An Indictment of Contemporary Worship
I think that by now it is no secret that I am far from being an advocate of what is called "contemporary worship" in the church. One can go so far as to say that I outright oppose the secularization of worship music, and for some reason I have not yet written out my reasons why. But I have ordered my thoughts, and it is more than apparent to me that the conversion of musical worship into a sensationalist, artsy and superficial neo-religious rock concert makes absolutely no sense to me. What confuses me even more than this movement's own inherent foolishness is how we were so imprudent as to allow it to even happen, especially given the theological context in which it has occurred.
Given the degree to which we have strayed from the original paradigm for musical worship, our current permutation of it is far from being worshipful, it is an insult to God. I find it alarming that there is no difference in appearance between pop/rock groups and so-called "Christian" musical groups. I have heard the catchphrase that is Romans 12:1 repeated and quoted ad nauseum, but to no effect. Here we are, supposedly making every effort to not conform to the world, and yet we think it's permissible to emulate the trends in secular music. God is being represented in the musical industry by talent-starved halfbrains wearing black eyeliner. And it has totally escaped Christian detection.
But undoubtedly the argument arises that it is the attitude of the worshiper that determines the quality of worship, and that the style of music makes no difference. Then someone might explain to me why not a single hymn has ever been sung at an FBC summer camp, and why there isn't so much as a solitary hymn in the youth worship books. But of course it's absurd to suggest that we would cater to the ever-growing population of youths, who are largely responsible for evaporating every semblance of ceremony and reverence from the church. We profusely point accusatory fingers at evangelical movements who strive to make Scripture more relevant and "up-to-date," but somehow it escapes all consciousness that we are doing the same thing with worship.
Not only has the quality of the music been seriously downgraded, but so has the quality of the church musician. The liturgical chorales of Bach and Handel required people with musical abilities, who could read music and play an instrument. That has been replaced with the buffoonery of anybody who can incontinently spew out chords on a guitar. The music of the former was written using a rhythmically precise and harmonically firm system of notation. But somebody thought that a more fitting replacement would be an arbitrary smattering of chords and words, which gives no indications of rhythm, orchestration or voicing.
We have fallen from the sacred worship that God requires. Our attempt to make worship more palatable for youths is causing a compromise of doctrine and respect for Him. I hope that at the very least there will come a realization of this much for anyone reading this.
January 27th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
The argument against modernization of church music has been going on for decades now, but the debate on both sides of the issue seem rather futile.
The best point you brought up would have to be in your last paragraph where you say "sacred worship", which is what most people do not see praising God as anymore. And as I can visualize someone not taking worship seriously, I still can't say whether the music I listen to would be viewed as beneficial or not.
Maybe it's a bias, but I am close to the christian music I listen to. Ranging from ambient to hardcore, it all worships God. Now, I do not view praise music as sacred, which may be a result of my music. But you hear some parts of scripture in "spirit filled hardcore" that you don't in hymns. Also, there are many bands that have become efficient ministries, but there are also many bands that blaspheme and spread false ministries; so there are both positives and negatives.
All I know is that several of my favorite worship bands, ones that are not hardcore, are inspired by the lyrics of the hardcore bands. And I take those worship groups' music to heart (even though I do the same with all my music's lyrics). It's really a grey issue that Christians have sent upon themselves.
There is much more to the issue though. I suggest you read "Christian Reflections: On Church Music" by C.S. Lewis, because that really puts the question on music out there.
January 30th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
I understand your point, so I won't elaborate on the points I agree with. But musical worship needn't always be in a leader/follower format. We need to remember that anyone can sing a song of praise to God, at any time. Church worship is only a small part of what we can offer. It would be a much poorer world if those who enjoyed singing to God at all times were prohibited from doing so because their voices cracked.
What you come dangerously close to suggesting is that only people with musical talent should use this form of worship. But I'd greatly prefer a worship leader with little musical talent but a burning Holy Spirit than someone with talent whose love for God can be best compared to tepid water. I agree that it is unseemly when musicians who are not that great think they are pretty fantastic. Humble worship is what God requires; Scripture says little about the technical quality of the sound. God's ears are the most important, not yours. And what sounds bad to Him is a lack of love (1 Cor. 13)
Remember that the forms of worship music you find to be the highest are Western as well, and completely removed (stylistically) from the music of Biblical times. It's just as easy to go on an emotion trip from that type of music. I sometimes find myself singing some of the most powerful hymns and not really paying attention to the words, because the music is so great and I "feel good" listening to it. I'm thankful that God helps us worship Him even though we are imperfect at it.
I know, I don't organize my thoughts that much when I comment. I'm trying to get away from the computer now though so that's the best I'm going to do.
February 2nd, 2008 at 3:40 pm
This does not germane to the post, but I wanted to share this with you:
http://www.blognow.com.au/uploads/stalk0if0u0dare_petrock0001.jpg
February 2nd, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Oops I used the wrong word. I had two sentences in my head, one in which I used "pertain" and the other had "germane" in it. A disastrous cross resulted. I'm sorry.
Correct: This does not PERTAIN to the post.
The end.
February 9th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
I both agree and disagree with your entry.
I agree in that I do suspect that many of today's "Christian" bands are only calling themselves Christian in an effort to expand their audience and to fit in with growing trends. However, I dislike acting so suspicious because there is no way to tell what their actual agendas are, and I'd hate to cross them out for a mis perception.
That being said, I do enjoy today's music because it better fits my tastes. Now, I'm not saying I dislike classical hymns and symphonies, because I love them, but most of those pieces are really lacking when sung by a church choir, instead of a full orchestra. (Of course, one would then argue that the point of worship is not the worshipers, but of God, but I can't agree 100% with that statement.)
Where was I going with this? I don't know. I blame your sister for sidetracking me.