As iron sharpens iron,
one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)
“Historically and currently, cultural anthropologists identify three primary subcultures: Folk, high, and popular/mass. According to musicologists, these subcultures also identify the three main musical genres.” - P&D
“The genre is rising in mainstream popularity.” - NPR
“An individual’s theology drives musical choice. The outgrowth of a biblical theology is spirit-filled singing coupled with gracious thanksgiving (Col. 3:16-17). There is also an emphasis on worshipping God with singing for His attributes and works (Ps. 95:1-6). Non-biblical theology is characterized by the ‘noise of war’ (Exod. 32:17) and insincere songs (Amos 6:5).” - P&D
“In Every Valley, Charles King, a professor at Georgetown University, describes this monumental performance in great detail. But his story begins many years earlier, charting Handel’s rise to celebrity status in one of the most polarized ages of British history.” - Plough
2 Timothy 3:16 reveals that all of Scripture is God-inspired and instructive. Taken with Romans 15:4, similar verses, and examples of NT use of OT passages, some have concluded that even incidental narrative details are potential sources of doctrine.
Since OT narrative details reference everything from clothing to cooking, tools, weapons, vehicles (carts, chariots), and so much more, there are, of course, references to music. There are even references to specific instruments, moods, and uses of music.
“First, Christian parents should play and learn to appreciate ‘classical music’ in their homes on a regular basis…. Second, Christian parents should seek to provide classical musical training to their children in the form of music lessons if possible.” - P&D
“Christian music is having a moment. In the first half of 2024, it was the fourth fastest-growing music genre, fueled by surprisingly large gains among younger listeners.” - TGC
“We’re often told singing in church ‘isn’t about us.’ But Scripture does tell us to address one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs (Eph. 5:19).” - TGC
It’s often said that the good is the enemy of the best. It’s also often said that the perfect is the enemy of the good. Both observations are true in different contexts, sort of like Proverbs 26:4-5.
In my own life, the perfect vs. good version seems more applicable. In order to finish anything, I often have to force myself to stop improving it, shrug, and say, “It’ll do, I guess.”
So, in the spirit of flawed-but-finished, I’m releasing some music into the wild today.
“Our findings reveal that music is not merely a source of entertainment or aesthetic pleasure; it is also a powerful medium that reflects and shapes our moral sensibilities” - Phys.org
Discussion