Okay, not that the Psalms are dead, or in need of any rejuvenation, but seeing as how the Hebrew songwriters neglected to leave scores for their music, it's up to folks like Sons of Korah to interpret the Psalms musically. Check it out - really good stuff from the Aussies.So do emerging music trends like this, the aforementioned Indelible Grace hymn-remixes, and popularity of albums like Passion Bands' Hymns Ancient and New, reflect a fresh return to musical orthodoxy? Or is it just another postmodern rejection of the establishment (i.e. CCM)? And ultimately, does it really matter, as long as we're 'worshipping'?
Some things to remember: history - despite our best efforts - tends to be cyclical. Try as we may, we just can't escape the past. The old will always be 'rediscovered' with each generation. So, lay people, lay off the grumbling about not enough hymns. They'll always be here.
In terms of worship leading, this takes a lot of pressure off of us to 'keep up with those joneses' - the onslaught of new songs, techniques, technology, etc ad nauseum that we're so tempted to make the heart of our worship. I feel exhausted just walking into a Christian bookstore to buy a worship album.
Forget worship trends and hype - go with substance. And 150 songs, written in a largely forgotten ancient language, that still capture our attention? Now that's substance.
4 comments:
Brad,
Thanks for turning me on to the Sons of Korah.
Peace,
James
So, I'll add a comment if you'll stop sending me email links BRAD(kidding, but seriously stop, :)
I have two thoughts regarding this blog. First, I think history is not cyclical. I think sin and truth are constantly being discovered/interpreted by each generation and through each culture. I have more thoughts on this, but my point is that this relates to worship and especially contemporary worship.
Second, I think that there are a couple of very practical reasons that some conclude that older songs have a spiritual depth and special place within todays church. I think its important to compare apples with apples. Meaning, when you sing "When I survey..." or "Peace, Perfect Peace" you're literally getting the best of "name your century." At the time when many "traditional" hymns were created, they were just one song among many as we have today. They survived those times as the churches best. You never hear anyone say, "Man, you know that traditional hymn called Peel out the WatchWord is such a moving song." BYe the way, this is a song I sang at a relatives church and I haven't a clue what it means, but you never hear about that one. Anyhow, you have to compare apples with apples. It's easy to take some of the best of one era and compare them to the general population and say, "Today's songs are just fluff." I think its unfair because some of the best of today have some really good theology. Truth is truth and is always discovered by God's people through each generation. Bye the way, I do enjoy hymns a lot. My 2 cents.
One more thought I forgot to include. I think that todays style is not as easy to pick up as many of the hymns. Musically, there is so much production involved in many songs that it's nearly impossible to sing without a full band. You show me a good song that a congregation can sing with or without instruments and I'll show you one that they will take to heart and learn.
Good points, J. By history being cyclical, I mean exactly what you said: that each generation must (and I believe) will discover 'historical' forms of worship. The new becomes old, we look for something fresh, and discover the old again, which becomes new.
Regarding your final statement about 'singability' - it's definately one of the keys to a lasting song. That, plus the message of the song, which makes the singer say, "Yes, that's exactly how I feel." And, as you love to share, it's also all about dynamics.
By the wisdom of your comments you can wee why I hounded you to post :) No more email links, I promise.
Post a Comment