Jesus told us to love God with ALL our hearts, minds, souls.... and that very much includes emotions. Emotions are NOT bad things! They just should not be leaders. But they are not bad companions along the way.
And music is truly a universal language. There are many styles, and different people prefer different styles. There was a time when the waltz was considered lewd...
I love the old hymns. But sometimes I have a very difficult time with some that I have not known before which have complicated melody lines. I don't think I am the only one -- everyone seems to tone down a bit and struggle with some of them! And our church is mostly older folk.
But then "Open My Eyes" or one of the choruses which are based on Scripture ("As A Deer," and such) will end up with voices raised in song with sureness and joy.
They each seem to have their place.
There are some 'old' hymns which simply do not seem to be theologically accurate from what I can see. The same with some of the modern choruses.
The only thing I really have a problem with, even when the theology is right, is when the music is used for entertainment rather than worship.
But when the music and words help me focus on the Lord with my emotions as well as my intellect, I don't find that to be bad at all. Singing with joy is a good thing! Music is a gift from Him.
And music is truly a universal language. There are many styles, and different people prefer different styles. There was a time when the waltz was considered lewd...
I love the old hymns. But sometimes I have a very difficult time with some that I have not known before which have complicated melody lines. I don't think I am the only one -- everyone seems to tone down a bit and struggle with some of them! And our church is mostly older folk.
But then "Open My Eyes" or one of the choruses which are based on Scripture ("As A Deer," and such) will end up with voices raised in song with sureness and joy.
They each seem to have their place.
There are some 'old' hymns which simply do not seem to be theologically accurate from what I can see. The same with some of the modern choruses.
The only thing I really have a problem with, even when the theology is right, is when the music is used for entertainment rather than worship.
But when the music and words help me focus on the Lord with my emotions as well as my intellect, I don't find that to be bad at all. Singing with joy is a good thing! Music is a gift from Him.