Quix: However, I don’t know that we can say emphatically that rock music emphasizing the same features as withcraft music is TOTALLY neutral.
Nevadan: By the way, I LOVE talking about this stuff and I appreciate the chance to discuss it.
I’m going to tentatively disagree with you about the neutrality of musical sounds. I think musical sounds and styles are neutral - it is the composer’s intent and the lyrics put to the music that makes it “non-neutral” - at least in my opinion.
Pagan music also employs melody - not as predominant as the rhythm, but none the less it is used. Should we not use melody because some pagan ritual music uses it?
Don’t get me wrong - I was raised in a conservative Southern Baptist church - I love the classic hymns of faith and Gospel songs of the past. I think much of the new “Christian” music today is shoddy, boring, and uncreative. I think contemporary Christian music is following the lead of secular musical innovation, rather than, as in times past, leading musical innovation and development. The poetry of the lyrics are sub-par for the most part. Even where Scripture is used, the music often doesn’t seem to fit the meaning of the text.
But, here again, as is so often the case, my opinion is based somewhat also on my own musical taste. And, that, to me, is the problem with making blanket condemnations of a certain style of music - so much of our likes and dislikes regarding music is based on our upbringing and our taste. Someone once said in regard to church music and what was appropriate, “I don’t know much about it, but I know what I like”. I think this is sometimes the basis for people not wanting a certain style of music in the church. Their musical taste is “correct”. I’m not saying that is always the case, but I do think that is part of it.
Another example of Christians taking pagan symbols and giving them new meanings are Christmas symbols - the evergreen wreathe, candles, holly, Christmas trees, etc. An evergree tree is not inherantly “pagan” just because pagans used to use them for their own meanings - right? Of course not. The tree is just a tree, candles are just candles - it is the meaning we put on those things that make them Christian or pagan.
In the same way, I think, musical styles and sounds are morally neutral - it is what we put on top of those sounds - the meaning of the words that make it appropriate or inappropriate for Christian worship.
Just so you know, I was raised in a Baptist church all my life. I studied music in college (B.A. and M.A. in music history and literature) and went to a Baptist seminary and got a masters degree in Church music. I was a full-time minister of music in Baptist churches for about 15 years and part-time music minister for about another 15 years. So, I’ve had to deal with this issue from time to time. For me, and I think I have Scriptural backing on this, I deem music to be inappropriate in worship for one or all the following reasons:
1. The text is secular - no Christian message whatsoever.
2. The text is doctrinally unsound - teaches beliefs that are contrary to Biblical, sound Christian teaching.
3. The volume of the accompaniment is so loud that the message is un-hearable.
4. The singing is such that the words are unintelligible.
5. The performer(s) are knowingly and publicly living lives contrary to Biblical teaching of how a Christian should live (I’m speaking of consistent non-Christian lifestyle - not perfection).
6. The motive or attitude of the performer is such that it seems that they are more concerned about “them” rather than about bringing glory to God. You know - prima donnas.
Beyond these things, I really don’t care about the style as long as it can be performed well. Some people try to sing or play Bach when they really aren’t ready or just don’t have the talent. Some people try to play or sing things in a variety of styles that are beyond their ability or vocal range. If you’ve ever seen the beginning episodes of American Idol you know what I mean.
Anyway, I’ve probably said more than enough. This issue will never go away. As long as there is music in the church there will be disagreements as to what it should be. I guess that’s one of the reasons we have different denominations. Thanks for reading.
I think musical sounds and styles are neutral
is this true or are you reflecting on it.
I think you make very worthy points.
Will have to ponder more when I get home and see if I have any further comments, then.
Thanks.