By sifilings on
Bible, Theology & Philosophy
Music
Criticism
Theology
The last question I’d have to ask is if worship music criticism does not point to a deeper issue and that of being critical in general. While I can’t speak for individual motives behind each rendering of criticism, I have found with my own self it stems from a prideful arrogance that somehow my standard should set the precedent for how we worship God. Yes, I stated correctly – pride and arrogance. Not only that, we can come off as people without hope who find no beauty in the simplest of creation. We should not be this way.
A Critique of Worship Music Criticism

Discussion

Tue, 12/27/11
To offer God our worship despite all the inadequacy of fallen mankind is what pleases Him I think.
Because I may not cover every theological minutiae in my feeble attempt to worship Him does not I think make God turn away His face.
To offer my worship to Him inadequate though I am sure it is He will accept because He knows my heart.
Where does it say my simple expression of worship is not in line with Scripture? Where does it say my worship must express all these doctrinal points in order to be accepted?

Richard Pajak

Tue, 12/27/11
[Richard Pajak] If I want to sing a simple song of worship to God I think God will find that acceptable.
I don’t think He is expecting to hear that I have rendered a total rendition of vital doctrinal points.

I don’t know anyone who argues for this.
Criticism levelled at songs because in the critic’s opinion they don’t carry sufficient doctrinal content …

This is latter is not the same as what you describe in the former.

And it really is apples to oranges with the prayer of the Pharisee.

Tue, 12/27/11
The original article was about music used in corporate worship. It suggested that vague words and phrases were a good idea, because it allowed each worshipper to insert their own concepts into this worship.

This, however, ignores the Scriptures, which tell us what kind of music God wants His church to use in public worship. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:16)

Although many questions about church music are not answered in Scripture (styles of music, for one), the purpose of church music (to teach and admonish) and the message of such music (the word of Christ, that which teaches Bible doctrine) is prescribed.

We have Divine revelation on this subject. To ignore what God has spoken, and to replace it with what I think or feel is tantamont to the false worship of Cain, who substituted produce from the garden for God-prescribed animal sacrifices. I’m sure Cain felt God would be pleased with this sincere offering from his heart. On the contrary. God was highly displeased.

Any discussion about church music must begin with, “What does the Bible say?” Until we thoroughly understand the will of God that has already been revealed, we are in no position to opine regarding what God will or will not accept.

G. N. Barkman