Glendale Church of the Brethren

Psalm 144:1a & 15

“Blessed be the Lord, my rock”

“Happy are the people to whom such blessings fall; happy are the people whose God is the Lord.”

Music Wars!  It has split churches and Christianity is asunder.   Wonderful Hymns of the past (that are hard to sing, and has sentiments that are out of tune to modern ears) versus Praise Hymns (that are easy to sing and ((at times)) vacuous. ) The “Hymnal People” accuse the  “Praise People” of dumbing down Christianity while the the “Praise People” counter that the mainline churches have become stuck in the past are not “spiritual.”  The war, at its worse, pits organists (who may not play well) against comical praise bands (who cannot harmonize or inspire anyone).  

My first love is classical music, however, I have learned to appreciate all kinds of GOOD MUSIC.  In my life as a pastor I have heard well meaning praise bands, soloists, and organist who were awful.  Sometimes it was because they had no talent and at other times it was because they didn’t practice.  Personally I have been moved by Hymns and Praise songs when they have been done RIGHT.   To me, good music is good music.

What I don’t understand is why it has to be one or the other?  Are we not broad enough in our tastes to enjoy good music of all stripes.  I have even come to appreciate contemporary country music - the production values on many of these songs are wonderful.

Perhaps we think we have to choose because we want to fit into a kind of theme or style.  Perhaps, we think we are “too refined” or “too hip” to appreciate something different.  I do not see why this is necessary - unless we are stuck on false pride.  One of my favorite shows is a “Prairie Home Companion” which is on broadcast on many public radio stations on Saturday nights.  This show features a wide collection of musical styles that are performed well.

So why stick with one style?  I don’t know, I get bored when I listen to any one style or genre of music for too long.  

Praise Music - which has be widely reviled - most often correlates to the back of the book of Psalms.  Many of these later Psalms are “nothing” but words of Praise to God.  Thus I see a place for them.  They are a great way to express emotional praise in worship.  However, I could not make a steady diet of praise hymns - they would leave me feeling empty.   The Hymns usually reflect a deeper theology, but they can be too heavy or outdated at times.

So let’s be people who are not afraid of the new, but who also hold on to the best of the past.  One of my favorite worship songs are when a modern artist takes an old hymn and presents it in a new way.  I love that, it helps to bring everyone together.

 Peace,

 Doctor “J”