to be seperate. Before I was saved I listened to a group called "Jars of Clay". Little did I know, after I got saved, I learned that they were a Contemporary group. Nothing about that group, its words or music stirred me to a closer walk with the Lord. I wonder why? It is because it reflected the culture of the world.Many Christians are busy trying to bring more of the culture of the world into their lives and churches rather than abstaining from it.

 

Their doctrine is appaling, I agree. If Christians would take time to find out what doctrine the artists believe, it would save many problems. But, sadly, many people are more concerned about how the music makes them feel, rather than, "Is this biblical"

 

i find the lyrics. the words. the doctrine of the speech within music is much more important than the music itself.

that's one of my two cents.

 

any music out there right now. in fact. every style of music out there. is "of the world"

so what music do you consider "not of the world" ?

 

Well said, Dale-c. There is nothing like Holy, Holy, Holy, those old hymns of the Faith stir the soul each time I hear them and sing them.

 

There are many songs both contemporary and hymns that contain poor doctrine. I do believe the doctrine is the most important. I think we find ourselves on shakey ground, at least biblically, by stating that a certain beat makes something "worldly". Psalms 150 sounds like a very lively band. The heart of the worshipper seems to be much more important than the style of the music.

Bro Tony

 

What, exactly, is this "music of the world"? There's music the "world" uses, but music in itself is just music, and is a personal preference in the same way as clothing, sports, cars, hobbies, food, employment, etc. The "world" uses all of these thing and I don't hear Christians saying to avoid all of these other things. Music is a HUGE pet peeve for Christians that shouldn't be.

 

Godliness cannot be assigned to the metrical status of a song.

So...is a song in 5/4 time evil? At what tempo does a song become "wrong"--80? 96? 120? Is a 6/8 shuffle evil? Is syncopation wrong? If so, where does scripture say it is?

Dale, I have problems with bad theology as well...but I think you can't paint with such a broad brush. There are songs from all genres with horrible theology, and some with outstanding richness, depth, and truth.

In addition, I'll repeat what I've said many times...I do draw a distinction between music that I simply enjoy and music appropriate for corporate worship. "She'll be coming around the mountain" may be a fun song to sing with no sin issues involved, but it ain't a worship song.

Literally thousands of songs with Christian themes are written every year--encompassing all genres and subjects. We can't know all, or even most of these songs. I'm not going to condemn a genre of music based on a song, or even a few songs.

God bless all of your churches--those that use old stuff, new stuff, and ancient stuff--as long as God is glorified.

 

Because the Holy Spirit was not speaking to you then. No amount of Scripture, lyric, or "godly" music is going to stir you to repentance. Only the Holy Spirit does that... you know why? Because that's His job.

 

Holy, Holy, Holy is indeed a wonderful song that speaks volumes about God. That makes it no more "holy" or appropriate than other songs that are newer and lyrically sound. It just speaks to you louder, because of your preference.

 

Well said.

Agreed.

 

Joshua -

Jars of Clay happens to be one of my favorite bands. They are incredible musicians and they make wonderful music. However, one day I was thinking I ought to know the words instead of just enjoying the music, so I listened to what they were singing, and realized, I don't really understand what they are talking about half the time. I still enjoy their music and will continue listening to it. It's strange to me that their CD "Redemption Songs" is my least favorite. I guess I didn't enjoy their versions of Nothing But the Blood, It Is Well With My Soul, and I Need Thee Every Hour. I don't know why they couldn't just perform them at least close to the way they were originally written. That would have been nice. I like their original stuff. The song "Flood" actually stirred me up one time. It's can happen.

 

Great, Blammo!

You didn't understand it because it was deep or didn't make sense? Clarify that for me, please. By the way... kudos on listening to what the song says instead of just listening to the song. If more people did that, there'd be more understanding in these discussions.

I gave up on them after "If I Left the Zoo." I wouldn't count them as favorites in my playlist, although they have several good songs. To my taste, their first CD is their best. I gave another listen to "Redemption Songs" and didn't care for it either. But if it gets the old favorites in front of a new group of younger listeners that may not have ever heard them, then it's worth it to me.

Yeah, great song!

 

I think a little of both. I am refering to two CDs. One has "Flood" on it, the other one is called "Tea and Sympothy" I think. I read through the lyrics for both of these CDs and couldn't really grasp what was being said on some of the songs. Flood I understand. I would like to understand all of their lyrics cause their music is terrific. I'll have to read through the lyrics again if you want me to elaborate further. (It's been awhile)

 

Long deep technical answer: Yep