A friend of mine sent me this link to a blog I do not read on a regualr basis. The post was a good one, but I think I got as much out of the comments of the post.
http://www.jesuscreed.org/?p=2262#comments
It speaks of Music as being a spiritual discipline. I would have to agree.
Here are some of my favorite comments...
"I have always been moved by music, whether it’s the hymns I grew up on, classical sacred works (think Beethoven and Mozart), or modern worship. Music is an important part of my journey..."Comment by Allie — April 20, 2007 @ 8:36 am
"The connections being drawn here explain why the worship wars are so passionately wrestled over. It’s not wallpaper; it is the means by which people connect with God."
Comment by Rick L the Texan — April 20, 2007 @ 8:39 am
"Like other disciplines, I’d love it if this one were practiced at home even more than at church. I think it’s part of who we are intended to be as God’s people to be a “singing” people–and not just at our weekly gatherings. (We do have a whole book of songs in our scriptures.) .....I agree that there’s something about singing that seems to hit all the aspects of the greatest commandment at the same time–mind, heart, soul, strength. Do any other disciplines do that so well, and have this evangelistic “call” at the same time? I’m with the author, singing is a much bigger part of spiritual formation than we realize."
Comment by T— April 20, 2007 @ 9:11 am
"Western music (whether classical, jazz, or rock and roll) has roots in sacred music and Christian worship, even though these connections are largely forgotten. Why have Christians sung through the centuries? A proper understanding of sin and grace, I believe, demands a fundamental response in the human heart (jubilate, hosanna, lament, hallelujah), which is to say that theology EVOKES and REQUIRES song. There’s a reason Christians and Jews have sung the Psalms for 3,000 years. But I wonder: if we give up song — or relegate it to a few professionals — when, in other words, we have others do our singing for us — can we remain authentically Christian?" Comment by Darryl Tippens — April 20, 2007 @ 2:03 pm
There is much more great stuff in the post and comments, but one thing struck me as interesting. The Author makes the comment about how we are a "listening" generation. We are in search of the perfect sound quality, perfected vocals and perfect musical arrangements. I agree with all of those comments. I am not sure where the blame falls. I agree that there needs to be much more congregational singing. It is healthy for us to sing, to worship out loud. It is a way for us to respond to God. I think that Worship Leaders have failed to help congregations get back to the roots of worship. They have failed to lead people to a place of worship in their hearts. Worship leaders have made worship so easy for us that we don't have to sing. There is where we have failed.
I disagree that congregations everywhere are not singing. I think old and young are singing when they have a connection to the worship. Go to a Youth Workers Convention, there you will witness amazing congregational singing, whether it be very traditional "Morning has broken" contemplative worship lead by Jeff Johnson or "You are my joy" led by David Crowder. Oh yes, congregations are still singing...
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2 comments:
i have too much to say.
so i'll just say "thanks for the link" :)
Everyone must read "Praise Habit" by David Crowder. He turns the book of Psalms into something that we can visualize in everyday life -- and that is the most important thing.
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