Stop the music

This is no plea on behalf of the CoC or any other denomination wishing to silence or ban instruments from a service. It is however a question as to the productivity and beneficiality of their use in stirring up that which would be better solicited in silence. One motivated by sound contrasting the other motivated by the still inward voice. Some will say it is but an accompaniment to the inward voice and therefore a compliment. If that be the case then the question should be can we really provide such a compliment?

My thoughts go to the small house church or the meeting of a few. Where there in no background music? What are they missing? While there may not be agreement on the alter call, or the tithe in the traditional sense, is it not a strange phenomena that the soundtrack played in many a church setting is common to the service. Do we really need the soundtrack that is played ever so lightly in the background as we pray and worship our Lord and Savior? It is so appropriate in a movie that one does not notice. Take the soundtrack out of the movie and you have a different movie altogether.

It seems as though silence is no longer golden but has become rather awkward. Might this in any way be an indicator or barometer as to the state of lethargy that has become the norm in the church? Since when has there ever been a greater crescendo than God Himself? By the noise of men do we drown out the very still voice that we purpose to hear? I know this might bother some but on many an occasion a corporate prayer has been crashed by an unnecessary score.

I do not run to put on my earphones and hit the background music when I glance at the sun set on my drive home. I don't ask my wife in the birthing room if she packed the ipod for when our child's head appears. When I look up in the sky and gaze up into the vastness of space and feel the awe I do not hit play on the mp3 player. Even when I go into my prayer closet I do not take such an accompaniment. If it is not necessary that we should carry a soundtrack with us for such an occasion(s) then why is it such a needed background to the service. Even if one does not agree with the prayer for the alter call and the prayer that precedes the tithe, does this accompaniment not seem a bit more fitting for a movie than a church service?

All of the years previous to marrying my wife, I had slept in total silence. I am a light sleeper and silence was necessary for a good nights sleep. However, this was not true for my wife. She brought into the bedroom a fan and some white noise, creating a very different atmosphere for sleep. The result? I conformed and today I can no longer sleep in silence as the silence itself has become unbearable. Funny what we get use to.

When I lived in the city, I would occasionally go to the mountains for some peace and quiet. When I would first arrive at the cabin, my ears used to ring terribly in the silence - craving the noise of which they were so accustomed.

Now, since the LORD has gotten a hold of me, and I have moved to a quieter place, it is the reverse. Loud music and noise drives me away. My whole insides cringe and my head starts to throb in the driving chaos - and just now, as I write this, I have become aware of the problem and solution. It is the enemy trying to silence me and drive me away from certain situations.

"And [Jesus] arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm." - Mark 4:39

From the title of this thread and the initial post it sounds to me like you want to make an iron-clad law that there shall be no music whatsoever in the church. I don't think that is reasonable. Everything being done decently and in order, there is a time for music and a time for quietness. Let us be led by the Spirit of God.

Ephesians 5:19 -addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,

I have thought the same thing many, many times. Why is there the need for music in the church, especially at those moment when maybe there should be silence or low singing.

When I have pondered this, the catholic church doesn't have it. They have choirs but I don't think they bring actual music into the scene. Yet at altar calls in protestant churches it seems to be brought in as mood or emotional music.

I have wondered why it was used alot at Times Square church as well, especially at the end. It is my own thinking though.

No Truewitness, that was not my intent. I may not have done a very good job at communicating my concern. I assure you there is enough law (I live in the bible belt) burdening people here that no additional need be added.

It is more an awareness of how much it resembles those things outside the church. My intention in attending the fellowship is to worship and draw closer to my Lord and Savior. I do not want what is artificial stirring me to that end if it is possible that what it has stirred in me was instilled artificially as well.

Might it be better served by example? Shall we take our ipod and play music in order to compliment our prayers when we are alone with God. Who does this? I often have trouble listening for Gods voice in prayer because my mind races and so many things compete for what is most important. Should I impede it more with music that may further drown Him out? I hope I have distinguished between the two for I'm not advocating eliminating song or instrument. Where in scripture would one find that or even want to? We should seek Him with all we have in us. There should be times that men fear to touch the key or string. There just doesn't seem to be enough of them.

Excellent point, lylewise. You might be interested to know that the term "a Capella" actually means "of the church." Just something to consider...

DEADn, the catholic church actually does have music in their mass. Personally, I highly dislike their whole style of music, which is a blasting organ and some high soprano which virtually drown everyone else out. Not that what they do matters...but they are truly one of the "congregations of the dead" and have ruined a (great) hymn or two for me just because of how they go about it. Anyway, forgive my rambling.

rusaved1

I speak only from experience as a former pastor and american christian. We use music for a couple of reasons. 1). The peoples hearts are so filled with trash (love of the world) that we think the only way the Lord can get to their heart is if we soften it with our beautiful praise teams efforts. So proud of our selfs. What would He do without us. 2) we are so uncomfortable with silence. "Be still and know that I am God"
With our I Phones, Laptops, I Pods, cell phones, TV when can we be still. so at the end of the service please play a little something for us real softly .......I might hear my heart convict me of sin if you don't

It seems as though silence is no longer golden but has become rather awkward. Might this in any way be an indicator or barometer as to the state of lethargy that has become the norm in the church?

When a person is in accord with the Holy Spirit, however, he may only sing a few verses of hymn and suddenly be transported into God's presence. We need to be careful in differentiating between that which vivifies spirit and that which touches the soul. The reason so many fellowships seem to go overboard with the music and dynamic choirs (I'm sure you've noticed, some sessions will go on for an hour or more) is because of this failure to differentiate. If your heart is right with God, you won't need an hour of singing. A few hymns or pious songs will normally suffice, and then you're ready for the preaching of the Word of God.

But we live in an entertainment-laden world, and many believers have yet to be weaned from the habit of "occupation", even after years and years of following Christ. We simply expect something to fill the void of corporate silence each time. There's got to be some person performing, a chorus, a stimulation of some sort, otherwise it can get uncomfortable pretty fast! The very fact that we grow uncomfortable in the face of silence, speaks of our lack of filling and abundance. A person in the presence of the Lord, on the other hand, is perfectly comfortable in silent introspection (yea, he even welcomes it), for his "occupation" is within, and not dependant upon any outer stimulai.

I don't blame you CyAn. Church is to be a place to meet God, not a carnival.

We are to be the instruments of His praise.

It's not so much the lethargy of the church, I believe, as the human habit of men and women constantly needing something to occupy and stimulate their minds to escape the void. When the mind is not occupied with Christian meditation, it searches for something to fill it: Music, conversation, reading, visual stimulation, et cetera. The incessant need to "fill the void" by electrifying a human sense, and thus touch the soul.

When a person is in accord with the Holy Spirit, however, he may only sing a few verses of hymn and suddenly be transported into God's presence. We need to be careful in differentiating between that which vivifies spirit and that which touches the soul. The reason so many fellowships seem to go overboard with the music and dynamic choirs (I'm sure you've noticed, some sessions will go on for an hour or more) is because of this failure to differentiate. If your heart is right with God, you won't need an hour of singing. A few hymns or pious songs will normally suffice, and then you're ready for the preaching of the Word of God.

But we live in an entertainment-laden world, and many believers have yet to be weaned from the habit of "occupation", even after years and years of following Christ. We simply expect something to fill the void of corporate silence each time. There's got to be some person performing, a chorus, a stimulation of some sort, otherwise it can get uncomfortable pretty fast! The very fact that we grow uncomfortable in the face of silence, speaks of our lack of filling and abundance. A person in the presence of the Lord, on the other hand, is perfectly comfortable in silent introspection (yea, he even welcomes it), for his "occupation" is within, and not dependant upon any outer stimulai.

Amen. Music has its place during worship service. Maybe even at an alter call. There are many times the preacher gives an alter call and starts praying out loud, then the music picks up a few octives then I can't hear and agree with the prayer. Such a waste of breath when it was intended for instruction and salvation.

Music has it's place. I would rather hear a good prayer than the choir and piano.

Was there good music in the background when our Christ gave us "the Lords Prayer?"

How about when John the Baptist strolled into town. Did he strut in with a boom box on his shoulder singing "Repent, ya, Repent, ya baby, repent for the kingdom of God is at hand. Oh ya, Repent"

Did the strings of a syphany play when the Apostles said to the cripple at the gate beautyful "silver and gold have I none, but what I have I give to you. Rise up and walk!"

No, a million times NO!

Music has it's place, but not during the preaching like I see televagelist do all the time. it is an annoince.

Not during the prayer service or alter call. For the Holy Spirit doesn't need an introduction or an accompaniment.

And not in ones prayer closet because how can you hear the still small voice during your prayer or a watch. You can not.

"Be still and know that I am God". I believe that is the message for many today.

Are you listening?