FOREWORD
This study note was prepared to conduct seminars in various Christian Assemblies in America and India. Many believers have requested to conduct a study about the relevance of instrumental music in worship. Later, this writer expanded the notes prepared for the Bible study, and it became a larger work than originally intended.
This study is not written to castigate musical instruments, for the enjoyment of good and meaningful music is not wrong in its appropriate place and time, but it is rather to trace their use as recorded in God’s word, and to discover from the scripture if they have a place in Christian worship and in drawing sinners to Christ.
Modern Christian churches are unhappy about their slow expansion. There has been a great push for the last three decades to adopt new techniques and programs to stimulate church growth. Some groups want to multiply at any cost, and they consider it as evidence of God's blessing. To attract youth and gangs, Christians began to introduce Christian rock; disco, rap, jazz and hip- hop music.
The examination of accurate and unbiased history is imperative to assess correctly political, social, and religious fields. The church was established on the day of Pentecost. The New Testament pattern is simple and there was no distinction between priest and laity. After a few centuries, the New Testament churches began to digress in spirituality and for the rapid growth, they were willing to admit and accept millions of people liberally, so the churches adopted pagan customs, rituals, and traditions. Yes, the church really grew, but perverted the truth. Today's Christendom has no similarity with the real New Testament church. If we can understand this much history, we would know that introducing rap and hip- hop music after substituting some words are not from God, but exclusively from Satan. Today we have so-called Christian rock, rap, and hip-hop. It is beneficial to know their history also.
Music began in heaven even before the creation of man (Job 38:7). Music is given by God (Psalm 40:3) and we sing to the Lord (Psalm 96:1). There will be singing in heaven in the future (Revelation 5:9, 14:3, 15:3). In 2 Chronicles 5:11-14, we see a great musical festival with one hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets and musical instruments of all sorts.
The modern advocates of instrumental music in the worship service quote Psalm 150. Psalm 150:3-5, “Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; Praise Him with the lute and harp. Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes! Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with high sounding cymbals!”
Did God ever instruct David to worship Him with all instruments and loud voice? Did David ask the Lord or any prophets about this type of worship? A perusal on this subject indicates that David invented and designed this type of worship. Since David was a man according to God’s own heart, God tolerated this form of worship with instrumental music. David did this with a good and clear heart, so God did not reject this. In other instances also, we can see that God tolerated certain practices. That does not make it legitimate or excellent. For example, God hated divorce, and never approved divorce, but God tolerated it and regulated it. Let me illustrate the following example to prove the aforementioned point.
Matthew 19:3-9 The Pharisees also came to Him, testing Him, and saying to Him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?” And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So then they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no man separate.”” They said to Him, “Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her away?” And He said to them, “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, “permitted” you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.”
The original plan of God was one woman for one man, but we see even the father of faith, Abraham, had concubines. David and many other godly men had multiple wives. God only tolerated that practice, but was never pleased in these acts.
Later, in Amos, God rebukes Israel being like David, who invented the use of musical instruments to worship. God expresses His displeasure here in Amos 6:5, “Who chants to the sound of stringed instruments and invent for yourselves musical instruments like David.”
Similarly, God only tolerated instrumental music. Israelites were earthly people and conducted earthly worship, but as New Testament believers, we are heavenly people and we worship in spirit and truth. There is not much likelihood of deep conviction of sin being produced in an atmosphere filled with the music that is intended to attract and entertain the ungodly. We cannot expect conversions where the service is turned into a Sunday concert.
Many Brethren believers are distressed on the fact that their children are not in the assemblies with them. They mistakenly blame our method of worshipping and suggest introducing more new techniques and programs to attract the youth.
It is not a question of what we like or what our young people like, but it is a question of what God likes. The service of God is not intended either to please the Christians or to entertain the perishing.
Instrumental music is never mentioned in the New Testament as having any part in the worship of the church on earth.
The singing of hymns by believers on earth is but rarely mentioned in the New Testament (Acts 16:25, Ephesians 5:16, Colossians 3:16, James 5:13). According to the scriptures, singing is to be the expression of the joy and praise that emanate from the renewed heart of the Christian, and is to be rendered to the Lord. Nowhere do we find any thought of singing loudly with a view to attracting the people.
This work is a collection of writings by eminent Christian writers and leaders. I have compiled those articles in such a way that the readers will get a comprehensive understanding about modern songs and true worship.
The worship section is taken from the writing of A.W. Tozer on worship and entertainment. The section about musical instruments is taken from the writing of Y. Ezekiel.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
The Aspects of Worship
Church Worship
True Worship
New Testament Sacrifices [Sacrifice of Praise, To Do Good, Share, Faith, Living Sacrifice]
Praise
Hallelujah
Amen
Chapter 2
Songs [Psalms (Psalmos), Praise (Humnos), Poem (Oodee)]
Chapter 3
Worship and Message
Primitive Worship
The Act of Worship
The Purpose of Creation
Authentic Religious Experience
Biblical Meditation
Entertainment in Modern Churches
Entertainment is a Symptom
Not Real Joy
Programs Replace Worship [Publicity, We Need Separation, Loud Noise, Separation]
Chapter 4
The History of Rock & Roll
Different Meaning
What is Spiritual Worship
The Origin of Music
Christianity in Contrast to Judaism
Musical Instruments in the Post Apostolic Church
Rock Music Today
The Power of Music
Dionysian Worship and Women in the Church of Corinth
Opinions of Great Men About Music
The Effects of Rock Music
The Dangerous Messages of Rock Music
Can Rock Music Influence Violent Behavior
Correlation between Rock Music and Country Music
Appendix
Bibliography
Instrumental Music and Worship
Chapter 1
The aspects of Worship
As a universal aspect, personal worship encompasses thought, feeling, and deed. Worship means giving something to God. The cheerful giving of money to God’s work is certainly an act of worship. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” The giving of one’s time to the Lord’s work may be considered worship as well. The single most important act of worship for the Christian is the unqualified presentation of himself to God as an obedient servant. This dedication involves the body because it contains the tools by which the will of God is carried out; and it involves the mind because it coordinates the actions to be executed by the body. Romans 12:1 says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” When these are gladly devoted to God, they become instruments by which He affects His will on the earth. Such faithful and joyous service makes one’s entire life a performance of worship.
Church Worship
The most important expression of worship rendered by the assemblies of born again-believers is remembering the death of Christ through the Lord’s Supper. 1 Corinthians 11:26 says, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes.” The Lord’s Supper was instituted by Christ Himself (Matthew 26:26-28) and judged by Paul not to be taken lightly (1 Corinthians 11:28-32). For some, burial, baptism, marriage, etc, are also part of worship. All these are various ministries of worship, but not church worship.
We also see worship in the Old Testament. Hebrews 9:1-5 reads, “Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary. For a tabernacle was prepared: the first part, in which was the lampstand, the table, and the showbread, which is called the sanctuary; and behind the second veil, the part of the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of All, which had the golden censer and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which were the golden pot that had the manna, Aaron's rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant; and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail.”
The whole chapter of Hebrews 9 describes the Old Testament worship rituals of blood-based sacrifice. In the New Testament, animal sacrifices are not prescribed, but spiritual sacrifices are given. 1 Peter 2:5 reads, “You, also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
True Worship
“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him” (John 4:23). It is God the Father, of whom the Lord speaks to the Samaritan woman. The name “Father” seldom occurs in the Old Testament, and is never there in the New Testament sense. As used in the Old Testament, the words “the triune God” are spoken of as a “Father,” Jehovah’s relationship to the nation of Israel as their head (Deuteronomy 32:6, Isaiah 63:16, Jeremiah 31:9). When our Lord says, “God is a spirit,” He does not mean some cold, distant force, but a God of life and love with the heart of a father. It is the very greatness of God that manifests itself in His loyalty to His creatures and His longing for a loving relationship with the ones He has created. God has created man, from whom there should arise, without ceasing, the fragrance of holy worship. He has made a way back to Himself through the cross of His dear Son. He desires worship from men on earth, a spiritual worship. The outward man is nothing. He wants the inner heart of the man. Worship must arise from the depths of a man’s soul.
New Testament Sacrifices
1. Hebrews 13:15, “Therefore, by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” Sacrifice of praises is giving thanks to His name honoring the Son of God.
2. Hebrews 13:16, “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices, God is well pleased.” Galatians 6:10, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
3. Galatians 6:6, “Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.
These three sacrifices are different and distinct. When we apply this, we worship Him. Philippians 4:10-19 describes how the Philippian believers assisted Paul.
4. Philippians 2:17, “Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.” Here, faith is mentioned as a sacrifice and a practical one because Paul was even willing to die for his faith.
5. Romans 12:1. In the Old Testament, animals were slain and presented for sacrifices. Here, we have to present our bodies as a living sacrifice. We have to live a holy life and then present our bodies. A believer should conduct a holy life and surrender his talents and abilities to please the Lord.
For the worship in the assembly, we use four words: praise, thanksgiving, hallelujah, and amen.
Praise - To praise God is to acknowledge the glory of His excellent personality. It differs somewhat from thanksgiving, which describes what God has done, rather than who He is. We honor and adore God for what He is, as revealed to us in Christ. He is great because of His glory, compassion, grace, love, holiness, etc. Revelation chapters 4 and 5 give us a clear glimpse of praise. Revelation 4:8-11, “And the four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night saying, ‘Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come.’ Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne who lives forever and ever, the twenty four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne saying, ‘You are worthy O Lord to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.” In chapter 5, the Son is worshiped. We see praise and worship here.
In Isaiah 6:3, the seraphim are praising God. The act of praise includes both worship and thanksgiving. We worship God on account of what He has done. Thanksgiving consists in gratefully acknowledging everything that God has done for us. 1 Thessalonians 5:18, and Colossians 3:15, commands us to be thankful.
This is the sacrifice of praise of God’s holy high priests, the fruit of the lips, acceptable to God when coming from the heart. At the Lord’s Supper, worship, thanksgiving, and praise often seem to blend together as we lift our hearts and voices to the Father and the Son.
Here are some facts about praise:
1. God alone is worthy of our praise (Psalm 18:3, 113:3).
2. It is His will for us that we praise Him (Psalm 50:23, Isaiah 43:2).
3. This praise should be continuous (Psalm 34:1, 71:6), and also public (Psalm 22:25).
4. We are to praise God for His holiness (2 Chronicles 20:21), grace (Ephesians 1:6), goodness (Psalm 135:3), and kindness (Psalm 138:2).
5. All nature praises God (Psalm 148:7-10).
6. The sun, moon, and stars praise Him (Psalm 19:1, 143:3).
7. The angels praise Him (Psalm 148:2).
In fact, we are told that, on occasion, God uses even the wrath of men to praise Him (Psalm 76:10). An example of this is seen in the selling of Joseph by his brothers into slavery (Genesis 37:28). God later uses the cruel act to promote Joseph as second ruler over all Egypt. As Joseph reminded his brothers, “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive” (Genesis 50:20).
Hallelujah - Some groups of people utter this word frequently, just like a magic word, or “mantra” that can create miracles. Many consider it as a measuring rod of their higher spiritual status. In organized churches, priests recite from their books prayer and worship. In that liturgy, they use numerous words that are foreign such as Greek, Syriac, and Latin. So the common people repeat those liturgical prayers without understanding the true meaning. For true worship, it is imperative that the worshiper knows the meaning of the prayers and hymns. Then it becomes worship from the heart. “Hallelujah” is a Hebrew word meaning, “Praise ye Jehovah.” Praise Jehovah or glory to Jehovah. It is sung considering as a heavenly song. In Revelation chapter 19, verses 1, 3, 4, and 6, the word “allelujah” is used 4 times. In the Old Testament, in Psalms alone, “allelujah” is used 24 times. A perusal of this word proves that this word is used appropriately in scripture. If this word “alleluja” is used in the beginning, it would say the reason for using it. If it is used at the end, then it is clear that it is used because of the previous statement about the greatness of God. So, when we use allelujah, we should use it because of a special reason.
Jesus had made numerous sermons. The four gospels recorded many of Jesus’ statements and messages. He was a man of prayer also. We don’t have a single record of Jesus using allelujah even once in his prayers or speeches. Similarly, in the Acts of the Apostles, and letters by apostles, numerous speeches and prayers are recorded. Yet not a single allelujah is recorded.
Amen - Truly. So be it. This is also a Hebrew word. In Revelations 22:20, our Lord said, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Immediately, John says, “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” When someone approves a statement, a prayer, or a message of another person, they use the word amen.
Chapter 2
Songs
Songs have a prominent place in worship. There are two instructions regarding songs. Ephesians 5:18-19, “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another 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.” These verses are applicable in all occasions, especially when we gather to worship.
Psalms (Psalmos)
The root word is psallo, which means touch, or touch to move. This means touching a musical instrument to create sound. Psalms are songs with musical instruments. All 150 Psalms are included in this category.
Praise (Humnos)
Thanksgiving songs are sung without using musical instruments. A good example is recorded in Matthew 26:30. After instituting the Lord’s Supper, they sang. Matthew 26:30, “And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.” The same words are used in Mark 14:26. These types of hymns are meditational in nature. It is appropriate to think that Jesus and the disciples sang here without using any musical instruments.
Poem (Oodee)
The general meaning of the word is song, but it actually is mentioned for poems. John Milton’s Paradise Lost, and K.V. Simon’s Vedaviharam are good examples.
It is interesting to study the original creative talents of music. Lucifer was created with the greatest musical talents in all the creation of God. Descriptions of Lucifer can be found in Ezekiel 28:13 as follows, “You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering; the workmanship of your timbrels and pipes was prepared for you on the day you were created.” Lucifer always tries to pervert this for his own benefit by corrupting the minds of young people. Why do people have great affinity to rock, pop, and hip-hop music? At Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley concerts, many young girls were jumping in frenzy and many swooned. Many reach some type of ecstasy. Hundreds of thousands of people gather even today for these types of concerts. Temple songs in India also give some kind of special experience for the Hindu devotees.
God has given all people some form of musical talent. It is latent in every human being. There are a lot of people who can sing and sing well too. Although few people can sing professionally, almost everybody has the ability to enjoy good music.
In Christian gatherings, music has an appropriate place. During the worship service, we should not use any instruments because our worship is more meditational. Most people think that we should praise and worship God with all instruments based on the Psalms. Psalms 150:3 “Praise Him with sound of the trumpet; Praise Him with the lute and harp. Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes; Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with high sounding cymbals.”
Is the aforesaid Psalm a supportive argument to use instruments in a worship meeting? First of all, a child of God should know the distinction between Israel and the Church. Israel was not a church although reformed theologians proclaim it as truth. The New Testament Church was established on the day of Pentecost, by the baptism of the Holy Spirit. All the promises made to Israel by God will eventually be completely fulfilled. In the millennial kingdom, the Lord’s promises given to Abraham will be fulfilled for a restored Israel. Israel was an earthly nation. New Testament believers are heavenly people. The New Testament worship is a spiritual function, not mechanical. Musical instruments were a significant part of Old Testament worship. There is no mention of their use in the New Testament. People who want external, emotional outbursts have no inner joy of worshipping the Lord, so they are trying to achieve some satisfaction by their loud expressions, and they receive only temporary satisfaction.
Some people mock the Brethren worship equating it to a funeral service, but the scriptures describe the Lord’s Supper as something to remind us of His death. We gather to praise and give thanks individually and collectively, remembering his vicarious death on the cross. Worship songs are replete with the love of the Father for humanity, the great sacrifice of Christ, and the presence of the Holy Spirit in our midst. New Testament worship is not intellectual and we worship Him in spirit and in truth.
When instruments are played, the players only focus on how to play without making any errors. The church members also will focus on the musical accompaniment, and may even compare the talents of the players. So, musical instruments will become a great distraction and take away focus from the Cross. In a church, there should be different meetings for exercising the musical talents of the believers, but it should not happen in the worship meeting. This writer has observed, in many places, the distraction caused by loud musical programs. The Christian church copied and adopted the musical instruments in the church after many centuries. There is no historical record of early Christians using any mechanical instruments in their worship services. 1 Corinthians 14:26 says, “How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, and has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.” In the early church, Old Testament scriptures were rare, not widely circulated, as in modern times. Also, the New Testament was incomplete. The Holy Spirit would give one brother a psalm containing necessary truth, and he would sing it and interpret for the assembly and everyone would understand the meaning of the new psalm or tongue. Today, in many groups, we can hear the so-called tongues and no one would understand the meaning. From the scripture, we know that such utterances are meaningless and useless for the assembly.
In worship, we give our offerings to God. In word ministry, we receive from the Lord and share it with the saints.
Primitive Worship
The primitive man worshipped all objects that were larger and greater than him. When he saw thunder and lightning, from fear, he began to worship thunder and lightning. They worshipped nature and creatures. However, when civilization progressed, man received understanding that he is superior to creatures and all other creation. With the Old Testament scripture and the nation of Israel, people began to receive the true nature of God and man’s condition in the world. Today, we are not in the dawn of creation. We do not have to worship the sun, moon, wind, bushes, trees and mountains. Christianity and Judaism have been in the world for thousands of years. Science and learning has reached the highest level. However, most of the religions of the world have kept the “caveman’s creed,” and still worship nature and creatures. On the other hand, the Bible provides the acceptable way for true worship of the true and living God.
There are ingredients that make up worship. One is admiration. We can admire without worshipping, but cannot worship without admiring. In the same way, we can honor what we do not worship, but we cannot worship that which we do not honor. So, worship carries the ingredient of honor. We can love without worshipping, but cannot worship without loving. We are called upon to worship God according to Psalm 45:11.
There is no magic in faith or in names. You can repeat the name of Jesus a thousand times, but if you do not worship with a pure heart, it will be meaningless. We cannot worship God and live after our own nature. It is when God’s nature and our nature begin to harmonize, that the power of the name of God begins to operate within us. How can we worship God acceptably when there is something in our nature that is undisciplined, uncorrected, unpurged, unpurified, and evil? God won’t dwell in spiteful, polluted, lustful, or prideful thoughts. Make your thoughts a sanctuary where God can inhabit comfortably.
The Purpose of Creation
The primary purpose of God, in creation, was to prepare moral beings spiritually and intellectually, to become capable of worshipping Him. We are saved to worship God. There is a necessity for true worship among us. We all should be willing to work for the Lord, but we should not be concerned about working for God, until we have learned the meaning and the delight of worshipping Him. A worker, who does not truly worship, is piling up wood, hay, and stubble. The correct order is worship, witnessing, and service.
Men and women continue to try to persuade themselves that there are many forms and ways that seem right in worship. However, God, in His revelation, has told us that He is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. God takes the matter of worship out of the hands of men, and puts it in the hands of the Holy Spirit. Worship of the loving God is man’s whole reason for existence. That is why we are born, and that is why we are born again from above. The Christian church exists to worship God first of all.
Worship must always come from an inward attitude. It embodies a number of factors, including mental, spiritual, and emotional. If we love the Lord, and are led by His Spirit, our worship will always bring a delighted sense of admiration, awe, and sincere humility on our part. Worship becomes a completely personal love experience between God and the worshipper. Jesus did not redeem us to make us workers. He redeemed us to make us worshippers. And then, out of blazing worship of our hearts, springs our work. A local assembly exists to do corporately what each should do individually, namely, worship God. If you worship God, you will be an active Christian.
Some mistake music for worship. Whatever elevates the mind and rises to near rapture of the soul that is supposed to be worship. There is the sound of the organ and the beauty of the hymns, but apart from truth and the Holy Ghost, there is no true worship.
It is entirely possible to have an authentic religious experience, and not to be a Christian, and not be converted, but on the way to an eternal hell. Cain had one of those experiences. He talked to God and God talked to him. We need saving experience.
We have to practice the art of biblical meditation. Take the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God. In our day, pagan religions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, have virtually cornered the meditation market. Pagan meditation seeks to stamp out the self to become one with the impersonal cosmic consciousness of the universe. In sharp distinction, biblical meditation seeks to center one’s self on the personal Creator of the universe, and it does so through a singular focus on scripture. To meditate on a passage is to memorize it, to process it, to think deeply about it, and then to offer it back to God as we pray “in the spirit on all occasions.” In meditation, the whole person is engaged in deep and prayerful thought on the true meaning and bearing of a particular passage. It is not accidental that Jesus often withdrew to lonely places for prayer and meditation. As Jesus longed to be alone with His heavenly Father, so must we. The issue is not location, however, but motivation.
Our assembly worship should be guided by the Holy Spirit in such a way as to leave plenty of time for the cultivation of the truth during times of solitude and silence. It should be remembered, however, that it is possible to waste such quiet periods. Our meditation must be directed toward God, otherwise, we may spend our time thinking about various other irrelevant things. We should fellowship with God until, like Moses, there is some of the glow of God upon our faces.
Modern Christendom and charismatics have accepted the monstrous heresy that noise, size, activity, and bluster make us closer to God, and represent vibrant worship. They think many of our popular songs and choruses, in praise of Christ, are hollow and unconvincing. The whole experience is in the mood of love. The only difference being the substitution of the name Jesus for that of the earthly lover. The influence of the erotic spirit is felt in some evangelical circles. Much of the singing in certain types of meetings has in it more of romance than of the Holy Ghost. Both words and music are designed to rouse the libidinous. Christ is courted with a familiarity that reveals a total ignorance of Who He is. It is not the reverent intimacy of the adoring saint, but the prudent familiarity of the carnal lover.
Modern churches depend on special music teams with various instruments to get an emotional high. Entertainment is ardently worshipped by so many, for indeed there are millions who cannot live without amusement. Life without some form of entertainment is simply intolerable. They look forward to the blessed relief afforded by professional entertainers and other forms of psychological narcotics, as a dope addict looks to his daily shot of heroin.
Entertainment is the cause of a very serious breakdown in modern evangelicalism. The idea of cultivation and exercise, so clear to the saints of old, has no place in their total religious picture. They now demand glamour and fast flowing dramatic action. The Internet generation is impatient of slower and less direct methods of reaching their goals. They have been trying to apply computer age methods to our relationship to God. The tragic results of this spirit are all around us: shallow lives, hollow religious philosophics, the element of fun in gospel meetings, the glorification of man, trust in religious externalities, quasi-religious fellowships, salesmanship methods, and the mistaking of dynamic personality for the power of the spirit. A great company of evangelicals has already gone over into the area of religious entertainment, so that many gospel churches are rushing to the doorstep of the theatre.
Pastors and churches are harassed by the temptation to seek size at any cost and to secure by inflation, what they cannot gain by legitimate growth. The mixed multitude cries for quantity, and will not tolerate a minister who insists upon solid values and permanence. The ill-taught members of the flock, who scorn their slow methods, are subjecting many good leaders to cruel pressure and demand quick results along with a popular following, regardless of quality.
A church fed on excitement is not a New Testament church. The desire for surface stimulation is a sure mark of the fallen nature, the very thing Christ died to deliver us from. They are so determined to be happy, that if they can’t be happy by the Holy Spirit, they will drum up their own happiness. Whether it’s religious rock & rollers, or holy hip-hop singers, they are going to get happy somehow. These joy seekers are not doing all these things for Jesus’ sake at all. They are doing it in their own carnal flesh and are using the church as a theater because they haven’t yet reached the place where the legitimate theater would take them. When they enter the holy place, they come perilously near to offering strange fire to the Lord. Church plays are invariably cheap and amateurish, and in addition to grieving the Holy Ghost, those who attend them are cheated by getting wretched poor entertainment for their money.
The reason modern Christianity has so many measures to stir them up, such as cowbells, handsaws, shows and films, funny gadgets, and celebrated men and women, is because they don’t have the joy of the Lord. A happy man does not need very much else. If they do not have joy, they try to create it. When the well of joy is not flowing, they try to paint the pump in order to get a little joy, or tack jingle bells on the old pump handle, but it doesn’t bring the water up. Christianity has seen a steady decline in the quality of Christian worship on the one hand, and on the other, a rise of religious entertainment as a source of mental pleasure. If men do not have joy in their hearts, they will seek it somewhere else. If Christians are forbidden to enjoy the wine of the Spirit, they will turn to the wine of the flesh for enjoyment. God’s people have turned to the amusements of the world to try to squeeze a bit of juice out of them for the relief of their dry and joyless hearts. “Gospel” boogie singing now furnishes for many persons the only religious joy they know.
The great god of entertainment amuses his devotees mainly by telling them stories. The love of stories, which is characteristic of childhood, has taken fast hold of the minds of the retarded saints of our day. What is natural and beautiful in a child, may be shocking when it persists into adulthood, and more so when it appears in the sanctuary, and seeks to pass for true religion. There are organizations that exist for the sole purpose of mixing religion and fun for our Christian young people. Christianity, to the average evangelical church member, is simply an avenue to a good and pleasant time, with a little biblical devotional material thrown in for good measure.
Religious entertainment has so corrupted the church of Christ that millions do not know that it is heresy. Millions of evangelists throughout the world have devoted themselves to religious entertainment. They do not know that it is as much heresy as the counting of deeds, or the splashing of holy water, or anything else. The church that cannot worship must be entertained. A Christian congregation can survive, and often appear to prosper in the community by the exercise of human talent, and without any touch from the Holy Spirit. It is now common practice in most evangelical churches to offer the people, especially to the young people, a maximum of entertainment, and a minimum of serious instruction. It is scarcely possible in most places to get anyone to attend a meeting where the only attraction is God. One can only conclude that God’s professed children are bored with Him, for they must be wooed to meeting with a stick of candy, in the form of religious movies, games, and refreshments.
Any objection to the carryings on of their present “gold calf” Christianity is met with the triumphant reply, but we are winning them! And winning them to what? To true discipleship? To self-denial? Holy living? To total commitment to Christ?
To great sections of the church, the art of worship has been lost entirely. It has been replaced with a strange and foreign thing called a “program.” This word has been borrowed from the stage and applied with sad wisdom to the type of public service that now passes for worship.
Publicity Publicity is worshipped like a god. To be known in the gates, to get your picture in the papers, to have somebody quote you, to imagine you are somebody – that’s publicity. The secret dream of many young people is not to be saintly, but to get into the public eye. And the only reason they don’t is because they cannot achieve it.
The crowds-at-any-price mania has taken a firm grip on modern Christianity. Christian believers and Christian assemblies must be thoroughly consecrated to Christ’s glory alone. This means absolutely turning their backs on the contemporary insistence on human glory and recognition. Many are bringing the world right into the church. “Muse” means to think, and “amuse” means not to think. The prefix “a” on there makes it a negative, so now you get the meaning of amusement at church.
Worldliness is an accepted part of many churches. Their religious mood is social instead of spiritual. Their methods use successful businessmen, celebrated athletes, and movie personalities. They carry on religious activities after the methods of the modern advertiser.
Chapter 4
The History of Rock & Roll
The following is from http://www.history-of-rock.com: “Rock and roll (rak' n roll') was first used (1951) by Alan Freed, Cleveland disc jockey, taken from the song, "My Baby Rocks Me With a Steady Roll."
The use of rock, roll, rock & roll, etc., is a reference to sexual intercourse, which is traditional in blues, a form of popular music that evolved in the 1950's from rhythm & blues. The music of rock & roll is characterized by the use of electric guitars, a strong rhythm, and an accent on the offbeat and youth oriented lyrics.
Black groups who preached hatred and violence, and extolled rape, murder and other vices started rap music. These songs are replete with extreme, vulgar, and obscene phrases and words. They want to corrupt the youth and subvert modern civilization. One of the famous “gangsta rap” leaders, Tupac Shakur, was murdered during a drive-by shooting. His rap was replete with cop killing and sexual violence.
When young believers clamor to adopt all the contemporary culture by changing words of the songs, believers and parents must teach them true scripture. People who have real joy will not try to introduce strange systems into the church.
Today, music has become the most important factor of many evangelical churches in their mode of worship and in attracting unbelievers to the gospel. To gain members and reach the lost, many Christians are adopting the ways of the world. History is our best guide to make a correct evaluation. After the first few centuries, the Christian church wanted to grow throughout the world. In order to attract unbelievers, the church began to adopt pagan rituals and traditions. This caused a loss of purity in the Christian church. The Reformation of Martin Luther started a purifying process, and J.N. Darby and the Brethren movement finally recovered the New Testament truths. Modern Christianity, in adopting contemporary music for the sake of growth, is imitating the same folly of Emperor Constantine and later Christians.
Music has created a rift in American churches in the past 60 years. The modern group promotes rock, pop, jazz, punk, country & western, rap, hip-hop, or whatever turns people on. They have started to use those types of music in their so-called worship and evangelism programs. Contemporary Christian music began to explode in the 90's; this includes praise and worship songs.
Contemporary music has made a powerful stronghold in many churches, and it has taken a deep root in the lives of many believers. The use of contemporary music in praise and worship is a man-made phenomenon. It lacks a strong biblical foundation, and ignores God's instructions for spiritual worship.
The real motive for adopting contemporary music in praise and worship was not to evangelize those from outside the church, but was rooted in a need to satisfy their own desires for their favorite music. There are many sincere Christians involved in the movement, convinced they are doing God's will and truly concerned that He receives the glory. It is a fact that there are some good contemporary songs to be found, with biblically sounding lyrics, and beautiful melodies, which, if separated from the incessant rock beat and the worldly performance styles, would be acceptable for use in church service.
God has used the Bible the save sinners for centuries. We do not have to find new tricks and techniques to attract people. In India, some Christians are mistakenly using Hindu scriptures to preach the gospel. We do not need rock music or different scriptures to preach the gospel.
The modern mantra of many churches is, "God will accept you as you are," so anything is permitted. Today, many mega churches preach positive philosophies, and do not care about purity and holiness. We can see, for example, people who are divorced, and continue to live in sin, and young couples who live together, come to church and get a spiritual high, yet continue to sin in their personal lives. Everybody can keep his or her own previous lifestyles. Separation from the world is not preached. People want God in their lives, but do not want to change their lifestyles. Many charismatic churches have mimicked Michael Jackson's musical concert styles in their worship services.
When you become a new creation, you cannot keep all your old habits and pleasures. The "come as you are, God accepts you where you are at" doctrine is closely aligned with the tolerance movement that is popular in our secular society. Romans 8:29 implies that we do not remain as we are. God is undertaking the amazing process of conforming us to the image of Christ. This is a definite movement away from worldliness and towards holiness. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, and the entire book of 1 John, also make it clear that we cannot remain in our sinful practices and still hope to gain acceptance from God. We cannot drag our favorite worldly music, dress, and language into the church, and expect a blessing. Seeker sensitive pastors are prone to emphasize God’s mercy and acceptance, and to downplay God’s judgment, so as not to offend the seeker.
Acceptance doctrine is so pervasive in some fellowships that Christians are no longer allowed to question another Christian's behavior or personal preferences. If you confront another in love, you will be accused of judging them. If you quote the Bible, you will be called a legalist and Pharisee. If God accepts me as I am, then surely He accepts my personal preferences in worship style. If my heart is in the right place, who has the right to tell me I should be in church every Sunday? This type of thinking imitates the world's attitude of tolerance. It demands that no one can judge anyone's lifestyle or behavior, because all lifestyles are equal, and everyone has a right to be left alone to their own devices. In many churches, showing tolerance for worldly affections, and behaviors, is far more important that exercising biblical discernment.
The contemporary music leaders actually believe that God is trying to do something special through their use of whatever new music styles they use. In many churches, the music ministry has taken over the worship service. Many think that they made the change from that old, boring traditional music. It is better to examine whether music ministry has enhanced or produced holiness in a believer's life.
Different Meaning
The contemporary and the traditional are speaking different languages. Contemporaries to suit their philosophies have changed the very meaning of the word “worship”. It no longer refers to the biblical practice of bowing reverence and humility before a holy God. The word itself has been expanded beyond this basic meaning to include all the forms used for worship: any style of music played by any musician, dancing, drama, and art. The meaning for "worship" in the Old Testament is "to prostrate, to bow oneself down, to fall down flat, to humbly beseech." What about the New Testament believers who are privileged to live in this age of grace? We no longer worship according to prescribed rituals, but we must still worship God "in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24).
What Is Spiritual Worship
Believers worship God in spirit. When under the influence of the Holy Spirit, they bring all their affections, appetites, and desires to the throne of God, worshipping Him in truth. Every purpose and passion of a believer’s heart, and every act of a believer’s religious worship, is guided and regulated by the word of God. Is it clear now what the heart of worship truly is? When we approach God, the attitude of our hearts must be one of complete submission. When we worship, we must be careful not to exalt our feelings over truth.
Rock groups and contemporaries prefer to raise faces and hands up to God, and call it worship. Worship is not looking up and feeling good. It is bowing down and feeling lowly. When we try to feel an experience of affirmation from worship, we are not worshipping God. We are worshipping our own egos. Our worship must also contain a sense of the fear of God (1 Peter 2:17).
Punk rock is the ultimate statement of musical rebellion. Changing the words and the artists and calling it Christian will never sanctify it. Christians still have a sinful nature (the old man) that constantly competes against our new spirit filled nature. Rock music is an example of a former conduct that fulfills the desires of the flesh and mind, and feeds the old man that grows corrupt according to deceitful lusts. When it comes to the desires of our flesh, we are supposed to put them off, not to put them on. We are supposed to starve the old man, not continue to feed him.
Is it proper and modest for Christian ladies and gentlemen to dance and sway in a worldly manner while they sing praise and worship songs to God? They are doing this because of the rock music style and beat, not because they want to dance before the Lord like David did. When you combine the sensual dancing with the immodest dress of the women on the platform, a very large stumbling block is placed in front of the men of the congregation.
The Origin of Music
The first musical reference in the Bible is in Genesis 4:21. We are introduced to Jubal, the father of all musicians. "He was the father of all those who play the harp and flute." Our modern band and orchestra instruments can be traced to the handiwork of Jubal and his descendants. Furthermore, the first musician was a direct descendant of Cain, who God had judged so severely because he used his own personal preferences in worship. It is interesting to note that Lamech, the father of Jubal, took two wives and gave himself over to lust and passion (Genesis 4:19). Lamech seems to be the first to have done this, because scripture takes special notice of his taking two wives.
The first collective singing was recorded in Exodus 15:1-9. Moses and Israel, after the redemption, sang the redemption song on the wilderness side of the Red Sea. This song was sung without the help of instrumental music, as far as we know from scripture. After this, Miriam came out with the timbrel and the dance (Exodus 15:20-21). Another instance of their use was when King Saul was met by a company of prophets playing musical instruments, as we read in 1 Samuel 16:14-23. Music, we see here also, worked upon his senses, and the music did not produce any change of heart, but only lifted him out of his unhappy self for a time. The next great musical event is recorded in 2 Chronicles 5:11-14. This was in connection with the installation of the ark in the temple. This musical event at the dedication of the temple might have been the greatest musical event until that time. We may wonder, if God approved this in connection with Israel's worship, why should it not be the same in Christianity? We should not use musical instruments in worship service, because New Testament worship is a spiritual function, not mechanical.
Christianity In Contrast To Judaism
The confusion pertaining to the use of musical instruments in worship is basically due to the lack of understanding the distinction between Israel (earthly people) and the Church (heavenly people). The Law dealt with Israel, and the Church is under grace. The statement of Jesus may shed some light in knowing the difference between law and grace. Luke 5:37-39 reads: "And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine will burst the wineskins and be spilled and the wineskins will be ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins, and both are preserved. And no one, having drunk old wine, immediately desires new; for he says, 'The old is better." What can we learn from this allegory?
We can adduce this as the old order and the new order. Judaism and Christianity do not mix; they are mutually exclusive. All the promises given to Israel were earthly, entirely in view of temporal prosperity on earth, whereas Christians are heavenly people. From the elaborate arrangement of the temple worship, we can see that it was external, formal, ritualistic, and earthly in every detail.
Christendom has refused to observe the dividing line because they do not understand the dispensational dealings of God. Let us see a few distinctions between the old and the new. Old Testament Jews were promised earthly blessings, whereas the Christian is promised heavenly blessings (Ephesians 1:3, John 16:33). For Christians, victory over earthly enemies is not promised, but Christians will get enough strength to endure and overcome their afflictions.
In the Jewish system, there was no approach to God's presence, save in a mediatorial way, through the high priest, and that but once a year (Hebrews 9:7-9). But in Christianity, we have the blessed privilege of access into the holiest by the blood of Jesus (Hebrews 10:19). In the old system, only a specialized priestly class of people, the tribe of Levi, could minister in divine matters. However, all Christians are a holy and royal priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices and to show forth His praises (1 Peter 2:5, 9). In the former, there was no knowledge of acceptance with God, but today, Christians rejoice in the knowledge of sins forgiven (Ephesians1: 6, Hebrews 10:1-3). In the old dispensation, there was the constant renewal of sacrifices year after year and the burnt offering (Exodus 29:38-42). But in Hebrews we read, "By one offering, He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified" (10:14). In the old dispensation, animals were killed and offered for a sacrifice. In the new dispensation, believers offer their bodies as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1).
When we deal with the subject of instrumental music in the temple worship, we need to understand the nature of Old Testament worship. When we read the description of the temple dedication in 2 Chronicles 2-7, this gorgeous building, erected at an estimated cost of over 1 billion dollars, was, without doubt, the most expensive and elaborate structure ever erected by man. It is an imitation of the precedent here set forth, that Christendom has taken her pattern of basilicas, temples, and cathedrals. But in this new dispensation, we do not see that system. Physical structure has no special status in the New Testament. 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17 says, "Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the spirit of God dwells in you. If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are." This same idea of the "holy temple" is found in Ephesians 2:22 and 1 Peter 2:5. So, on biblical grounds, one can see that the physical structure has no special sanctity in the new dispensation. Failing to observe the distinction between the Jewish external worship for man in the flesh, and the Christian spiritual worship in the holiest, has resulted in the corrupted state of Christendom today.
Thus, we see that our question of musical instruments in the church goes much deeper than the instruments themselves. It is, rather, just one element of a general breakdown in keeping the new wine in new bottles.
Musical Instruments in the Post-Apostolic Church
The majority of believers do not know the historical fact that musical instruments were not introduced in the church for many centuries. For the first seven centuries, the church did not use musical instruments. Some scholars argue that Clement of Alexandria favored instrumental music in the church. Clement was a Greek theologian, who taught in Alexandria, and was prominent in church affairs from circa 192 AD up until his death circa 215 AD. The following are quotes from Kurfees’ Instrumental Music in Worship, pp. 125-134.
"Joseph Bingham, the eminent author of Antiquities of the Christian Church, unhesitatingly says: 'Clement rather agrees that instrumental music, the lute and the harp, of which he speaks, was not in use in public churches' (Antiquities, Volume 2, p. 485)."
"But this is not all. Some eminent scholars are pronounced in the conviction that the passage now under review is beyond all doubt, an interpolation... Johann Casper Suicer, a noted Latin writer of the seventeenth century... makes certain quotations from Clement, among which is the following: 'Superfluous music is to be rejected because it breaks and variously affects the mind.' Suicer draws this painted conclusion: 'Nothing therefore has Clement written which would favor organs and their present-day use even the least, yea, directly the contrary.' "
"It is simply impossible to interpret Clement in support of instrumental music in Christian worship without involving him in unaccountable self-contradiction."
Supporters of instrumental music cite the name of Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, 340-397 AD, but Mr. Kurfees has conducted extensive study of the matter. See below the quote from pp. 123-124 of Mr. Kurfees' work.
"We only make the point here that the evidence thus far adduced in support of the claim is not only not conclusive, but points decidedly to the conclusion that Ambrose at any rate, never introduced it. In fact, the McClintock & Strong's encyclopedia says: 'Neither Ambrose, nor Basil, nor Chrysostom in the noble ecomiums which they severally pronounced upon music, made any mention of instrumental music' [Volume 6, p. 759, Art Music.]."
C.H. Brown, in his work Instrumental Music, has quoted Mr. Kurfees: "Again, Mr. Kurfees quotes Dr. Ritter: 'we have no real knowledge of the exact character of the music which formed a part of the religious devotion of the first Christian congregation. It was, however, purely vocal. Instrumental music was excluded at first, as having been used by the Romans at their depraved festivities; and everything reminding them of heathen worship could not be endured by the new religionists.' [Dr. Ritter, Director of the school of music at Vassar College, in his History of Music, p.144]."
Edward Dickinson, professor of music history, in the music conservatory, Oberlin College, quotes from John Chrysostom, who lived from 347-407. He says, "David formerly sang in psalms; also we sing today with him; he had a lyre with lifeless strings; the church has a lyre with living strings. Our tongues are the strings of the lyre, with a different tone, indeed, but with a more accordant piety" (p.145). Professor Dickinson remarks concerning St. Augustine, 354-430, who was a bishop at Hippo Regis in North Africa. "He adjured believers not to turn their hearts to the theatrical instruments. The religious guides of the early Christians felt that there would be an incongruity ... in the use of ... instrumental sound in their... worship... The pure vocal utterance was the more proper expression of their faith" (Music in the History of the Western Church, pp.54-55).
The history of the introduction of the instrumental music can be seen in the American encyclopedia. It states, "Pope Vitalion is related to have first introduced organs into some of the churches of Western Europe around 670 AD; but the earliest trustworthy account is that of the one sent as a present by the Greek emperor, Constantine Copronymus, to Pepin, King of the Franks, in 775" (Volume 12, p.688). Pepin, in turn, presented the organ to the church of St. Corneile at Compiegne (New International Encyclopedia, Volume 13, p.446). McClintock & Strong's encyclopedia says, "But students of ecclesiastical archaeology are generally agreed that instrumental music was not used in churches till a much later date (than Pope Vitalion in 660 AD); for Thomas Aquinas (famous Italian theologian; 1225-1274 AD), 1250 AD has these remarkable words: 'Our church does not use musical instruments, such as harps and psalteries, to praise God withal, that she may not seem to Judaize.' From this passage, we are surely warranted in concluding that there was no ecclesiastical use of organs in the time of Aquinas. It is alleged that Marinus Sanutus, who lived about 1290, was the first that brought the use of wind organs into churches" (Volume 8, p.739).
The Concise Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge states on page 683, under the article 'Organ,' "At the Reformation they (organs) were discarded, being considered the vilest remnants of popery." According to World Almanac for 1955, the Eastern Orthodox Church, at its history of 1800 years, never introduced instrumental music.
Adam Clark, the Methodist commentator, says, "I believe that the use of such instruments of music in the Christian church is without the sanction and against the will of God; that they are subversive of the spirit of true devotion. I never know them productive of any good in the worship of God. Music, as a science, I esteem and admire, but instruments of music in the house of God I abominate and abhor" (Volume 4, p.686). John Wesley, the best known of all Methodist members, was opposed to the use of instruments in the church. John Calvin, the great reformer, in his commentary on Psalm 33, says, "Musical instruments in celebrating the praises of God would be no more suitable than the burning of incense, the lighting up of lamps, and the restoration of other shadows of the law." Charles Haddon Surgeon, the prince of preachers, used no musical instruments in his services.
Great godly men opposed instrumental music in worship. It was absent in the first 700 years of the history of the church. Opposition to instrumental music continued until the 19th century.
Rock Music Today
Rock music today is a worldwide force with millions of fans. For many, it is a personal religion. The main focus at the beginning was drugs, sex, and rebellion, but later, new themes have been added, such as violence, nihilism, escapism, and the occult, making it more controversial. The majority of its followers do not even know the meaning of the word or the origin of rock music.
The Power of Music
Instrumental music has mind-altering power. Charismatics would be lifeless without it. Dancing ecstatically, jerking spasmodically, and speaking in tongues are accompanied by loud instrumental music. Greco-Roman cultures used all the instruments in order to achieve the highest emotional state in their rituals. Maenads (from the Greek word mainas or "raving women") appeared, playing the flute, cymbal, holding the thyrsus (a long stick with ivy leaves) and dancing wildly. The maenads participated in ecstatic Dionysian dances. Dionysus was the son of Zeus. As a maenad, a Corinthian housewife could escape boredom and responsibilities by dancing into a mindless state. Once the Dionysian faithful reached their final state of ecstasy, miracles and supernatural phenomena allegedly took place. In the first century, Philo describes the ecstasy in terms of alienating the mind.
Dionysian Worship and Women in the Church of Corinth
Dionysian sects operated in the Corinthian church. The Corinthian Christians once participated in the pagan practices of their culture (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). They were well aware of the idolatry surrounding them. As former worshippers of pagan deities, the Corinthians were once "carried away" by dumb idols (1 Corinthians 12:1-2). This may be an allusion to the practice of pagan ecstatic cults, where initiative was seized and violated by demonic power (Arnold Bittinger, Gifts and Graces). Because the church was new, Paul exhorts the Corinthians to refrain from compromising with their former practices and rather pursue holiness (1 Corinthians 13:1). The sounding brass and tinkling cymbal may be reminiscent of a maenadian practice. Phrygian worship of Cybele, popular in the first century, where maenads weaving ivy throw back their heads, where they practice the sacred rites with sharp yells, made use of cymbals, tambourines, and pipes. Apparently, as converts from empowering cults, the Corinthians had found in the power providing through operating in the gifts of the Holy Spirit an appealing alternative. Yet they had, at times, abused this power through impropriety in worship (1 Corinthians 11-14).
Many great and famous men throughout history have agreed that music does have power, and that power can be used for either good or evil. This is why Dr. Howard Hansen, former director of Eastman School of Music, commented in the American Journal of Psychiatry, Volume 99, and p.317, "Music is a curiously subtle art with innumerable varying emotional connotations. It is made up of many ingredients, and according to the proportions of these components, it can be soothing or invigorating, enabling or vulgarizing, philosophical or orgiastic. It has powers for evil as well as for good." We all can find out that the loud sounds and bright lights with different colors are tremendous indoctrination tools. Micky Hart, drummer for the Grateful Dead, states, "Sound is an incredible force that can transmit feelings through the physical extension of sound waves and their fractions in length and amplitude." Hal Ziegler, one of the first big promoters of rock entertainment during the 50's comments, "I realized that this music got through to the youngsters because the big beat matched the great rhythms of the human body. I knew it and I know there was nothing that anyone could do to knock that out of them. I further knew that they would carry this with them the rest of their lives" (Life Magazine, June 28, 1968). Today, large corporations pay millions of dollars for a few seconds for television ads that specifically utilize rock music in order to promote their services or products.
Opinions of Great Men About Music
The great philosopher Aristotle (384-322 BC) wrote the following concerning music in politics: "Emotions of any kind are produced by melody and rhythm," and "music has the power to form character," its arrangement being so important that "the various modes may be distinguished by their effects on character ... one, for example, working the direction of melancholy, another of effeminacy; one encouraging abandonment, another self control, another enthusiasm, and so on..." (Politics, 1339a, 1340b).
St. Clement of Alexandria (AD 150-220) emphasized, "It must be banned, this artificial music which injures souls and draws them into various states of feelings, sniveling, impure, and sensual, even a bacchic frenzy and madness" (Tripp International Thesaurus, p.418).
Music as a whole is not bad, but Christians should separate the wheat from the chaff in the areas of music, just as in the areas of modern cinema, art, and literature. For the Christians, the line must be drawn on the basis of sound biblical principles.
The Effects of Rock Music
The effects of rock music on young children are long lasting. During the pre-teenage years, the adolescent value system is being molded and fixed, perhaps for all time. So, it is important to ask what messages are being conveyed to teenagers who listen to rock music many hours a day. How will these messages influence and shape them? Studies indicate that people are truly susceptible to conscious messages on a record and that excitation and melancholy can be created by “musical/sensory overload.” Anytime you overload the mind, the person becomes very suggestible. They will take in anything that you suggest at that time because they have no defenses against it. People can walk out of concerts in a hyper-suggestible state. Music has a tendency to defuse thinking and create moods. And in turn, the messages seep in. [Ted Schwarz and Duane Empey, Satanism: Is Your Family Safe, Grand Rapids, MI, Zonderran, 1989, pp. 151-152]
Allen Bloom, noted sociologist, expressed concern over the influence of rock music on preteens, teenagers, and even college students. Bloom argues that young teenagers who have emerging concepts of sexuality are not allowed to develop normally. Rather, rock forcefully bombards them with messages of adult sexuality and even perversities, driving them into adult sexual experiences. This happens at the very age they have immature and developing concepts of love, commitment, and caring. Rock music in the American culture undermines parents’ control over their children’s moral education. [Bloom, Closing of the American Mind, pp. 73-76]
The Journal of the American Medical Association has reported that “between the seventh and twelfth grades, the average teenager listens to 10,500 hours of rock music, just slightly less than the entire number of hours spent in the classroom from kindergarten through high school. [Brown and Hendee, Adolescents and Their Music, p. 1659]
The Dangerous Messages of Rock Music
Today, the different kinds of sexual behavior that are highlighted in modern rock music include premarital sex (fornication), adultery, sadomasochism, homosexuality, and even bestiality and necrophilia. Most frequently, rock music simply calls its listeners to have sex with whomever they want to have sex. In spite of the achievements of women’s rights, rock and roll frequently demeans women as sexual objects. More than one prominent rock star has boasted of literally thousands of sexual encounters with different women as if they were objects of conquest for his pleasures, while in the next breath, turns around and refers to them as “sluts” and “prostitutes.” It is noteworthy to read from an article published in The Houston Chronicle’s January 17th, 2005 edition. January 17th is observed as Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday in America. The writer is Clarence Page. The Houston Chronicle, B7, 1/17/2005, Black Women Talking Back to Rap’s Bad Boy Culture: “This is the time of year when countless orators turn into crystal ball gazers. In grand speeches across the land, they speculate as to what Martin Luther King Jr., who would have been 76 on Saturday, would think if he were still alive today. I wonder what he would think of today’s rap music culture. I wonder what he would think of a world in which young black poets refer to young black women as “ho’s,” “bitches,” “chicken heads,” “skeezers,” “gold diggers,” and “hoochie mama’s.” I wonder what he would think of the 21st century minstrel show that hip-hop videos have given us with endless portrayals of black women as “booty-shaking” ornaments accessorizing the macho images of black mobs dressed down in a “ghetto-centric” splendor, appropriate for a prison yard.”
Clarence Page admits that there are some religious raps, plus the rap world has swung largely away from the gangster rap of the 1980’s and 90’s toward political and social issues. Again, according to Mr. Page, “despite such occasional glimmers of something resembling intelligence, the vast majority of rap video fare falls back on the same simplistic mother/whore stereotypes against which the mainstream women’s movement has crusaded for decades.
With that in mind, it is encouraging to see a new and remarkable broad-based backlash rising up to cast a critical light on hip-hop’s narrow view of black women’s sexuality. Essence, the highest circulation black women’s magazine, has launched a yearlong examination of rap’s treatment of women, under the theme “Take back the music.” The criticism from Essence, a major voice for upwardly mobile black women, is harder for the hip-hop industry and consumers to ignore than, say, the complaints of Bill O’Reilly on Fox News Channel. “To change rap, we must change the culture that feeds it. Black women are often depicted as hyper-sexualized, and music videos exacerbate the problem. Cultural change begins with conversations, freely expressed and from the heart. We African-Americans too often silence ourselves with politically correct “ghetto centric” notions that black-on-black criticism of any sort is a form of racial betrayal. Quite the opposite, it is our salvation. We betray each other when we appear quite obviously to be destroying ourselves.”
It is interesting to look back on the history of some civil rights groups and rabid antiwar leftists. They never condemned when Saddam Hussein butchered a million people, when Khomeini, Pol Pot, Stalin, Mao, and other dictators murdered millions. As soon as America tries to liberate somebody, like in Afghanistan and Iraq, America is evil. The so-called civil rights groups and leftists have a racist and intolerable mindset against the people who oppose their illogical philosophies.
Do sexually explicit lyrics and statements by rock stars affect young people? Young people know that rock has the beat of sexual intercourse. Never was there such an art form directed so exclusively to children. The words implicitly and explicitly describe bodily acts that satisfy sexual desire and treat them as if it’s only a natural and routine culmination for children who do not yet have the slightest imagination of love, marriage, or family. Compare the following scriptures: Ephesians 5:3, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, 1 Thessalonians 4:7.
Can Rock Music Influence Violent Behavior?
Violence of many types is increasingly found in modern rock music. In their song “I Kill Children,” the Dead Kennedy’s sing, “I kill children; I love to see them die. I kill children to make their mothers cry. I crush them under my car and I love to hear them scream.” One survey revealed that among the favorite songs of 700 heavy metal fans, 50% were about killing, 35.2% were about Satanism, and 7.4% were about suicide [Wass, et al; Adolescent Interest, p. 182]. Some studies have led the National Education Association to conclude that many of the 6,000 annual teen suicides may be linked to depression fueled by nihilistic and fatalistic lyrics [Parents’ Music Resource Center, Nashville, TN, 1990].
Correlation Between Rock Music and Country Music
The personal and social tragedy of modern drug abuse is simply unimaginable, and yet, rock music continues to glorify drug use. The Bible tells us we are to let nothing control us except the Holy Spirit of God. God desires that people be under His loving influence, rather than the influence of a drug substance that can harm them physically, socially, or spiritually (Ephesians 5:15-18).
Country and western music is a unique American institution, and millions identify their life with its. Country music is a different type of music than rock, and is usually associated with motherhood, home and country. Nevertheless, it has swayed in the areas of alcohol and drug use, treatment of women, sexual morality, etc. So there are some similarities with rock music. The death rate among country music stars is as high as that in rock music, yet country music has a more wholesome image than rock music does.
Appendix
Excerpts from Dr.Alexander Kurian’s booklet:
THE DENIGRATION OF WORSHIP
Worship is a battle ground today in evangelical churches the world over. Many “worship wars” are going on. It is the most controversial topic, a sore subject, and a divisive issue. Worship has split churches. It is unbelievable that something as precious to Christians as worship could ever be the culprit in church conflicts!
Conflict over worship is nothing new. The first murder recorded in Biblical history (Cain murdering Abel in Genesis 4), resulted from a conflict over acceptable worship. Disputes regarding worship in general and music in particular, have erupted in every denomination. Church leaders are struggling to accommodate the various trends, styles and forms of worship. There is an ongoing tension between “traditional worship” and “contemporary worship”; “emotional worship” and “intellectual worship”; “liturgical traditionalists” and “informal traditionalists.” We hear of “creative worship,” “demonstrative worship,” “renewal worship,” “expressive worship” and “awareness worship.” However, the most popular category is “contemporary worship” which describes styles and forms of worship particularly attractive to the younger generation and people outside the church.
Recent evangelical experiments in worship represent the most widespread changes in Protestant Church worship since the Reformation. The changing character of worship is the spiritual barometer of Biblical fidelity in contemporary evangelicalism. The fundamental reason for this most distressing confusion in the matter of worship is the diversion from the cardinal truths of the Word of God. The Bible simply does not function in a decisive way in the doctrine and practice of many churches.
The Contemporary Worship Scene
Disagreement over worship when it is just over methods or diversity of worship styles is not that serious of an issue. But when the disagreement results from theology, it is a grave matter. Theology is the core or substance of truth. Changing theology is always a risky business. Let us remember that worship patterns and styles will eventually shape our theology as much as they are shaped by theology. If worship is uprooted from its theological roots in the Word, then it will not be worship at all!
The most fundamental problem is the postmodern worldview. The Biblical worldview is centered on God and His revelation of Himself in the Scriptures. Modernism is centered on reality external to the individual. But postmodernism centers on the ever changing human perspectives. Things pertaining to life and spirituality, worship and the service of God are reinterpreted and readjusted to appeal to the postmodern mind. This is always on a collision course with the Christian worldview in which truth is absolute, objective, propositional, and eternal – not merely subjective, experiential and relative.
In the compromised church, there are insurmountable barriers to Biblical worship. Several factors contribute to the denigration of worship:
1. An Emphasis on “Form” and “Style” Rather Than on Substance.
When it comes to worship, the primary focus today is on the “form” and “style” rather than on the substance and content of worship. This is very evident from the contemporary discussion on worship and many of the books written on the topic. The move is specifically to the concept of worship styles. Today Christians are not choosy about church names. They choose a church primarily by the style of worship. Theology is not the dividing line and doctrine is not the glue that holds them together; it is the worship style.
Christians are encouraged to appreciate and welcome rather than despise the many worship styles (however unbiblical they may be!) operative in today’s churches. The diversity in worship styles is considered to be one of the most important things in Christian worship. Even some conservative pastors are pressured into starting a worship service quite different from the traditional Sunday worship of the church. Many churches have come up with “Saturday Worship” that is very stylish and contemporary. After all, few things are more sacred in contemporary theology of worship than our acceptance and appreciation of diverse worship styles!
Let us remind ourselves that whether in the Old or New Testament, God never approved of creativity and innovation in worship. The new activities that are introduced into worship to make it “relevant,” “creative,” and “contemporary” are like a “strange fire” offered to Him. Men cannot worship God in any way they choose.
2. Worship is Defined in Terms of the Individual’s Experiences and Feelings.
Subjectivism and existentialism are redefining Biblical worship. People come to church to feel God. It is all about “my needs,” “my feelings,” “my experience,” “my happiness,” and “my desires”. “I” am at the center. The ego reigns supreme. The worshiper has become the object of worship!
Worship becomes a pathetic charade in which people often try to get God to do something for them, and if it is supernatural, it is all the more better! Worship is solely defined by the individual’s experience; it is an emotional exercise that generates spiritual feelings. The agenda of worship becomes our need to “feel spiritual” rather than actually honoring God. In the pursuit of ecstatic feelings, a genuine encounter with the Lord is lost. We can be tricked into thinking we are worshipping God when all we are really experiencing is strong emotions.
This experience-oriented approach to worship is largely because of the influence of Charismatic theology. Most of the changes in worship have been borrowed from Pentecostal/charismatic circles. Charismatic theologies of spirituality, worship, and ministry are clearly reflected in contemporary worship styles. For example, personal experience is the foundation of their belief system. The Scriptures often rank second to experience. Whenever experience is sought in preference to the Word of God, the whole approach to Christian life becomes very subjective.
Worship is to secure and celebrate the healing - supernatural and natural, spiritual and psychological, emotional and bodily – that God effects in the worshipper through an unleashing of miraculous gifts, especially speaking in tongues. In the call to worship, the “worship leader” leads the congregation in an extended time of singing and participatory “Praise and Worship.” Worship is more demonstrative. Worshippers may express themselves with raised hands, movements, applause, laughter, dancing, cheering, and other open displays of emotions (even emotional frenzy). If these elements are not present, it is not considered worship.
Although the worship service often becomes disruptive to congregational order, it is understood and interpreted as the movement of the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 14:33 - “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” In an orderly worship, where God is the supreme focus and object of worship, He is honored, and His character is truly reflected. Where confusion and disorder reign, God is dishonored and His character misrepresented. Our worship of God should reflect the character and nature of God. Note the words of Ray C. Stedman, in a message entitled True Worship:
Some of the excesses which have marred the worship of many congregations, both in past awakenings and contemporary practice, find no support from Scripture. Quaking, shaking, barking, arm-flailing, leaping, running wildly, have all been reported occasionally to accompany true revival. But the leaders of these revivals have often expressed uneasiness as to the source and character of such behavior. One such practice is that of suddenly falling to the ground or floor under the supposed impact of the Spirit and remaining prone for a time. Though a phrase sometimes used to describe this is “being slain of the Lord,” this phrase in Scripture always refers to physical death. There may be occasions when a worshipper is completely overwhelmed by the presence of the Lord, as Daniel was in Daniel 10:8 and 15. This phenomenon is today called, “being slain in the Spirit.” It is also termed an “ecstatic swoon.” Such response, however, is not treated in Scripture as normative experience and should not be taught as a deliberate act of worship.
Many of the leaders and pastors who promote this totally subjective approach to worship also highlight their own extraordinary experiences (visions, dreams, prophecies, “words of knowledge,” etc) and challenge the worshippers to seek such ecstatic experiences. Thus worship becomes a journey of seeking the most spectacular experience. Experiences with God is the sum and substance of their, worship, testimony and theology.
We should not build our theology on experience. Emotion and experience are the outgrowths of genuine faith. Authentic Christian experience happens in response to truth. As God’s people worship, they are called on to focus their attention on their heavenly Father and His glorious Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Biblical worship is God-centered and not man-centered. Worship is honoring and glorifying God by acknowledging His greatness and graciousness. This we do in the power of the Spirit and under His leadership. In worship we declare God’s supremacy by affirming who He is and what He has done.
3. The Concept of the EKKLESIA (Church) is Lost.
The Lord is enthroned on the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3). In corporate worship, the people of God gather as the Church, which is the called-out, separated and redeemed company. It is not a gathering of individuals but the body of Christ. Therefore, in corporate worship, the idea of worshiping as you please, by yourself, is contradictory to the Word of God. As the church, we are called on to worship together. It nourishes our fellowship and faith.
God is a Trinity, a community of Persons. As we worship together we reflect His relational nature. As a community of faith, under the Lordship of Christ, we draw nigh unto the presence of our heavenly Father in joyful and reverent worship. The author of Hebrews warns against self-absorbed spirituality and reminds his readers about the importance of gathering together for worship and fellowship:
· “Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith” (10:22).
· “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering” (10:23).
· “And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near” (10:24-25).
Much of evangelical worship today ignores the Scriptural truth of the gathered church. The familiar word “EKKLESIA” is used more than 100 times by the New Testament writers to speak of the people of God who are gathered out of the world. Worship has degenerated into just a get-together of believers and unbelievers, for a common meeting or program, for music, drama, and entertainment. It is a gathering of individuals. The worship is not to glorify God and ascribe Him worth, but to reach out to others. Public relations have become the ultimate priority of the church. Recreation and social activities for the sake of unbelievers have usurped the place of Biblical worship. The worship service is designed for “seekers” and most of the changes are made in the name of evangelism. The overall cry is to accommodate our worship to the styles and preferences of an unbelieving world. In many churches the Saturday evening service has emerged as a new time of worship and Sunday, the Lord’s Day, is treated as a day of rest, work, or recreation!
It is interesting to note that among the four principal practices of the early church mentioned in Acts 2:42, evangelism is missing - “And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” It was not a gathering for outreach, evangelism and the needs of the unsaved. Whatever happened to evangelism and witnessing here? Isn’t sharing the gospel one of the most important duties of the church?
Acts 2:46-47 reminds us that the dynamic corporate life of the church – the congregation or assembling of Christians – had a great impact in the world. Effective evangelism was the ultimate impact of their life and service. Evangelism took place in the context of everyday life. The believers gathered for worship and scattered for evangelism (Acts 5:42; 6:7).The people were continually being saved as they observed the life and testimony of believers – “And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47). The Lord brings us into His Church to worship and glorify Him and sends us out into the world to be His witnesses and to reach out to others with the Gospel. Christians serve in two different spheres – “in the church” and “into the world.” Jesus Himself said “I also sent them into the world” (John 17:18).
The seeker-sensitive and seeker–driven worship services target the unbelievers. Many of the mega churches in America follow the seeker-sensitive worship styles. It is not even a service of worship; but rather a toned-down, upbeat “evangelistic” service for “seekers.” They are entertained with music and a motivational, positive speech that has nothing to do with the offense of the cross (1 Corinthians 1:18-2:8). Anything traditional is considered to be an obstacle or barrier that may hinder the unbelievers from coming to church. Church buildings, songs, Bible translations, musical instruments, worship style, sermon, theological vocabulary, attire, bulletins, and the like have to attract and appeal to unbelievers. Every element of the worship service is sifted through that grid. The church exists for the pleasure, entertainment and applause of an unbelieving world!! Some churches adopt “seeker-sensitive” services to lead Christians to worship God without the “cultural baggage” of traditional language and forms. Are they not indirectly telling us that “if you just follow the Bible, you will not have success in your ministry!!”
It is usually pointed out that cultural accommodation without Gospel compromise is the goal of the seeker services. But most of the time, the Gospel is compromised. The true message of Christianity is concealed. The proponents of the seeker services consider Paul’s preaching about an “unknown god” in Athens as recorded in Acts 17:16-34 to be a model of the seeker style. But this is far from the truth. Paul’s bold assertion that God is not only the Creator, Sustainer, Revealer, but is Judge was probably an upsetting truth for many in his audience. The Greeks did not believe in resurrection. But Paul preached about the resurrection of Christ. This was something they did not want to hear. But Paul did not compromise. God “has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead” (17:31). Mankind is moving towards divine judgment. Men are to repent. They must repent because judgment is coming. God commands repentance (17:30). Was this about their “felt needs?” Does this sound very “seeker sensitive”?
Paul did not tell them to “discover the champion in them” (the Gospel of self-esteem and positive self-image) or just to “connect with God” or to “feel God”; but to turn to the true and the living God in repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. We cannot preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ without the doctrine of God, repentance, the cross and the judgment to come. The comprehensiveness of Paul’s message in the Areopagus address cannot be ignored. Later he called the attention of the Ephesian elders to the whole purpose of God – “For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27).
Let us be careful not to read into God’s Word a blend of the seeker service and the praise and worship style! How unbiblical it is when cultural appeal takes precedence over Biblical fidelity! How can Christians remove everything “Christian” from their services because these are “barriers to seekers’ faith?”
“The Holy Spirit may be working in the new styles of worship, but we must not close our eyes to the possibility that evil spirits may also be at work turning people from a passion for the gospel to a passion to be accepted by the surrounding society” (Donald G. Bloesch)
The Church in the New Testament is not a social club designed for the entertainment and happiness of unbelievers. The church was composed only of saved individuals. Church is for believers. The regular meetings of the early church were primarily for worship and fellowship among believers. Church services were not planned for the preferences of the unbelievers. “Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another” (Hebrews 10:24-25). On the contrary, many churches today are made up largely of unsaved individuals. In the contemporary denigration of worship, the concept of Church as the people of God is lost, minimized or ignored.
Remember, if we wish to see God glorified in the world, He must first be glorified in the Church.
4. The Celebration of the Lord’s Supper is Neglected.
Most of the evangelical churches in our time are not devoted to a regular observance of the Lord’s Supper as an integral part of their worship. Reverence and the exaltation of Christ are being neglected more than ever. The early church gathered on the first day of the week to remember and worship the Lord around His Table (Acts 2:42; 20:7). The Lord’s Table was considered central in their worship. The Lord said “Do this in remembrance of me” (I Corinthians 11:23-26). This was our Savior’s dying request. But contemporary worship styles have totally neglected this sacred observance and evangelicalism in general has no fascination with a “Remembrance Meeting.” “American evangelicalism is a pietist, experiential religion that is too busy with cell-group meetings to be troubled with the Lord’s Supper” (R. Scott Clark, in The Compromised Church, General Editor, John H. Armstrong).
The denigration of worship has led to a lack of appreciation for the Lord’s Supper. The celebration of the Lord’s Supper will not easily fit into the mould of “seeker sensitive” services, because such services have relevance and emotional gratification as their main agenda. In a “user-friendly” environment “relevance” is more important than “reverence.” The ordinances of the church are not very “relevant” in the seeker services. Baptism is virtually deemed optional. Even if the Lord’s Supper is observed, it is relegated to a smaller midweek service or appended to a preaching service and given very little emphasis. We cannot offend the people with the “traditions” of the church! One wonders how can a church be genuinely Biblical and worship with integrity by neglecting the sacred ordinances the Lord has committed to His Church. The regular observance of the Lord’s Supper would require a transformation of most evangelical worship services.
The regular observance of the Lord’s Supper was one of the four foundational practices of the early church. “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers (Acts 2:42). There was continuity and commitment in what they did. They came together to “break bread” in remembrance and worship of the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 2:42; 20:7). The early church did this in obedience to Jesus’ command, “Do this in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19; 1Cori. 11:24-25). Celebration of the Lord’s Supper was the corporate expression of their worship. It was integral to the life of the church. Christ and His atoning sacrifice on the cross were constantly before them.
Let us listen to what the inspired apostle wrote: “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes” (1Cori.11:26). “As often as” (“not as seldom as” or “as often as you may choose”) definitely indicates frequency. Though Paul gives no directions as to how frequently the Lord’s Supper is to be celebrated, he implies that it is to be done frequently in order to keep the remembrance of the Lord fresh in our minds. We can learn from the example of the early church that it was their custom to meet each Lord’s day (“the first day of the week”) to break bread (Acts 20:7). Here at a specified time, at a specified place, the disciples came together for a specified purpose - to break bread. This was their regular weekly custom. It was not on the first Lord’s Day of the month, or of the quarter of the year, but on the first day of the week that the early believers gathered to observe the Lord’s Supper. The remembrance of the Lord in His death was at the center of their worship.
The Corinthian church gathered together on the first day of the week (1 Cori. 16:2). Paul reminded them about a weekly giving. When the church met together on the first day of the week for corporate worship, it included the celebration of the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7) and regular giving of money (1Cori.16:1-2). “Those who object to the weekly observance of the Lord’s Supper certainly have no objection to taking a collection each first day of the week! If it is true of the one, it is also true of the other” (A.P.Gibbs).
Many believe that the frequent observance of the Lord’s Supper will make it seem trivial or commonplace or that it might become routine. If we apply the same logic to prayer, “quiet time,” Bible study, worship, church services, sermons, singing, the result will be disastrous! The possibility of abuse or misuse is no excuse for not obeying the command of the Lord to remember Him.
The declining understanding of the doctrine of worship has led to a corresponding lack of appreciation for the Lord’s Supper. If we are not committed to attending, participating and appreciating the Lord’s Supper, it probably speaks more of our own spiritual deficit. What a delightful experience it is to observe the Lord’s Supper regularly in the company of the redeemed! We do it in fond remembrance of our blessed Savior, the one who remembered us, loved us, and gave Himself for us. It is the most important expression of our worship. It is our delight and duty; a solemnly joyful occasion to feast on Him in the Supper with His people. To despise or lightly esteem divinely ordained ordinances is not a mark of Christian humility or biblical piety. It is sad and deplorable that even many evangelical theologians tend to push the regular observance of the Lord’s Supper to the margins of Christian duty.
The Lord’s Supper is:
Ø An Act of Remembrance - “Do this in remembrance of Me” (1 Cor.11:24).
Ø An Act of Obedience - As we remember Him in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, we obey His command to “do this in remembrance of Me.”
Ø An Act of Fellowship - “Is it not the communion of the blood and body of Christ” (1 Cor.10:16).
Ø An Act of Thanksgiving - “And when He had given thanks” (1Cor.11; 24).
Ø An Act of Proclamation - “…..you proclaim the Lord’s death” (1Cor.11:26).
Ø An Act of Covenantal Relationship - “This cup is the new covenant in my blood” (1 Cor.11:25).
Ø An Act of Anticipation - “till He comes” (1 Cor.11:26).
How can Christians be blinded to the central importance of this act of worship?
5. Worship is Predominantly Related to Music.
Contemporary worship is music-driven. It is led usually by a “music leader” or “worship leader” who controls the direction of the so-called “Praise and Worship” service. He/she along with the “worship team” can even emotionally manipulate the worshippers through their music. The sound of the musical instruments overtakes the voice of the singers. In this music package, seldom can we understand the lyrics and meanings of the songs. The common identifying marks of “Praise and Worship” are:
· “Praise and worship” is mainly a music performance by a “worship team.”
· Great emphasis is given to the presence and abilities of those who are on the stage. Services are performance driven rather than spiritually driven.
· Lyrics predominantly emphasize subjective experience and cheap sentimentalism.
· Lyrics are often not doctrinally sound and at times even contradict Scripture.
· Lyrics speak to/about God vaguely, featuring God as one who meets a felt-need.
· Songs are repeated several times (“seven-eleven music” where seven words repeated eleven times) to create an induced state of “worshipfulness” and self-centered emotionalism. The praise choruses even take the form of “mantras” in which there is extended repetition of certain phrases.
· The congregation usually stands, closing their eyes, raising their hands, and gently swaying to the music.
· The great hymns of the Christian Faith are largely ignored.
· The services are often modeled after secular concerts.
· The atmosphere is so casual that there is no reverential awe of the holy presence of the Almighty. Worshipers are only concerned with joy and excitement. The Bible stresses reverence as an integral part of worship. Frivolity and irreverence are diametrically opposed to true worship - “Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling” (Psalm 2:11).
In this day of shoddy ideas about God, it is helpful to remind ourselves that “our God is a consuming fire” (Heb.12:29) and we can approach God only in the way in which He specifies. This truth is forcefully illustrated in 2 Samuel 6 when David brought the ark of God to Jerusalem. David made a new cart and with great jubilation brought the ark to Nachon’s threshing floor. When the oxen stumbled, the cart jolted and the ark was about to be thrown on the ground. Uzzah instinctively reached to prevent its fall. After all he grew up with the ark in his home (1 Samuel 7:1-2). He was genuine and sincere in his attempt to prevent the ark from falling to the ground. Touching the ark did not seem to him such a serious matter. God had specifically commanded that no one should touch the ark (Num.4:15). We read that “God struck him down there for his irreverence (emphasis added); and he died there by the ark of God (2 Samuel 6:7).
The jubilant worship was interrupted by the sudden judgment of God on Uzzah. God never tolerates irreverence in worship. Reverence and discipline are the marks of His church. Enthusiasm in worship that underestimates the holiness of God and violates His Word is wrong. David and his men were so caught up with the excitement and celebration of worship that they totally forgot who they were worshipping. God is a holy God and calls His people to holiness (1 Peter 1:14-16). Evangelical attempts to “downsize” an awesome God into our “buddy system” is an abomination to the Lord.
We can get easily carried away with our worship. We should sing, praise and worship our God with great reverence and holy fear. Our joy, celebration and enthusiasm in worship should not blind us to the holiness of God. We need to learn that God has the right to expect us to obey His most meticulous commands in honoring Him through our life and worship.
In the “Praise & Worship” tradition congregational singing has become a lost art. Spiritual music comes from spiritual people, sanctified and unified in spiritual worship. When God’s people meet together for worship, it is not for the music performance of a “team.” We do not read of a special “class of singers” in the church like in the Old Testament. Everyone is expected to sing. Those who are musically talented and can lead in singing may do so to ensure order and quality in singing.
Our God is a God of music. There is singing in His presence. The largest book in the Bible is a song book (Psalms). The longest chapter in the Bible is a song (Psalm 119). At the Last Supper the disciples sang a hymn (Matt.26:30). The singing of Psalms is mentioned in Eph.5:19 and Colo.3:16. Our songs should be worthy of our God and His truth. Our songs should declare His worth, majesty and glory, celebrating the mighty acts of God through Jesus Christ.
Many of the praise songs are egocentric, celebrating a kind of “eros” spirituality, “falling in love” with God, desiring to possess the highest good for the self. The motivation is the satisfaction of the heart’s desire. Our “love songs” in worship must be characterized by adoring love and not by sentimental love. When ecstasy takes precedence over truth, Christian discipleship is seen as finding happiness and fulfillment, rather than taking the cross, denying the self and following Jesus (Luke 9:23).
How can we know that our music is worthy of worship? The question is not whether it is old or new, hymn or chorus. The primary test has to do with the lyrics of the songs. Are the words Scriptural and doctrinally sound? Does it properly instruct us in the things of God? Does it stimulate a spiritual response? Does it have a good balance of objective truth and subjective response? Is it suitable for congregational singing? Does it enhance the teaching ministry of the church (1Corinthians 14:26; Colossians 3:16-17)? The Word must always be prominent in our music. The main purpose of Christian music is not to arouse our emotions, but to edify and teach. The Book of Psalms teaches us that music can also be a very powerful instrument through which our praise and adoration can be expressed to God.
Much of modern church music is vastly inferior to the classic hymns of the Christian Faith (of course, there are exceptions). Style is not the biggest problem, rather the content of the lyrics. At the same time, we must keep away from certain styles of music that are so deeply associated with evil and the most degenerate elements of our godless society. Such styles can only be counterproductive to worship. Some music is worthless, either because of its message or its medium. There is also the false notion that revival and revitalizing of the church happens through music and “praise and worship.” This theory is promoted to marginalize the place of the exposition of the Word of God in the gathering of the church. But Church history has taught us that true revival is always prompted and vitalized by prayer and the faithful proclamation of the Word of God and not through music concerts.
All new praise songs are not a “dumbing down” of worship. Some of the new praise songs/choruses bring a remarkable freshness and a level of joy in worship. Songs can energize the worship services and make it vibrant and alive. But the key for blessings is not in the new techniques and style. It lies in the power of the Spirit working through the proclamation of the written Word. There is definitely a place for praise songs, choruses, and contemporary music. With care and discernment, if we maintain a healthy balance in the area of music it will bring blessing to our churches. We are not advocating that there is only one correct musical style which is acceptable to God. Our concern is about the excessive individualism and superficial content, and the drive for relevance in many of these songs (this may be true of some old hymns also). Though many of the new songs enliven the services, it does not really lend itself in congregational singing. It is an elitist music good for solos and ensembles. The congregation assumes the role of spectators or onlookers of a musical performance. This is not a healthy trend.
In the contemporary “Praise & Worship” there seems to be a deliberate effort to neglect or ignore the great hymns of faith. There are obvious values in the old, modern and contemporary hymns. Generally speaking, hymns have great teaching value. They preserve the great heritage of the truth and experiences of the universal church. Much can be learned about our faith through many of the timeless hymns of the church. Ignoring these musical treasures is to miss the richness of the evangelical tradition in the hymnals. As we preach from a wider selection of passages, it will be a healthy practice for the church to draw from the vast resources of her music, whether past or present. Some pastors who struggle with the issue of music and contemporary worship styles try to implement the idea of “blended services.” Time will prove whether this is a help or hindrance to the true spirit of Biblical worship. The trend on the part of the promoters of the “Praise & Worship” choruses to totally abandon the great hymns of the church is more of a peril than a promise.
The role of music in the church is to be considered as part of the ministry of the church. When we elevate it to the status of a ministry, we have to place it in the hands of those who are informed theologically as well as musically. The glorification of God and the edification of the church have to occur concurrently in the music of the church. The role of music in the teaching ministry of the church should never be underestimated. “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” (Colossians 3:16).
Do we recognize the connection between theology and music? The Reformers gave major attention to this area. The songbook in the Bible – the Book of Psalms – contains all the great theological ideas of the Bible. This should be the guideline for the church music. So the responsibility of church music should be in the hands of mature believers. It is tragic that many church musicians today just want to be “relevant” and follow secular styles (some even try to compete with MTV). May the Lord deliver us from this disaster!
“Praise & Worship” in the Bible
The modern concept of “Praise & Worship” is unbiblical for it equates the concept of worship with music alone. In other words, worship means music. According to this interpretation, wherever there is worship, there must be music – all worship must be music driven. This idea is foreign to the Word of God. Worship refers to the way we acknowledge God’s worth (Psalm 29:1-2; 96:7-8). 1 Chronicles 16:29 states “Give unto the Lord the glory due His name; bring an offering, and come before Him: worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” Worship is a spiritual occupation in which we give to God from our hearts the adulation and praise due to Him.
The Bible does not teach that music has to accompany worship. Music is only an expression of our inward joy and celebration in the presence of God. Sometimes our joy and adoration is expressed in praise, proclamation, or prostration and not necessarily in music alone. Look at how Jesus disciples worshiped Him:
· When Jesus disciples worshipped they “clasped His feet and worshipped Him” (Matthew 28:9).
· “Then they worshipped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God” (Luke 24:52-53).
· “And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshipped Him saying ‘Truly you are the Son of God” (Matthew 14:32-33).
There was “praise and worship” on all these occasions; BUT NO MUSIC. The form of worship is not at all important. Their worship was their acknowledgment and proclamation that Jesus is God. The outward expressions in these cases happened to be joyful praising and physical prostration. In the heavenly worship scenes in the Book of Revelation, the angels and elders worshipped God by “SAYING” and not by singing (See 4:8; 4:10-11;5:12-13 in NASB, NKJV; only in 5:9 we read “they sang”).
The sinful woman’s worship (Luke 7:36-39) was wordless. This woman brought a flask of perfume and as Jesus reclined on a couch while eating, she washed His feet with her tears, wiped them with her hair, and kissed them repeatedly. Then she anointed them with the costly perfume. Worship of this woman was without one word! The silence of her worship speaks volumes on worship. She was preoccupied with the person of Christ. Her worship took place at the very feet of Jesus without a word, sermon or music!! She teaches us a very valuable lesson on worship - the best worship may be wordless.
Music can be a very valuable and powerful tool in worship and edification, but it is not essential. We do not see the role of “musicians,” “singers,” “worship teams,” and “worship leaders” in the descriptions of the life and ministry of the New Testament Church. We do not see these roles in the list of spiritual gifts. The main focus of music in the New Testament is in the context of edification and not worship (Colossians 3:16; I Corinthians 14:26).
Worship in the word of God is not restricted to something which we do on a certain day. It compasses every moment of a believer’s life - “Worship is the celebration of God’s supreme worth in such a manner that God’s worthiness becomes the norm and inspiration of human living” (Ralph Martin). Our life is to be “praise and worship,” whether we sing everyday or not. Worship is the sacrifice of self and not just the sacrifice of offerings - “I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship” (Romans 12:1). Worship means putting our lives on the altar of God. For those in Christ, the only acceptable worship is to offer themselves completely to the Lord. The book of Hebrews reminds us about the sacrifice of praise, of doing good, and of sharing (13:15-16). We may yield all of these sacrifices unto God as individual priests on a continuous basis throughout our lives. Where is music in all this? Let us not learn theology from the popular culture of our day.
Praise is giving thanks to God for who He is by focusing our heart on God. Praise leads us to worship. Praise is a spiritual offering (Hosea 14:2). God is to be praised for all that He is (“praising the name of the Lord”) and has revealed Himself to be. Praise is also advertising. We are both the product and the advertisement of our faith. There is no limit to the ways in which God may be praised. Why should we connect these concepts always with music? It is not a matter of music.
Today we see a lot of “Praise & Worship Products” in Christian bookstores. Advertisements are made for “Resources for Praise & Worship.” Beware of these fads that rob the church of her glorious mission of sublime worship.
Are You A True Worshipper?
Fifty to seventy percent of people who attend church in America do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is not enough to go to church and to be a worshiper of God. Worship should be based on a relationship with God. God is seeking true worshippers and you can become a true worshipper right now by confessing your sins and receiving Jesus Christ into your life. In Christian worship the good news that Jesus has died for our sins and risen gloriously from the dead is central. This message is the Gospel of salvation.
Don’t wait. Receive the Savior now. Follow Him in love and in obedience. Believing Him and following Him is not grievous; it is joyous. It means liberation from the guilt and burden of sin. You will then know what true worship is all about and will enjoy worship as something incomparably precious to you.
Bibliography
Materials were taken from the following books:
1. Brown, C.H. Instrumental Music In Christian Worship and Testimony.
2. Kurien, Ashley. The Songs of the Saints.
3. Tozer, A.W. Worship and Entertainment.
4. Lucarini, Dan. Contemporary Christian Music Movement.
5. Smith, Daniel. Worship & Remembering.
6. Ezekiel, Y. (India). Assembly Truths.
7. Ezhumattoor, Sunny. Family and Marriage.
8. Ezhumattoor, Sunny. The Holy Spirit.