Building a Christian Philosophy of Music



Building a Christian Philosophy of Music

Christian music is a very controversial issue within many churches today. Churches have split because of disagreements over the style of music the church uses or does not use. Every individual Christian seems to have his/her own ideas regarding what is appropriate. Popular Christian music has become a billion-dollar industry in the US, and the influence of such music has deeply penetrated the church and the home. How can we make sense of this issue? We should seek to develop and follow a biblical philosophy of music.

A philosophy is simply a set of rules or principles by which we govern any area of life. A philosophy is like a filter or screen. Some things will pass through the filter and other things won’t. A biblical philosophy will help us identify both the good and the bad. Our goal should be to accept the good and throw out the bad.

A philosophy of music is important for a number of reasons:

1. There are few concrete guidelines in the Bible as to what style of music is acceptable.

In Biblical times, there were no media outlets pumping out music 24/7, and music was simply not a significant issue. Today we are almost overloaded with musical input. Plus there’s an overabundance of Christian music available, some of which is good and much of which is not. A philosophy will help one sort it all out.

Some would say that if a thing is not clearly taught in the Bible, the Christian has liberty to do whatever he wants. However, music, just like every other aspect of life, must be controlled and limited by general biblical principles. The Bible may not address the issue directly, but there are some guidelines we can use to help us make good choices.

2. Musical styles change. Musical styles once labeled “the devil’s music” are now making their way into the church and into Christian life. We must continually apply unchanging biblical principles to a changing musical scene, which is often difficult.

3. Adopting a philosophy of music will help you make musical choices. Without some guiding principles, you will likely make musical choices based on faulty grounds, like personal feeling, peer pressure or pragmatism. The proper basis of evaluation is biblical principle. Biblical theology must be the foundation of a philosophy of music. God’s Word speaks to all situations, including music.

So a philosophy of music is a set of overall rules or principles by which we decide what kind of music we will listen to.

This series is divided into three parts: music in general, church music, and personal listening. We will be evaluating each aspect of the music issue from a biblical point of view and trying to come to appropriate conclusions.

What does the Bible say about music in general?

1. The original purpose of music was to honor and glorify God.

Exodus 15:1 Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

Judges 5:3 Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD God of Israel.

1 Chr 16:23 Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; show forth from day to day his salvation.

2 Chr 5:13 It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD.

Job 38: 4-7 Where wast thou … when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

Acts 16:25-30 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

God is the original author of music, and his intent seems to have been to aid the expression of praise and thanksgiving to God. The primary audience for music is God. The chief consideration when evaluating music should be whether or not God would be pleased with it, not how people feel about it.

The fact that people enjoy music is likely due to the fact that man was made in the image and likeness of God. Part of the image of God in man must be this appreciation for music. God created music and has included musical expression within worship. We sing to God, and God somehow appreciates that. God is a musical being and so is man. Further, common grace suggests that even ungodly, unsaved people can come up with some good ideas. So we shouldn’t be surprised that unbelievers enjoy and express beautiful musical ideas.

2. Music plays a substantial role in the correct worship of God.

1 Chronicles 25:7 So the number of them, with their brethren that were instructed in the songs of the LORD, even all that were cunning, was two hundred fourscore and eight.

Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

The OT law gives detailed regulations for the production of music within the context of the tabernacle/temple. The Law called for a large number of singers and instrumentalists to aid the Israelites in worship. These were professionals whose main task was the composition and performance of worship music. There was probably a scheme for teaching new musicians and bringing them into the system. Further, the Book of Psalms is the hymnal for the Jewish people. They used various psalms for different rituals and feasts throughout the year. Music was a significant part of the proper worship of God for the Israelites.

In the NT, we find some instruction on the use of music as well. Paul mentions various categories of music–psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. NT believers likely used many of the same psalms the Jews used. They also composed hymns, songs of praise to God. Spiritual songs are more personal in tone and express one’s own experience with God.

Paul gives us the benefit of music in church–”teaching and admonishing one another.” One benefit of music is that it teaches and reinforces the doctrines of the church.

Historically speaking, the evidence shows that the early church employed music in its worship services from the very beginnings of Christianity. There has been genuine controversy over the years regarding the proper forms of music for the church, but there is no doubt that music should play a meaningful role there.

3. Music may be used for or associated with corrupt purposes and immorality.

Just like any other form of communication, music is capable of conveying corrupt, ungodly and immoral messages. Sin has corrupted almost everything in this world, including music.

Exodus 32:7, 18 And the LORD said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves. … And Moses said, It is not the voice of them that shout for mastery, neither is it the voice of them that cry for being overcome: but the noise of them that sing do I hear.

Music of idolatry and immorality – During the incident with the golden calf, the people “rose up to play” (Ex 32:6). In the context of this rebellious and immoral party, they sang. The text doesn’t tell us the quality or style of the music they used at this time, but they obviously used music that was suitable for the occasion. That is, there was a certain style of music that fit the mood–immorality, paganism and rebellion.

Isaiah 5:11-12 Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them! And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.

Music of drunkenness – This text clearly shows the association of immorality with music. There are forms of music that are suitable for immoral activities like a drunken party. Music is common at almost any kind of social gathering, and when the purpose of the party is immoral, the music involved will likely reflect that purpose.

Should we use music that has been typically associated with immorality as an expression of praise to God? If there were a musical form that pagans used to accompany their immoral practices, would that same music be suitable for use in God’s service? Obviously not.

4. Music likely played a prominent role in personal entertainment.

Job 21:11-14 They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance. They take the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ.

Before the days of portable radios and CD players, if someone wanted to enjoy music on a regular basis, he would likely learn to play an instrument. Various instruments were common–harp, lyre, flutes, drums, cymbals, horns, etc. The harp and organ (i.e., flute or reed pipe) are mentioned as early as Genesis 4:21. David, for example, was a skilled harpist. People have always enjoyed music and many have learned to play instruments for their own entertainment and relaxation. Those who could not play an instrument could at least sing, hum or whistle.

Was such personal music directed toward God, or was it more personal and secular in character? It’s impossible to say. It seems likely, however, that there was some distinction in style and lyrics between personal, recreational music and the music composed specifically for the worship of God.

5. Music is a wonderful means of creative expression.

Psalm 144:9 I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee.

Psalm 149:1 Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.

Part of the image of God reflected in man is the desire and ability to create things. People interested in music are often very creative and imaginative people. They are looking for ways to express their creativity in musical terms. The church should be one context for this musical creativity. Just as in the OT temple and in the early church, someone has to compose, play and sing the music dedicated to the worship of God. Those whom God has gifted musically should express their gifts in the church for the benefit of the congregation. The church should value the contributions of musically gifted members and provide many opportunities for such creative expression within the normal life of the church. Some churches are able to employ a professional to head up the music programs of the church.

Music communicates meaning.

The fact that music communicates is both biblically defensible and practically provable. We’ve already seen that music is closely associated in the Bible with various activities–worshipping God, immorality and entertainment. The styles of music associated with these activities was likely quite unique. That is, it’s unlikely that the same music used to worship God was also employed during drunken parties or pagan rituals. Certain styles of music naturally accompany certain acts. That’s because styles of music communicate meaning.

Note some expert quotes:

Dr. Howard Hanson, the Eastman School of Music: “Music can be soothing or invigorating, ennobling or vulgarizing, philosophical or orgiastic. It has powers for evil as well as for good.”

Plato said that music directly represents the passions or states of the soul–gentleness, anger, courage, temperance. Aristotle believed that if one listens to the wrong kind of music, he would become the wrong kind of person.

Joseph Machlis in The Enjoyment of Music: “Music has been called the language of emotions. ... Music, like language, aims to communicate meaning.”

Charles Reich in The Greening of America: “Music has become the deepest means of communication and expression for an entire culture.”

Dr. Max Schoen in The Psychology of Music: “Music is the most powerful stimulus known among the perceptive senses. The medical, psychiatric and other evidence for the non-neutrality of music is so overwhelming that it frankly amazes me that anyone should seriously say otherwise.”

The argument that music is neutral, a mere vehicle to carry the message, is clearly invalid. No one who knows music believes that music is neutral. Music, like all art, conveys a message, even without lyrics. Because this is the case, we must insure that both the lyrics and the style of the music convey the same message and that both are in keeping with the character of God. The mode of communication (the style) must not distort or contradict the message being communicated. You can’t divorce what you say from how you say it. Method and message must agree with each other. The words (theology) and the music (art) must match.[1]

The old cliche’ states that “music tames the savage beast” and the testimony of the Bible supports the fact that instrumental music can indeed having a soothing effect on human emotions. For instance, David was hired to play the harp for King Saul to counteract “an evil spirit from the LORD” that tormented him.

Let our lord command his servants here to search for someone who can play the harp. He will play when the evil spirit from God comes upon you, and you will feel better.… Whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would take his harp and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him. (1 Sam 16:16, 23)

The style of the music of the great old hymns is critical to the overall impact of the hymn. Can you imagine the lyrics of “Holy, Holy, Holy” set to a heavy metal tune or “Abide with Me” sung to disco music? The absurdity of both of these ideas is obvious to us, and yet today the church seems increasingly willing to assume that a simple soft rock rhythm is capable of carrying the profound themes of Christianity.[2]

Examples of musical forms that convey meaning:

Funeral music: slow, depressing, melancholy

Wedding music: uplifting, bright, happy, festive

Dance music: quick, rhythmic

March music: rhythmic, strong accents, bold

Patriotic music: emotional, strong

Thus, the morality of music is determined by the message it communicates. The only people who have ever promoted neutrality in music are those who want to use immoral music. Thus, we must ask ourselves if the musical style that we want to use fits with the occasion in which we want to use it. There are some styles that communicate a message that is incompatible with the gospel. We should not use such styles.

It’s important for believers to develop their powers of discernment when it comes to music. Some types are perfectly acceptable for worship, while others are not. Some music is fine for personal listening enjoyment, but would be inappropriate for church use. And there’s some music that is so closely associated with immoral people and behavior that believers should reject it outright, no matter what the context. The aim of this series of lessons is to help you develop enough musical discernment to make wise choices.

Conclusion: God created music, and he had certain purposes in mind for its use. The original intent was to express praise and worship to God. Thus, music plays a prominent role in the proper worship of God. Unfortunately, sinful men corrupted music and began employing it to accompany immoral and corrupt practices. Music likely was widely enjoyed by many people as personal entertainment. And musical expression is a wonderful outlet for creative people. It’s also very important to understand that music in and of itself communicates a message, which may be bad or good. Thus, Christians must develop the ability to judge music in order to recognize and appreciate the good and reject the bad.

Church Music

In the last lesson, we examined what the Bible says about music in general. We found that the basic purpose for music was to honor and praise God. He created music and appreciates certain forms of musical expression. We also found evidence that ungodly people can misuse and corrupt music to make it suitable for immoral activities. We must insure that we don’t use inappropriate forms of music, either for personal entertainment or for church worship.

Music was and continues to be an important aspect of proper worship. It is this aspect of music that we are now ready to study–music for use in the church.

( One might wonder why there is a distinction between music for use in the church and music for other contexts. The key idea that distinguishes church music from other contexts is suitability or appropriateness. Some otherwise good music would not be suitable for use in the church. Likewise, some church music may not be appropriate for use in other contexts.

Suggest some types of otherwise acceptable music that is not suitable for a worship service: some classical, march music (JP Sousa), hillbilly/bluegrass, polka, some styles of ethnic music, college fight songs, funeral dirges, ragtime, etc.

Similarly, church music is not usually suitable in some other contexts. You generally don’t hear hymns over the loudspeakers at the grocery store, the mall, or the dentist’s office. Church music is called “sacred” because it is designed to be used in a special context–the church.

Some church music has migrated into other categories. For example, much of what Bach wrote was originally designed for use in the church, but today Bach is considered to be classical, not sacred. Some pieces by otherwise secular composers (e.g., Beethoven, Sibelius, Haydn) have migrated into the hymnal. Martin Luther and the Wesleys brought more popular and less formal styles of music into the church. Music sung by the congregations rather than just by soloists or choirs became more common during the Reformation. Some sacred music has recently crossed over into secular popularity. For example, Judy Collins’ version of Amazing Grace was at the top of the charts in the mid-1960’s. Today’s CCM “artists” often dream of crossing over into mainstream pop stardom. So there always has been some cross-pollination between the secular and the sacred.

With this in mind, let’s look at several truths regarding church music.

1. Music in church is appropriate and important.

Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

James 5:13 Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing psalms.

These and other verses suggest that singing was a regular part of worship in the early church. Music continues to be a major part of typical worship services today. It’s common for half or more of the worship time to be taken up by music–3 or 4 hymns, a special number, the offertory, a chorus probably take almost as much time as the sermon does. Historically, music has always been a part of the worship of God in the NT church.

2. Church music should reflect its purpose – to praise and honor God.

Ps 40:2-3 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

Ps 150:3-5 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.

Church music should be theo-centric, that is, focused on the person and work of God the Father, the Son, and/or the Holy Spirit. Songs of personal testimony are fine, but even these should direct the glory to God. Unfortunately, much of the music used in churches today brings more glory to the performer than it does to God.

The message of the music is more important than the messenger is. Individual performance quality must take a back seat to the message of the music. Churches should strive for excellence in their music programs, but even singers whose best efforts still produce a “joyful noise” should be allowed some outlet for their musical expressions of worship.

Particularly in the context of congregational worship, believers are singing to the Lord, so their music must reflect God’s character. Our music is primarily to him and for him. Thus, it ought to be of a quality that God would endorse and appreciate.

Psalm 33:3 Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise.

Col 3:16 … singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

3. Church music should reflect the attributes of God.

1 Chronicles 16:29 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

2 Chr 20:21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever.

Ps 29:2 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

← God is Holy (1 Pet 1:16). Therefore my music must be holy. Music should be morally pure, not fleshly or carnal.

“Holy” means “set apart for God.” Christian music should reflect this set-apart-ness. That is, there should be an obvious difference between a Christian’s music and a lost person’s music.

The moral character of music may be difficult to judge due to the subjective nature of the musical experience. It’s often easy to recognize the two ends of the spectrum–holy and unholy–but there are some styles of music that are harder to categorize. For example, some types of folk (or “roots”) music, like bluegrass or polka, are difficult to pin down from a moral perspective.

We would obviously not use unholy lyrics in church, but we must remember that the style of music may be holy or unholy, too. In fact, many churches today are adopting styles of music that some would call “worldly” or “fleshly.” Fleshly music appeals to the old nature. Rock music is designed to appeal to the flesh–that’s the nature of the genre. Those who know rock music willingly admit that the music itself conveys a message of sensuality, rebellion and selfishness. Hence, rock ‘n’ roll, as a style of music is not suitable for use in the church.

There is no way to separate associations from a style of music. The famous statement, “The medium is the message” is true. The message of rock music – please yourself, enjoy illicit sex, do your own thing, lose control – is part of rock music itself. One cannot use the style without endorsing the message of that style.

Since rock ‘n’ roll is clearly and admittedly a worldly and unholy style of music, it doesn’t make sense to use it in the church. It is inappropriate to use that style of music to convey holy lyrics. Holy lyrics conflict with and contradict the message that rock conveys. Further, good lyrics do not somehow sanctify an unholy style of music. Adding good lyrics to bad music doesn’t magically make an immoral style holy.

Since God is holy, our choice of musical styles for the church must be holy as well. You cannot worship a holy God with unholy music.

← God is Truth (Jn 14:6). Therefore my music must be theologically correct (at least).

Many of the old hymns are full of theological truth–”He was Wounded for My Transgression,” “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” “Holy, Holy, Holy” and such hymns are full of meaningful, biblical concepts. Unfortunately, some of the old hymns stray into error as well. New songs that present theological truth in an appropriate and compelling way are being composed, and these should find voice in the church as well. The date of the composition is not the issue. The content of the song is what we must evaluate. The fact that a song is in the hymnal does not guarantee that it is theologically accurate or appropriate.

We often gloss over the words of a song. We may have the attitude “it’s only a song, so it doesn’t really matter.” It does matter because it is filling your brain with ideas, either right or wrong. Songs teach and admonish (Col 3:16), so we must insure that what they are teaching is correct.

← God is Orderly (1 Cor 14:40). Church music must exhibit order and balance. Some have suggested that melody should be strongest, harmony secondary, and rhythm last.

This aspect of God’s character also suggests that music ought to be as excellent and beautiful as is possible. Second-rate, cheesy melodies and lyrics have no place in the worship of God. Music ought to be uplifting and dignified, not mediocre and mushy-sentimental. That’s one reason it’s wise to avoid using common, commercial tunes to set hymns and/or spiritual songs. E.g., using the Gilligan’s Island theme for Amazing Grace or substituting spiritual lyrics in pop tunes. E.g., “We Will Rock You” = “We Will Serve Him”

This is not to suggest that only professional-quality music be allowed in church. God appreciates even a joyful noise made as an expression of worship unto him. However, as much as is possible, church music should be well-done, practiced, and of good quality.

Common Arguments Dissolved

← Shouldn’t we use the commonly-accepted music of the culture to attract the unsaved?

This argument suggests that unsaved people don’t understand and may be offended by traditional sacred music. Or that it only makes sense to use whatever music is most popular in the cultural context of the church. Some in the church growth movement contend that conservative music hinders a wider acceptance of the gospel.

← Culture is not morally neutral. The artistic expressions of a culture may in fact be very immoral. The fact that a form of music is popular in a culture does not guarantee that it is appropriate for use in a sacred setting. In times past, when the church had far more influence over a culture, popular music and church music may have been very similar in style. But today, the immoral culture in which we live is having more of an impact on the church than ever before. It’s a worldly style that’s influencing the church, not vice versa.

← Church is not designed primarily for unsaved people. The principal focus of a church worship service is to give saved people a means of meaningful expression of worship to God. We shouldn’t expect unsaved people to appreciate all the elements of a worship service. The church is a learned culture, one that a believer can come to understand and appreciate. The fact that unbelievers don’t feel comfortable in church should not surprise us, nor should it cause us to change important elements of the service just to make them feel more at home.

← The Bible does not support the idea of using music as an evangelistic device. There are no clear references to the evangelistic use of music in the whole Bible. Saved people express their devotion to God through music–that is music’s proper biblical function. So whether or not the unsaved find it appealing doesn’t matter. Sacred music is not for them.

It’s interesting to note that most CCM musicians see evangelism as a legitimate purpose/goal for their musical “ministries.” However, the Bible clearly and forcefully asserts that evangelism is conducted through the preaching of the word (1 Cor 2:18f).

← Paul said, “I have become all things to all men” (1 Cor 9:22). He also quoted from a pagan poet in his message to the Athenians (Acts 17: 28). Doesn’t this suggest that we should format church music to appeal to the lost?

← Paul’s desire to be “all things to all men” meant that he avoided offending or insulting people by violating certain customs. Paul wanted to avoid social taboos and needless offenses that would hinder the preaching of the gospel. Again, this has little or nothing to do with church music.

← The fact that Paul quoted from pagan poets does not suggest anything about church music. There is no genuine comparison here.

← Studies have shown that unsaved people actually expect traditional, conservative music in church. It doesn’t offend them. It’s the professing believer who likes popular music who is responsible for moving such styles into the church.

← Didn’t Martin Luther and others use popular music, even tavern tunes, in their hymns?

← The evidence suggests that out of 37 chorales that Luther wrote, only one is based on a popular tune that was commonly sung “on the street.” Most of Luther’s music is original with him or based on previous hymns. He also employed a few folk melodies. However, in Luther’s day, the influence of the church was so widespread that folk tunes and church tunes were often very similar. The popular music of the time had a folk-like character far removed from modern day pop.

One author says this of Luther: Although there was much popular music available to him, from drinking songs and dance tunes to religious folk songs and carols, Luther chose only those tunes which would best lend themselves to sacred themes and avoided the vulgar, “rollicking drinking songs” and dance tunes.[3]

← John and Charles Wesley, two very influential and prolific English hymn writers, did indeed incorporate secular tunes in their hymns. However, like Luther, they were very careful in their selection of tunes, using only those that seemed suitable for the lyrics they would convey. They agreed that some tunes were appropriate for worship and others were not.

Some guiding principles that should shape congregational singing and hymnody:[4]

1. Theo-centricity (God-centered): songs that focus on the character of God, such as “Immortal, Invisible” or “Holy, Holy, Holy”

2. Gospel-centricity: songs that focus on the person and work of Jesus, such as “Jesus, What a Friend for Sinners!” or “Oh the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus”

3. Theologically accurate: songs that convey the truths of the Scripture accurately and clearly, such as “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” or “And Can it Be?”

4. Simplicity (ease of singing): songs that are easy to understand and memorize, such as “Amazing Grace” or “The Old Rugged Cross”

5. Beauty: songs that use imaginative and compelling poetry, such as the lyrics from Isaac Watts, “Am I a Soldier of the Cross?” – “Must I be carried to the skies, on flow’ry beds of ease, while others fought to win the prize, and sailed through bloody seas?”

6. Musical excellence: substantial tunes of majesty and nobility, such as “Austrian Hymn” (Glorious Things) by Haydn, “Ode to Joy” by Beethoven, “Aurelia” (“The Church’s One Foundation”) by Samuel Wesley

A couple of examples of 1, 2, and 5 from above:

Agustus Toplady, 1770: “Fountain of never-ceasing grace, thy saints’ exhaustless theme, great object of immortal praise, essentially supreme; we bless thee for the glorious fruits thine incarnation gives; the righteousness which grace imputes, and faith alone receives.”

Isaac Watts: “Alas! And did my Savior bleed, and did my Sovereign die! Would devote that sacred head for such a worm as I! Was it for crimes that I had done he groaned upon the tree! Amazing pity! Grace unknown! And love beyond degree! But drops of grief can ne’er repay the debt of love I owe; here, Lord, I give myself away, ‘tis all that I can do.”

Horatius Bonar, 1870: “Not what my hands have done can save my guilty soul; not what my toiling flesh has borne can make my spirit whole. Not what I feel or what I do can give me peace with God; not all my prayers and signs and tears can bear my awful load. Thy work alone, O Christ, can ease this weight of sin; thy blood alone, O Lamb of God, can give me peace within. Thy love for me, O God, not mine, O Lord, for thee, can rid me of this dark unrest, and set my spirit free.”

Compare with the following: (Many of these hymns speak of seeing God and Jesus face-to-face, not just one day, but right now, through a direct, mystical experience.)

On The Mountain Top: “On the mountain top above the world below, where the fruits of vict’ry in abundance grow. There the streams of blessings flow from fountains of his grace. I’ve been on the mountaintop and seen his face.”

In the Garden: “He speaks and the sound of His voice is so sweet the birds hush their singing; and the melody that He gave to me within my heart is ringing. And He walks with me, and he talks with me, and he tells me I am his own; and the joy we share as we tarry there none other has ever known.”

Just Keep On Praying: “Pray till the light breaks through. Just keep on praying till light breaks through. The Lord will answer you. Just keep on praying till light breaks through.”

It Pays To Serve Jesus: “Tho’ the pathway to glory may sometimes be drear, you’ll be happy each step of the way.”

Live In Sunshine: “This world is not a place for gloom, while sunshine lights the morning sky, while blossoms store their sweet perfume, for everyone who passes by. Then let not grief your heart beguile, meet every trouble with a smile. Are any sad, go make them glad and live in sunshine all the while.”

Much of what passes for church music today, especially modern praise and worship choruses, is of the “God is my boyfriend” style. The lyrics are so vague and general that they could be sung to one’s sweetheart. (See handout)

What should church music not be?

← Overly repetitive: some repetition is acceptable (e.g., Psalm 118), but many CCM choruses go overboard.

← Overly sentimental and gushy: tear-jerkingly mushy music is inappropriate.

← Nebulous: music that says nothing of value. E.g., Kum Ba Ya, If I had a Hammer

← Showy: the performer and his/her virtuoso talent becomes the focus.

← Worldly: using styles and methods that emphasize and/or appeal to the flesh. E.g., sliding, breathiness, worldly performance techniques, etc. Much of church music today is of the commercial, warmed-over pop variety that simply puts new words to the world’s tunes.

← Unpracticed: those lacking talent and skill or those who don’t want to prepare should not participate in special music.

← Trite, banal, vulgar, romantic, unimaginative and undisciplined. E.g., the Gilligan’s Island theme.

Because church music is aimed at the worship of God and the edification of the saints, the goal should be to employ music of the highest standards possible. The people in charge of a church music program must be able to evaluate such matters. This requires some musical education and gifting for those who desire to lead in this area. If you don’t know how to identify majestic, noble, creative, beautiful music, or if you wonder what trite, banal, vulgar, romantic, unimaginative and undisciplined music sounds like, you need a musical education.

Note the Quote:

Modern Evangelical worship, regardless of denomination, is predominantly influenced by a Pentecostal worship model, which in turn appeals to themes common to the modern “religious” culture. Gone are the Reformed themes of transcendence, doctrine, reverence, abasement, and fellowship, to be replaced with more popular themes of simplicity, mystery, individuality, and enthusiasm. Soft rock is more than sufficient to produce atmospheres of joyous praise and mystical reverence, and since these are central to Pentecostal worship and easily embraced and understood by both the regenerate and the unregenerate, if fits far better in a modern worship service than the supposedly stuffy and wooden tunes of yesteryear.[5]

Conclusion: Music specifically for church use must come up to a higher moral standard than other forms of music. It is sacred music, after all. It should be appropriate for the occasion, bring praise and honor to God, reflect the attributes of God (especially holiness and truth), and be both easy to sing and beautiful. Any music that is closely associated with the world is not appropriate for use in the church.

Personal Music

Now that we know what the Bible says about music in general and since we’ve examined a proper approach to church music, we are ready to tackle the issue that is perhaps the most troublesome, choices in personal listening.

Some points to ponder:

1. Expect differences.

Standards for church music and home/car/walkman/computer are different. What’s acceptable in one context may not be for another. The purpose of musical choices is different. Music in the church is meant primarily for worship; music at home may be simply for entertainment. Thus, we should expect some distinctions between the music we expect at church and that which we listen to at home.

Further, since each individual selects his/her own music, each person will have different tastes and standards. Few people listen strictly to traditional, conservative hymns all the time. Thus, you’ll find a variety of musical choices among believers. However, this does not open the door for listening to ungodly, worldly or sensual music.

2. Most of our musical choices are driven by taste, not conviction. Taste is developed over time and is largely based on emotion and personal background. Convictions are beliefs based on Biblical principles. Obviously, conviction should be more influential than taste.

Those who want to combine Christian lyrics with popular forms of music do so, not because of the words, but because of the musical style. It’s a matter of personal taste. The appreciation of the style drives these musical choices. Those who reject popular music do so based on a conviction that a certain style is ungodly no matter what words go with it. Believers may actually like a style (taste) but reject it as a matter of principle (conviction).

3. Rock ‘n roll, as a style of music, is immoral. Its message is antagonistic to the Bible’s message. The message of rock is unrestrained sex, rebellion against authority, and selfishness. Rock was originally the music of the bar and the brothel, but its influence is now almost universal within our culture.

Quotes regarding the nature of rock as a musical style:

I’ve always thought that the main ingredients in rock are sex, really good stage shows and really sassy music. Sex and sass, I really think that’s where it’s at. – Debbie Harry, rock musician (Blondie)

Rock ‘n’ roll is 99% sex. – John Oates, rock musician (Hall and Oates)

Rock music is sex. – Frank Zappa, rock musician (Mothers of Invention)

Rock is characterized by “monotonous rhythm that carries sexual feeling to dehumanized extremes.” Martha Bayles, author

Rock music has one appeal only, a barbaric appeal, to sexual desire–not love, not eros, but sexual desire undeveloped and untutored. – Allan Bloom, author

Rock is the most explicitly concerned with sexual expression. – Frith and McRobbie, authors

But what are the values that rock purveys? Back in 1966 Bob Dylan told an interviewer, “If people knew what this stuff was about, we’d probably all get arrested.” The words ‘rock and roll’ … were synonymous with the act of fornication. . . . Sex is the main ingredient in rock music and the artists and producers who crank it out make no bones about this. – Stuart Goldman, writer

Rock motivates you internally, gives you a sensual feeling. A girl can be turned on by the music. It releases her inhibitions. The beat of the drum has always been a factor . . . . A girl realizes her own (lustful desires) through the music. – Mike Quatro, rock producer

Rock is at its core raw carnality. Rock is completely self-absorbed and self-focused. – Professor at USC

A Comparison of Godly Music and Pop Music[6]

|Godly Music Characteristics |Pop Music Characteristics |

|Quality |Quantity |

|Spiritual value |Material profit ($$$) |

|Creativity |Novelty |

|Sacrifice |Immediate gratification |

|Discipline |Ease of consumption |

|Joy, beauty and worship |Entertainment, stimulation |

|High standards |Crowd-pleasing mediocrity |

|Principle-driven |Success-driven |

|Reality |Romance |

|Meek, humble |Sensational |

|Permanent |Temporary |

4. The combination of godly, moral lyrics with the styles of rock ‘n’ roll is inconsistent and dangerous. The lyrics/ideas appeal to the spiritual nature while the music appeals to the flesh. No amount of good words can legitimize or sanctify an ungodly style of music.

There can be no doubt that rock ‘n’ roll as a style of music presents a message that is hostile to Christianity. The rock medium kills a Christian message. To use pop music to carry a Christian message is simply wrong.

5. Some forms of secular music are acceptable for Christian listening. Much classical music, because of it represents beautiful and exalted ideas, is perfectly suitable for personal listening. Some types of folk music are also fine.

It may be difficult to determine whether a certain style or selection of music is suitable. Each believer has to develop his/her own set of standards. However, it’s usually best to avoid music that is associated with or influenced by immoral styles. Hence, rock music in all its multitude sub-styles (including rap) is clearly not the best musical choice for a Christian. Some forms are much less offensive than others, but any forms whose primary appeal is to the sin nature are not appropriate.

One might complain that the only music he likes is rock ‘n’ roll. Remember that the sin nature within us likes lots of ungodly things. Further, personal feelings are not a solid basis on which to build values. Also, it is possible to change what you like.

The Weaknesses of CCM

The major alternative to traditional styles of Christian music is CCM, Contemporary Christian Music. Many professing believers are fervent advocates of CCM, attending concerts, buying recordings and supporting their favorite bands. CCM is a major influence in most protestant churches. However, one should not overlook the many serious weaknesses of CCM.

← CCM is all about entertainment. Most CCM musicians label themselves as entertainers, not ministers and certainly not as preachers. Although some include a gospel presentation or personal testimonies in their programs, most CCM concerts are similar to regular rock concerts. Further, many CCM musicians are independent in their “ministries,” not associated with any particular church or ministry organization. If they were genuinely interested in ministry, they would work through local churches, not through promotional entertainment organizations. CCM is entertainment, not ministry.

← CCM promotes celebrity worship. The “star” CCM musicians enjoy a following much like regular rock stars. Autograph seekers hound them, they appear on TV shows and advertisements, ride around in limousines, promote their newest recordings, do media interviews, and generally try to look as cool as the other rock stars.

← CCM is driven by pragmatism. Pragmatism is the idea that if something works, it must be good. Any method that helps spread the message is good. Since CCM “works” so well in spreading the message of Christianity, it must be good. However, a pragmatic viewpoint strips the gospel of its full integrity and power, and manipulative selling techniques replace the work of the Holy Spirit.[7] One cannot deny that many people come under the influence of a Christian message through the CCM industry, and it is probably true that people have been saved under CCM’s influence. Nevertheless, the fact that a method works is no guarantee that it is morally defensible or appropriate. CCM’s appeal is not its message but its style of music. People like rock ‘n’ roll, and that’s why they listen to CCM. However, as we’ve already seen, it is inappropriate to set Christian lyrics to a style of music that contradicts those lyrics. But CCM asks only “Does it work?” not “Is it right?”

← CCM is worldly, according to the biblical definition of the word. The seductive music of Western culture has found its way into Christianity via CCM. The rock music genre from its sordid beginning has exalted and worshipped the idols of sex, humanism, money, rebellion, selfishness and pleasure both in lyrical text and musical composition. Now the church has adopted the world’s vehicle for pagan worship to worship the true God. The church is responsible to present a worship experience that uplifts and transforms. The use of CCM greatly diminishes that possibility.

← CCM is under the administration of ungodly mega-corporations for whom economic profit is the primary concern. Most CCM record companies started out small but were bought up by the big media corporations and are now controlled by non-Christian managers. This means that the music is a means to an end. From the company’s perspective, any kind of music that sells CD’s is good. They are not concerned about truth or morality, but only about the bottom line–higher profits. CCM musicians are also producing videos that look like standard rock videos because the same companies produce them. CCM is a business, nothing more or less, and the business is becoming more secular all the time.

← CCM is using the old “bait and switch” tactic. The style of music is appealing to the unsaved ear, and thus they use that style to attract an audience. Once they have an audience, they try to feed them a Christian message. However, few if any came to hear the message–they came to hear the music. It’s the musical style, not the message, that listeners are most concerned about. The message is secondary at best.

← CCM’s primary influence is the world, not the church. Their stated goal is to sound like and imitate the secular bands. CCM publications issue comparisons of CCM groups and secular groups of the same style. Some groups enjoy acclaim from both the Christian community and the secular crowd. Many CCM musicians admit that their greatest influences are secular, and some are profuse in their admiration of their main-stream rock colleagues. It’s no wonder that CCM fans typically listen to secular pop and rock music as well.

← CCM reflects all the weaknesses of popular music–temporary entertainment, novelty, ease of use, immediate pleasure, fun and amusement, success-orientation, romantic fantasy, sensationalism, disposability, and appeal to the lowest common denominator. Pop music plays upon man’s fallen condition, tending to exploit his weakness for the easy way. CCM, because it mimics pop music and culture, falls into the same trap.

← CCM is based on a lie–that music has no moral content, no moral associations and communicates nothing. This is patently false. A style of music is not simply a morally neutral vehicle to convey lyrics. A musical form inevitably contributes to the meaning of a song. Why do you think perverted and violent people use rock to convey their messages? Because the genre fits the message. One of the foundational principles of music theory is that every conceivable emotion and mood can be created or enhanced with music. Only artistic ignorance, willful blindness, intellectual dishonesty, or theological indifference could suggest that music is “amoral.”

Language is communication. All divine/human communication has a moral value via the image of God in man. God judges every idle word; even “unintentional” communication. Music composition and performance cannot be considered unintentional. Since music is the communication of our spirit (mind, will, and emotions) to God and to men in the form of musical composition, lyrical text, and performance, the “spirit” of music can be judged.

Quotes:

The end of all music is to affect the soul. – Claudio Monteverdi

The aim and final reason of music should be nothing else but the glory of God and the refreshment of the spirit. – J. S. Bach (Note: Bach usually signed his music “SDG,” meaning soli Deo gloria – “to God alone be the glory.”)

Music is the perfect expression of the soul. – Robert Schumann

Other Questions

← What if I tried to separate styles in my personal listening? That is, I’ll listen to secular music, but I won’t try to combine it with sacred music. My sacred music listening will be of the traditional, conservative type, while my secular music will be of the popular style. Is that OK?

That’s probably better than trying to combine pop music with Christian lyrics, but it’s still not a proper approach. The message of popular rock music is the same–unrestrained sex, rebellion, pleasure and self-interest. That message does not fit in the life of a believer. We ought to be standing against such things, not enjoying them. In fact, if you can enjoy such music, there’s a spiritual problem in your life. The appeal may still be with you, but you’ll recognize it as a sinful temptation.

← Music is an issue of Christian liberty. The Bible says nothing directly about styles of music, so I am free to listen to whatever I like.

To some degree, this is a true statement. However, we’ve presented good evidence to suggest that certain styles of music are clearly ungodly and immoral. Hence, the believer does not have the liberty to enjoy that kind of music. God calls us to be above reproach in every area of life.

← How do you judge music? Ask the following:

← What’s the purpose of the music? Entertainment or worship? Different standards apply depending on the purpose.

← Does the music fit the context? If it’s church music, it ought to be clearly worshipful, reverent, and beautiful.

← Is it a musical performance or an act of worship?

← Do the words seem appropriate for the music or do they contradict?

← Who wrote it? Godly Christian, nominal Christian, or unsaved?

← What style of music is it? Sacred or secular? Church or nightclub?

← What is the style normally associated with? What kind of people normally listen to this style? What do people do while listening to this style?

← What about folk, jazz and big band music?

← Folk music may be more acceptable, especially for personal listening, for a number of reasons. Folk is generally less commercialized, sensational and vulgar than rock/pop is. With folk the emphasis is more on participation than on mass appeal. Folk is more community based and reflects a more down-to-earth sensibility.

← Jazz and big band (Benny Goodman, Glen Miller) music share some of the same problems as does pop music. Jazz and big band music are closely associated with dance clubs, taverns, and loose morality. Further, both jazz and big band tend to emphasize the sensational and the novel, and they both have clear profit motives. Both also stress a lack of restraint and freedom of form rather than disciplined, principled approach. The newer jazz especially (bebop, free jazz) is an expression of anti-biblical philosophies. Nevertheless, if one exercises some discernment, there may be some jazz and big band music that would be appropriate for personal listening, especially the early jazz (e.g., ragtime, classic, Louis Armstrong) and some big band music. Neither jazz nor big band styles are appropriate for the church.

← How concerned should I be about the composer? Should I listen only to music composed by godly Christian people? What about CCM-style choruses?

← It’s virtually impossible to tell if a composer is/was a godly Christian person. It would take a great deal of effort to check up on every composer of every song or chorus you might want to sing.

← Non-Christians composed some of the commonly accepted hymn tunes. Non-Christians write good and bad tunes, as do genuine believers. Song writing skill does not seem to be directly linked to godliness or doctrinal beliefs. Some godly believers write very bad songs.

← One should judge a song on its own merits, not on the spiritual state of the composer. As long as the lyrics and the music are appropriate, it’s a useable song no matter who composed it.

← Some choruses that began life as CCM-style music may be acceptable to use if you modify the tune or style.

← Is all classical music OK?

← Classical music, like most aspects of high culture, requires some education to appreciate. If you don’t appreciate it, you likely are ignorant of its virtues.

← Some classical composers were Christians (e.g., JS Bach), and their music is often fitting for either personal entertainment or even church use.

← Most classical composers were non-Christians. Nevertheless, classical music reflects a broad Christian worldview. The aim or purpose of classical music is to express artistic, beautiful and intellectually stimulating musical ideas. It usually avoids the cheap and vulgar. Such a purpose fits well with a Christian viewpoint.

← For individual believers, there may be personal preferences that prevent them from enjoying or employing the music of certain composers. E.g., Gershwin’s “It Ain’t Necessarily So,” Wagner because of his Nazi and anti-Semite associations.

← Some music that fits in the classical category reflects a non-Christian worldview and/or message and is thus not profitable. E.g., John Cage, Philip Glass, Ravel’s “Bolero”

Conclusion:

Music is an important part of life. Just like any other aspect of life, we should attempt to govern our musical choices by biblical principles. This series of lessons has attempted to do just that.

Remember that the original purpose of music was to bring honor to God. Church music must keep this goal foremost. Even when listening for personal entertainment, you must seek to honor God with your musical choices. It’s best not to accommodate our music to the immoral culture surrounding us. Christians are to be separate from the world, and this fact influences our choices in music.

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[1] Calvin Johansson, Music & Ministry (Hendrickson, 1988), p.42. The main sources for this lesson are Johansson, John Makujina Measuring the Music (Schmul Publishing, 2000), and Kent Brandenburg, Sound Music or Sounding Brass. Also helpful was some material originally from Pastor Michael Harding, Troy, Michigan.

[2] Andrew Webb

[3] Robert Harrell, Martin Luther: His Music, His Message (Musical Ministries, 1980). Cited in Brandenburg.

[4] Ken Pierce, First Presbyterian Church, Greensboro, AL

[5] Webb

[6] Johansson, p. 55.

[7] Johansson, p. 6.

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