How about rock music in worship?
Introduction. In all candor, common religion is digressing so far today from the "religion" of the New Testament that there is often little semblance between the two. The sad truth is many people know so little about the worship of the First Century church that they do not realize this great departure. More and more are bringing the world into the "church" in an effort to pacify and keep the numbers.
Rock music and worship. In an article appearing in The Atlantic Monthly (August 1996), Mr. Charles Trueheart researched the present religious trend in America. Mr. Trueheart points out the trend toward "contemporary music" and how rock music is being introduced into the worship of many of the fastest growing churches (pgs. 44-50).
The music of the early church. The music of the Lord's church was and is simple, spiritual, and congregational (cf. Eph. 5: 19, Col. 3: 16). One historian wrote: "The prevailing mode of singing during the first three centuries was congregational. The whole congregation united their voices in the sacred song of praise, in strains suited to their ability..." (Lyman Coleman, Ancient Christianity Exemplified, pgs. 329, 330). Many of the churches now adopting rock music also have choirs and entertainment situations. This was not so in the first century. One should want to avoid even the "style" of rock music, as far as mixing it into worship, in view of the history and image of rock.
Conclusion. We can clearly read of the church in the New Testament, what she was, believed, and taught. We can also read of the worship which characterized the Lord's church. It should be our desire to simple be Christians (Gal. 1: 6-10). We must remember the worshiper is seeking to please the one worshipped (God), and not entertain himself (John 4: 24, Acts 17: 23).
Rock music and worship. In an article appearing in The Atlantic Monthly (August 1996), Mr. Charles Trueheart researched the present religious trend in America. Mr. Trueheart points out the trend toward "contemporary music" and how rock music is being introduced into the worship of many of the fastest growing churches (pgs. 44-50).
The music of the early church. The music of the Lord's church was and is simple, spiritual, and congregational (cf. Eph. 5: 19, Col. 3: 16). One historian wrote: "The prevailing mode of singing during the first three centuries was congregational. The whole congregation united their voices in the sacred song of praise, in strains suited to their ability..." (Lyman Coleman, Ancient Christianity Exemplified, pgs. 329, 330). Many of the churches now adopting rock music also have choirs and entertainment situations. This was not so in the first century. One should want to avoid even the "style" of rock music, as far as mixing it into worship, in view of the history and image of rock.
Conclusion. We can clearly read of the church in the New Testament, what she was, believed, and taught. We can also read of the worship which characterized the Lord's church. It should be our desire to simple be Christians (Gal. 1: 6-10). We must remember the worshiper is seeking to please the one worshipped (God), and not entertain himself (John 4: 24, Acts 17: 23).