From today's church bulletin....

Here is an interesting tidbit:

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC IN THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Why we cannot and do not use instruments in Church

At one time there was no local Church, within the universal Church, which permitted instrumental music within the church building. This was considered to be too worldly for spiritual worship. Such music was associated with the circus, the arena, and the dance hall; hence it was unthinkable for use in the church. The organ was the first instrument to be used in the Western Church. Actually, it was invented by the Byzantines but only used for entertainment purposes. The Byzantine Emperor, Constantine Copronymous, sent an organ with other presents to King Pepin of France in 767 AD, and gradually it began to be used in Western churches. At first it was only used to softly accompany singing, but eventually it came to be played alone, to occupy the minds of those in church.

In both East and West, church music was written in free rhythm to emphasize the meaning of the liturgical texts. Strictly metered music was only necessary when used for dancing, which requires a steady beat. So when metered music was first introduced into church services, even this caused scandal and was considered too worldly.

BELOW ARE QUOTATIONS CONCERNING INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC IN CHURCH

"Musical instruments are not used. The pipe, tabret, and harp here (in Alexandria, Egypt) are associated so intimately with the sensual heathen cults, as well as with the wild revelries and shameless performances of the degenerate theatre and circus, it is easy to understand the prejudices against their use in worship." (St. Augustine, 354 AD)

"Although the Jews used lifeless instruments, together with dancing and clapping, in their worship, they did so because of their childish spiritual level. We Christians, however, have removed lifeless instruments and other things agreeable to children from our worship, and maintain simply singing." (St. Justin the Martyr, 139 AD)

"Our Church (i.e., the LATIN Church) does not use musical instruments, such as harps and psalteries, to praise God, lest she revert to the practice of the Jews (meaning less spiritual worship)" (St. Thomas Aquinas 1250 AD).

What does Benjamin Franklin, a Protestant, say about instruments in Church.

"Instrumental music is permissable for a church under the following conditions:

1. When a church has lost the Spirit of Christ.

2. If a church only intends being fashionable in society, a mere place of amuzements (can anyone say "charismatic worship?" -- my note) and secular entertainment and abandoning the idea of religion and worship.

3. If a church has within it a large number of dishonest and corrupt men.

4. If a church has given up all idea of trying to convert the world."

(Ben Franklin, editor of American Christian Review, 1760)

 

Psalms --

Hey. If'n you are ever in Harrisburg on a Sunday, let me take you to hear a service done entirely in what is called "Rus plain chant". It is really beautiful and reverent. Some of the parts of the liturgy, like the Lord's Prayer written by the Russian composes Dimitrov, with numerous harmonies and parts, are just heavenly to hear!!

Just of interest to you, the epistle and the Gospel reading for the day are also chanted, as well as the prayers, Nicene Creed, and the psalms when done as part of the Liturgy.

This was one thing which very much intrigued me about the Orthodox worship praxis when I was leaving Protestantism. (Remember: I am not Roman rite -- I am Holy Orthodox in communion with Rome) I had always felt that worship should be quiet and reverent. Everything about the conduct of our Liturgy helps remind me that we have come into the presence of the King, who is also our loving Father in Heaven.

Cordially in Christ,

Brother Ed

 

Andrey --

I actually omitted some of the quotes for brevity's sake, but what I quoted had a purpose which you missed.

The whole reason for which instruments were banned from the Early Church was specifically because their use was associated with worldliness and unspiritual activities.

Kinda like (please excuse the expression) havin' church in a building used for a whorehouse the rest of the week. Just wouldn't be right now, would it?

And looking at the state of most charismatic assemblies (of which I was a member for 4 years) I would say that entertainment and worldliness have a lot to do with them.

I think that the point of music in Heaven is well made, however, that is there and here is here. The music in Heaven surely is uncorrupted by worldliness or being used for ignoble purposes. We just cannot say the same about music down here, can we?

By the way, your last name isn't BERLIN, is it? I used to live in Norfolk a long time ago and knew a Mary Berlin who had a little girl with the same name you have.

Maybe just a coincidence.

Cordially in Christ,

Brother Ed