Not well with the soul

[RighteousnessTemperance&]

Certainly he does.
There is a difference between evangelistic outreach and offering worship to the most holy.
I ask you, do you present before a holy God for worship that which is less, and (if you read the link) now know from the intellect, life, and character that produced the writing?
Or do you consider that the character, intellectual views, and testimony of the life lived have no bearing upon what that person wrote?

I think a major problem here is in failing to understand the power of God's Spirit to break through any and every barrier with His Word, His Message. It should be no surprise to find that God has his witness in even the darkest corners of society, and it would be foolish to reject that witness based on whatever superficial source it seems to come. The song is clearly in line with the Spirit, with the Gospel of Christ.

If you think that by singing the song, you are honoring a heretic or condoning heresy, then don't sing it. But to accuse others of that is far beyond your right to judge, and if you did you would be dead wrong, as the judgment would be wholly lacking in discernment.

 

[Steven Yeadon]

i have offered on the BB many commentaries concerning worship.

This one may cause most folks to cringe.

I firmly consider all that done in a worship service must be found as Scripturally approved. That includes the prayers, the readings, the announcements, the offerings, the music, the sermon, ....

One issue that must be attended is the presence of lack of separation from the ungodly to embrace what is Godly.

Is it appropriate to use the ungodly in delivering worship to the Holiest?

God did not tolerate it in the temple/tabernacle, yet it is more and more often excused in the church worship!

Would your assembly gleefully participate and embrace the words from a heretic?

Some weep singing the words of “It is Well with My Soul” and consider it righteousness.

One should certainly weep, but not in joy but sorrow that they sing the words written by a heretic!

Think I write of that which I have know knowledge?

From: https://cprc.co.uk/articles/spafford/

Horatio Spafford was a rabid Arminian and a universalist, who believed in the salvation of Satan and purgatory (like Roman Catholicism). The hymn writer was also a false prophet, a charismatic and a cult leader. The heretical teaching and utopian community of the “Branch” and his “Bride” were not in the way of Christ’s peace. It was not well with his soul. Surely, it is far better to sing the 150 inspired Psalms written by true prophets of Jesus Christ, the Branch (Isa. 11:1; Jer. 23:5; 33:15; Zech. 3:8; 6:12), for His beloved bride, the church (Eph. 5:23-32).

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Next time you and the assembly engage in worship, engage what the Scriptures direct should be done with a “sound mind” and examine if you are using materials from a heretical source.

Horacio and Anna Stafford were heretics. Just how well is your soul?

I read it. It took time to digest the fact the man who wrote one of my favorite hymns was way worse than Bethel Redding. It hurts really. I thank you for the link.

I disagree though in that I am Arminian and resent the authors hatred of us. I am also in disagreement in that I see no reason to limit worship to an ancient form only. Something I will be happy to respectfully debate.

As to the issue of using modern music written by non Christians claiming the title of Christian. Yes, we should not encourage them and avoid their music in worship. A little known fact is that churches pay non Christian "worship groups" money to use their music. We need to avoid the use of such music in church.

I am split as to an old hymn made by a nonChristian. Much classical music gets tossed really. In all honesty the authors make no money and we can repurpose the work. Still I am open to being wrong on that.

 

[Roy]

"It is Well" could be an example where God used an unclean vessel. Another example could be the song "I Saw the Light" by Hank Williams. These songs could possibly expressions of the authors' hearts desires, even though their lives didn't reflect the focus of their songs.

Is Solomon pertinent to this discussion? He authored scripture but was responsible for lots of high level, ungodly corruption in Israel.