We who preach the gospel must not think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to establish good will between Christ and the world. We must not imagine ourselves commissioned to make Christ acceptable to big business, the press, the world of sports or modern education. We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum. A.W. Tozer
Therefore let God-inspired Scripture decide between us; and on whichever side be found doctrines in harmony with the word of God, in favor of that side will be cast the vote of truth. --Basil of Caesarea
Once you learn to discern, there's no going back. You will begin to spot the lie everywhere it appears.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. 1 Timothy 1:12

Sunday, September 20, 2015

Aesthetic Snobbery?


An advocate for contemporary worship music recently accused its detractors of "aesthetic snobbery."  But it is not aesthetic snobbery to identify something as cheap and tawdry if it really is.  As followers of the Truth, we are called to be honest.

Leonard R. Payton, "Reforming our Worship Music," p.12

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good one!

-Carolyn

Richard Ferguson said...

The counterpoint is that people tend to assume that the older stuff is inherently better because that is what they grew up with.

Funny how it's only music styles people don't like that they consider inappropriate. Nobody prominent has ever said, "I like this music style, but it's not appropriate for worship music."

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Richard,

Those who claim old is best just because they like it are guilty of the same snobbery.

My point is that the music needs to be congruent with the message. And the message needs to be congruent with proper doctrine. You certainly wouldn't try to waltz with "Stars and Stripes Forever" because it isn't congruent with the dance. Music has a message in and of itself, bringing out different emotions. If the emotions are not congruent with the message, then there is a problem.