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

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Empty Words of "Worship"


Do our actions contradict our words?  Do our shallow lives reflect the poverty of so much that passes for "worship" in many churches today but is little more than the repetition of pitifully empty expressions from new song writers? Although sincere, many are not spiritually mature enough to be writing replacements for the old hymns of the faith written by people who knew the Lord for many years and expressed their love and appreciation for God and Christ so well.  It's not the style -- it's the words and the lack of real depth so often expressed in contemporary "worship."


Dave Hunt, "Wonderful Love," The Berean Call, December 2005

3 comments:

Ron Livesay said...

Glenn:

You are right. When I hear some of this contemporary "worship music" (which I call "whoopsie do music"), I am bothered by the style and sound of it. However, that is not the biggest problem. The shallow, lame, meaningless lyrics are what make me thankful for the good and meaningful hymns.

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

There are many modern songs which I think have horrid styles and poor musical quality, but since that is a subjective taste, it is difficult to make any doctrinal charges. However, lyrics are a whole other ball game, and it is always open season on bad lyrics.

Anonymous said...

Glenn, this is a very good quote from Hunt. I especially appreciate the part about how many (if not most) of today's contemporary Christian musicians are not spiritually mature enough to be writing replacements for the doctrinally rich hymns that solid believers wrote.

That said, the style of music commonly used for worship today is also frankly lacking. There seems to be a dearth of formally - and properly - trained musicians leading worship.

-Carolyn