I dunno.. but.. did you know that in the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, John Calvin, and other Reformers absolutely forbade the use of ORGANS and Chiors in the Worship service.. for they “smacked” of Popery..
In the aftermath of the Reformation, the Reformed churches developed what is usually called the REGULATIVE PRINCIPLE OF WORSHIP..This principle teaches that the public worship of God should include those and only those elements that are instituted, commanded, or appointed by command or example in the Bible. In other words, it is the belief that God institutes in Scripture whatever he requires for worship in the Church, and everything else should be avoided.
The “regulative principle” is often contrasted with the “normative principle” of worship, which teaches that whatever is not prohibited in Scripture is permitted in worship, so long as it is agreeable to the peace and unity of the Church. In other words, there must be agreement with the general practice of the Church and no prohibition in Scripture for whatever is done in worship.
In this light.. many churches which are from the Reformed and Presbyterian theological perspective, use Exclusive Psalmnody within their worship services..with NO instruments used.
Others, who are also Reformed or Presbyterian, see nothing wrong with useing Traditional Hymnody, with pianos, organs, chiors..orchestras..
Me? I attend a PCA church..(Presbyterian Church in America).. we have no restrictions in the use of music in our worship services, other than the lyrics must be Scriptural... we often use Hymns written by contemporary hymn writers Keith and Kristyn Getty, or very old hymns in the INDELIBLE GRACE style.. (If you’ve not heard of INDELIBLE GRACE..you’re in for a treat.. here are all of their albums, they’ve placed them all on line for everyone to listen to..Free, no charge, just click any album cover to hear the complete album.. -http://indeliblegrace.bandcamp.com/
Thank you for explaining the difference between the “regulative principle” and the “normative principle.” I had never heard that before, and it goes some distance toward clearing a few puzzlements up for me.
I appreciate that.
Indelible Grace—that’s not congregational music fit for a service. It’s CCM.
You might have an idea of what I’m about to describe then. My grandmother born in the 1800’s would sometimes sing wordless Hymns. The churches sang the tune using something like Do Ra Me sounds but not any actual words. I can’t remember what it was called but I know it used to be common.