An Examination of Sovereign Grace Ministries and Getty-Townend For Use in Fundamental Christian Churches (Part 3)

2. If musical sound is a mode of communication, then it is possible and important to not only try to understand what any particular piece of music is communicating (apart from the text), but how such communication happens. Thus, we have to delve into the ‘nuts and bolts’ of notes (horizontal and vertical), time and rhythm, timbre, form, performance, etc., in the same way a person might explore auto mechanics to find out how his car works (or why it doesn’t!). If we are not willing to do this, the conversation may be forever trapped in an “It doesn’t make me feel that way!” subjectivity, where the only musical compass is the individual.

With respect, I think this is the central problem. Is music art or science? Kinda both, but, it effects people’s emotions in ways that aren’t comparable to mechanics at all. One man’s musical meat is another man’s poison, so to come at how music effects the emotions scientifically only works if everyone’s emotions and tastes are the same. Physics works as a science because the laws are always the same no matter where in the universe, and that’s great, but music isn’t like that. The technocrats of music like yourself may not be able to see clearly the layman’s perspective on this precisely because you think in technical terms of measures, beats and the harmful effects of dotted eighth note delays. Subjectivity of standards is more difficult than the cut and dry standards you put forward. But subjectivity doesn’t mean anything goes, but it may mean what goes for this person may not go for that.

I came across an article titled:

Music, the Senses and Emotion by Paul Helm

in which he responds to an article by Iain Murray.

In 1 of the sections he speaks to the issue of emotion in worship and writes:

Emotion is a good word, though sometimes its use [is] narrowed to refer exclusively to what is violent and disruptive. Sometimes it is utterly appropriate to be scared, or joyous, or exultant. And there are also calm emotions, as David Hume reminded us. It is possible to be calmly impassioned. If our response in worship is emotional in such good senses, then it will contain two elements: correct beliefs, which are what give our emotions their intellectual content; and our desires, which produce feelings of attraction or aversion regarding what we believe. So the callings out of the crowd at Pentecost, or of the Philippian gaoler, are laden with emotion. Or affection.

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[Shaynus]

With respect, I think this is the central problem. Is music art or science? Kinda both, but, it effects people’s emotions in ways that aren’t comparable to mechanics at all. One man’s musical meat is another man’s poison, so to come at how music effects the emotions scientifically only works if everyone’s emotions and tastes are the same. Physics works as a science because the laws are always the same no matter where in the universe, and that’s great, but music isn’t like that. The technocrats of music like yourself may not be able to see clearly the layman’s perspective on this precisely because you think in technical terms of measures, beats and the harmful effects of dotted eighth note delays. Subjectivity of standards is more difficult than the cut and dry standards you put forward. But subjectivity doesn’t mean anything goes, but it may mean what goes for this person may not go for that.

Shaynus,

Art or science - yes, I agree, music is both. I tried to make that clear in my very brief statement about music and communication:

  • musical sound (all aspects/elements of music, the performing space/acoustic, and anything else outside of the receiver/listener) exists in time;
  • a receiver/listener experiences musical sound in a variety of ways, or through many ‘filters’, simultaneously;
  • some of the ‘filters’ are idiosyncratic (how the listener feels at the moment, his personal taste, his past experience with the particular piece or style, etc.);
  • some of the ‘filters’ are shared by a large part of a listener’s community, society, or culture (educational background, dominant music types in the society, age, gender, etc.);
  • some of the ‘filters’ are common to all people at all times and in all places (being a human, made in the image of God, fallen, having a physical body, etc.) Please see a brief discussion and report on research regarding a ‘universal’ emotion responses to music here.
  • All of these ‘filters’ are functioning when a person hears music, although they do not all necessarily function in the same way or to the same degree.

I am sorry that you did not pick up on that. Experiencing music is one thing, analyzing it is another. I strive to do both, although I know I do both imperfectly.

It is vital that we recognize the beauty, complexity, and power of music - it is a glorious gift from the Lord. Unfortunately, it is also another gift fallen man has used in corrupted ways, as he has done with every other gift of God. We must be willing to wrestle with both the ‘art’ and ‘science’ of music, guided by a sound theology, and let the conclusions leads us where they may, whether we would have chosen the same arrival point or not. In this way we may be able to have civil, Christian conversations, without resorting to name-calling. We have the ability and responsibility to create, select, enjoy and use music for our benefit and God’s glory. We have the ability to do the opposite. May He give us the grace and wisdom to do the former in our respective families and churches.

You have my sincerest wishes for a blessed new year in Christ,

Doug

Director of music studies, Bob Jones Memorial Bible College

PhD candidate, Durham University

Yeah I pretty much agree. I’m questioning your and others’ ability to perceive how the filters actually work in someone else, especially in a group of people with whom you have very little in common.

Doug,

Could you analyze the following lyrics and song (to the tune of Auld Lang Syne) should I sing it in church under your rubric?

When on the day the great I Am
The faithful and the true
The Lamb who was for sinners slain
Is making all things new.

Behold our God shall live with us
And be our steadfast light
And we shall ere his people be
All glory be to Christ!

All glory be to Christ our king!
All glory be to Christ!
His rule and reign will ever sing,
All glory be to Christ!