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 Two
distinct types of "worshipful singing" prevail among
"our" brethren and each has its staunch supporters.
The matter is difficult to discuss because I have neither right
nor desire to impose my judgement upon any congregation; and I
know that this article may seem to do just that. I write
reluctantly, and only because I believe I detect a degeneration
in the quality or class of songs being sung when saints gather
for worship. There seems to be an increase in use of the
"hop, skip, jump" songs — once known as
"convention songs" — with an attendant increase in
secular spirit.
But
what is worshipful singing? Advocates of the "hoppity-hop"
songs say there must be "feeling" in the song — and
they do not get the feeling unless the song has after-beat,
syncopation, etc. Advocates of the more sedate (they call it
"worshipful") songs also seek "feeling" —
and find it only in a better class of music. I think both groups
may be looking for the wrong kind of "feeling".
God-worship
is God-directed. The "feeling" which is legitimate to
man, in a God-worship situation, is outgoing — God-
ward. Such inward satisfaction as is (and should be) derived
from worship must not be confused with sensual pleasure felt in
self-satisfying activities.
The
"convention-song" advocates cite JOH.4:24
("spirit and truth") and contend for
"spirited" (rapidly moving) songs. The advocates of a
more deliberate tempo cite JOH.4:24 as reason for more
"spiritual" (aesthetic) singing. Neither use is
inherent in JOH.4:24. Here worship is said
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to "center in the worshiper's own 'spirit' and spirit
nature" (Lenski) rather than in external places or forms.
Singing "with the spirit" and understanding,
(1CO.14:15) refers to use of miraculous spiritual gifts,
and the necessity for making all public teaching understandable to hearers.
The
"form" of the song neither guarantees nor denies
worshipful singing — except as the taste of the singer is
repelled, to the point of being unable to concentrate upon
divine matters. But I must not allow my taste in music to
lead me to conclude that others are not worshiping, simply
because they do not sing the type of songs I would choose.
However, good taste should prevail in sound, color, and order of
things having to do with public meetings, even though there may
be those present who have little discrimination in such matters.
The
crux of this whole matter is in our purpose — singing to
worship God rather than to please ourselves. When either the
aesthetic or rhythmic appetites of man dictate and motivate our
singing, we cease to worship God. My plea for less "hoppity-hop:
is on this basis: I feel the "convention spirit"
(singing for personal pleasure and as an exercise of skill) is
predominate in such singing.
Just
how "hop skip while jump repeat others sing differently
altogether" contributes to "teaching and
admonishing" or in praising God, I have never been able to
see. Surely we need not have hiccups to worship God.
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