Page 1 of 1

arguments for the use of instruments in worship

Posted: Sat Jan 02, 2010 5:20 pm
by email
To: http://www.insearchoftruth.org

Regarding: the use of instruments in worship / your online article:

It saddens me that the author of "answering arguments for Intruments in Worship" would submit that he 'dare not do other than sing unaccompanied' for fear of exercising the sin of presumption. In other words, in fear of presuming that God would desire us to use accompanied voice - since the Bible does not specifically prohibit using instruments when in worship - but also does not state its permission, either.

The author states and does not dispute that indeed in many places in the Bible, instruments ARE stated as being used.

I read the article and mused: What sort of God would create us - IN HIS OWN IMAGE - to not use the knowledge and creativity He has inspired us with - to sing, create songs and produce instruments to accompany them to give Him the praise He demands of us? Does the song of the wind through the trees and the rushing of the waters past the rocks not involuntarily use the instruments of God's material earth? If we don't use the blessings of our earthly kingdom to ever-increase our praise - would not the rocks and stones have to cry out anyway - as scripture states?

Our voice is certainly enough. There is no requirement to use enhancements to it in the Bible. God is not deaf. But I submit that our mighty God is desirous of seeing us use the knowledge He has endowed us with - to provide even greater praise to Him. It is not the volume of our praise, it is the enthusiastic provision of it, that He wants from us.

Does the author believe that the sense of magnificent awe and wonder that flows around us during a performance of a great oratorio accompanied by an organ or orchestra is uncalled for, since we are not SUPPOSED to use instruments in our worship?

There are many flavours of Christians. Some of us choose to lead the monastic existance - dedicating ourselves to Christ is silent holiness. However, many more of us want to shout and sing and praise the Lord with a loud sound and with the enhancement of musical accompaniment.

According to my conclusion from the author's article, perhaps we would be better to throw all intrumental worship music away and go back to unaccompanied choral music.

I, as a choir director, and having seen the joy that singing - enhanced by instruments - can allow, cannot imagine collective praise without the use of instruments. We are not all given the same 'gift' of voice. Sometimes it is an encouragement to those who have lesser vocal skills, to be able to use the aid of instrumental accompaniment to increase their own desire to use their voices in praise.

I respect the author's views, as we are all led to understanding of our Creator in different ways - however, having recently conducted choirs in a Christmas Celebration concert that combined a cappella choral music with accompanied music - and seen the joyful and praiseful outcome - I cannot agree with the author's conclusion that only vocal praise is acceptable.

If I must later face judgement for this presumption, so be it. Nevertheless, I don't think our merciful and loving God would desire any less that the fullest expression of our praise and worship to Him. And this, as the harpist in the Psalms would agree - includes instruments.

regarding: the use of instruments in worship / your online a

Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2010 5:19 pm
by m273p15c
Thanks for the articulate expression of your concern. This is a common feeling, so I cherish the opportunity to respond to it.

If I understand your argument correctly, it is in essence this:
First, God gives us the ability to perform X (fill in the blank - worship through instrumental music, in case). Second, a parallel activity of X can be observed in the natural world of X. Third, I feel good when I do X. Fourth, other people feel good when I and they cooperate in performing X. Fifth, I and others want to do X. Therefore, X must be good, wholesome, and authorized for Scriptural, New Testament worship of our Lord.
I want to make sure that I understand the basis of your objection. Often, simple misunderstandings can sabotage a discussion before it truly begins. So, please correct me, if I have overlooked, misunderstood, or unfairly worded the thrust of your reaction.

May God help us to have a sincere love of truth,

m273p15c