On the other hand, if the question were "MAY CCM be used ...", this would imply the aspect of "permission" or "acceptability", i.e. "do God's laws allow fundamental churches to use such music." My answer to this would be, "of course."
One of the things I object to about these "music wars" is the way BOTH sides try to portray their personal choice of music as most acceptable to God. The CCM side implies -- or even says, outright -- that their "praise and worship" songs are the only true "praise and worship" that there is today, i.e. that those who do not use such music are not really "worshipping". The "traditional hymns" side claims that CCM is irreverent, disrespectful, or even Satanic in origin. (And both sides try to prove their point by pointing to the worst, not the best, of the music used by the other side.)
Music is NOT neutral. It arouses powerful emotions. (These debates clearly demonstrate that point!) But what any given style of music "says" to those who hear it varies according to the background of the hearer. Some types of music may NOT be appropriate for use at certain times, in certain situations, and with particular audiences. But that doesn't mean that that style of music will never be suitable for Christian use. In a different cultural milieu it may be the most appropriate style.
Having said that, I think that Christians ought not to be slaves to any particular style, but ought to use the BEST of EVERY style that is acceptable in the given situation. I feel a sad sense of loss when some of the really magnificent music of past generations and past centuries is crowded out by choruses that are trite, repetitive and hard to sing (especially without the music being provided), but happen to be the latest "hits" from the current darlings of the CCM scene.
One caution, however; not every age has embraced the rampant sexuality of today's popular music. Luther may have gone to the pub, but not the bordello.
It would seem to me that throughout the ages that the Lord is in the business of redeeming the world, not condemning it. To say that CCM is of the devil is rather harsh. Mind you, that there are a great, great many apostates out there selling sludge marketed under the name “Christian”. Wow. MWS, Amy Grant, threw the doors WIDE open.
However, it seems to me that the point being missed is our Tradition. Where do you think those old hymns came from? Martin Luther made the statement, “Why should the devil have all the good songs?”, and consequently used the bar tunes of his time (no doubt viewed by the “contemporary” church the same way that “rock” is today) to bring the words of faith to the common man. Did he not? He redeemed the music, to the glory of God. What did the early 1900’s church look like, musically? Does anyone dispute the notion that country-western honky-tonk-bar tunes did and do, in fact, influence the Hymnal of early last century? I’ll go you one further. The hymn writers of today, the ones being held in high esteem (or should I say, the ones publishing their own hymns—see sermonaudio’s own Frank Garlock) are nothing more than old 1950 and 60’s broadway musical’s rewritten. Is this the standard we are to hold up as biblical?
What of jazz, fusion, folk, pop, reggae, swing, bigband, celtic, world beat, plains music, country/western, Asian, African, and the rest? I assume by “rock” that you are including all of the above? Do we save someone and then tell them the only worship God accepts is something written by the three “B’s”? and oh, by the way, you must sing in English as well, or are we in the wrong by not singing in German, or Latin?
Let’s focus on the following points: God does not mandate any type of musical instrument in the bible. You may not like a heavy dose of drums, but do not confuse that with God’s preference. The Lord is a warrior. He mandates no key signature, tempo or beat (by the way, all music has a beat—there are some that you might like, and some you might not like, but ALL music has a beat). He does not even say, only Jewish music is acceptable, or NT church music (or the lack thereof, not to offend my good Church of Christ buddies). And if we are to only follow one or the other, then the bible is wrong when it says “sing a NEW” song. Yes?
We should be in the habit of redeeming what is in the world. Now, let me be clear: This CANNOT mean, looking like the world, or sounding like the world. GOD IS NOT JUST LOVE. He is justice, mercy, grace and holiness all in one. Our music should reflect this. Our art should reflect this. Our lives should reflect this. Piety was once defined as directing one’s whole life and being towards God. Music should be the same. That does not dictate the tempo, beat, key signature or number of repetitions of a song. It directs the soul of the one singing. It does not direct the way a microphone is held, or how close to the mouth it is (I’ve done a great number of solos in Handel’s “Messiah” with the mic just as close to my mouth as P&W music).
And if you’re going to define the discussion, please take the time to understand the meanings of the words you use.
My take,
Chris
As to "Christian Rock": I'm a big fan of Relient K. They are Christians who make music which I enjoy listening to. The rock beats are fun and the lyrics are usually really funny. I don't claim to worship to their music, it's just enjoyable music that has clean lyrics and sometimes a positive message. I think the same can be said for Audio Adrenaline, Superchick, Kutless, POD, and Lifehouse. I wouldn't play these music in a worship service though.
Peace, Weston
(the beat behind the one song that the Beach Boys sing)
What is worse than mediocre lyrics to the 12 bar blues; the same with about ten more "musicians" to make it louder.
Page 1 | Jump to Page : back 21 22 23 24 [25] | last
