Are there guidelines or principles that will enhance our music and therefore our worship?
Christianity has been a musical religion throughout its history. In every corner of the globe and in every era, music has been an integral part of the Christian faith. This is not to say, though, that there have not been varying opinions about music. For centuries considerable controversy in the church has centered on music. Complaints about music were often based on concerns that nonchurch musical styles and idioms were infiltrating the church and corrupting godly worship. At other times, dissension had its roots in simple resistance to change—a reluctance to accept new instruments, new musical styles, or anything not already thoroughly rooted in tradition.
Disagreements, tensions, and divided opinions about church music continue.1 Although a certain amount of diversity of viewpoint is advantageous, it is desirable to reach at least a general consensus concerning the basic purposes of music in our churches. But how are we to know what music pleases God? Why does music for the church differ from country to country—even from congregation to congregation within the same country? Should there be more uniformity of music among our Christian brothers and sisters around the world? Are there guidelines or principles that will enhance our music and therefore our worship? If so, what principles are universal and which are based in culture? What is the theological basis for our philosophy of music?
The Bible has a great deal to say about music. It is mentioned in at least 44 of its 66 books. Musical terms such as music, sing, and musical instruments (many specifically identified) are mentioned hundreds of times. One entire book, the Psalms, is given over to music. In its original form, the Psalms was a book of songs. We do not know how many passages in the prophetic books were originally sung, but many prophecies are written in poetic style, and some were sung.
Luke contains the best-known hymns of the New Testament: The Magnificat (1:46–55), The Benedictus (1:68–79), Gloria in Excelsis Deo (2:14), and Nunc Dimittis (2:29–32). All of these are related to the birth of Christ and may have been used by the Early Church in worship.
The Bible begins with what is sometimes called the hymn of creation in the poetry of Genesis 1 and climaxes in the great songs of worship in Revelation 5:9; 14:3; 15:3; and possibly 19:4–8.
The Word of God makes it clear that those who follow the Lord are a singing people; Christians naturally sing. Scripture explains why Christians should sing, how they should sing, and even what they should sing. Read more
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