Seeking a Biblical Theology of Music - Part III - Which Tradition is Right?

PART III. MY TRADITION’S MUSICAL PREFERENCES VS. OTHER TRADITIONS – WHO IS RIGHT?

 “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. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”Col 3.16-17. (Eph 5.19).

1. We note here the variety of music available to us, “psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.” God has placed so much variety in His creation. Variety seems to be the thrust here – a buffet of choices. We see the big picture not details. It seems to assume that the Holy Spirit can guide each church in particulars.

2. This variety would not seem to be incompatible with a single regenerate church tradition retaining its musical preferences while on the other hand, allowing for quite diverse traditions, worldwide. For example, third world music may employ strange musical instruments, unfamiliar tunes and even a different musical scale. The western ear may not understand or appreciate much of it. Perhaps many of us are trapped in a sort of musical ethnocentrism, tunnel vision - ours is best - what is familiar is what is right. Only mine is divine. Is our little subculture alone, right?

3. Thus any Biblical theology of music must account for more than one tradition, one genre of music. Creator God is larger than that. Yet granted, a high view of God’s holiness surely stops short of exalting every fad, every inferior tune, labeled “Christian worship.” – see Part II A. (Another option or genre dismissed by many today - rich, Davidic, Biblical praise, will be dealt with later, God willing).

4. To deny others’ musical traditions would seem to deny my own as well. One can be quite partial to traditional hymns of the faith (Blessed Assurance; Jesus, What a Friend for Sinners,; When I Survey) while still respecting the freedom and even strengths of some (not all) other genres of church music. This is easier said than done. Many of us have strong feelings here, pro and con. Can I love mine without throwing bricks at yours? We may be called to exhort but not to nag.