The Traditional Or Contemporary Church Music Controversy

There is a controversy brewing in the Christianyou combine this idea with current music styles we
community in regards to the style of music offeredget contemporary church music.
in a church worship service. There is some debate asSo what makes a song fall into the category of
to which is more appropriate. Whether you agree orcontemporary church music? This type of song is
disagree I hope this article will help you decide.identified by first by its lyrical content and second by
This controversy stems from the use of traditionalthe music genre. You should realize there are a
verses contemporary music. This has stirred up quitemultitude of musical genres. These genres include
a bit of debate. In this article I want to share withrock, jazz, country, rap, folk, and classical. Each genre
your some thoughts and ideas regardingprovides the listener with us with a variety of
contemporary church music.performance style options.
The danger of contemporary church music stemsThe music genre is really at the heart of the
from the fact that modern music as an art form iscontroversy. The modern praise and worship songs
thought of as a variety of entertainment. Whenuse up to date music style that appeal to our
shown in this light the real danger is thatmodern culture. It offers the listener modern lyrics
contemporary church music can look more showand song music style with a traditional biblical
business more than a ministry. This is the primarymessage. In fact this genre of music is more defined
argument of those who favor traditional music.by the lyrics than the style of music. What we find is
As you study your Bible you will learn about severalthe most common theme to contemporary church
examples where music is important. Here is onemusic is worship and praise and worship to God and
example. David was skilled musician. One of his earlyor Jesus.
jobs was to play music for King Saul. When ever heRegardless of the type of music here are three
play for the king, the king was either soothed orthings to keep in mind when considering song
agitated by the sounds he heard. That is the powerselection for your church.
of music to reveal emotion and produce an emotional* The songs must proclaim God's Word
reaction. The emotions were reveals purely on Saul's* The songs need to be appropriate to the worship
attitude at the time.service
Consider music is an important part of modern* The songs need to mirror the belief of the
society. It has been that way from the creation ofcongregation
civilization. Music will mirror the culture. It tells theAs you can see the crux of the issue is about the
stories of important themes and ideas. By this westyle of music. We all have preferences to what we
learn about the many implication of the world view. Itlike and don't like. Sometimes we want the status
says a lot about our society.quo other times be may be more adventurous and
The purpose of church music is to be a part atry new things. But the bottom line is that no matter
worship service. It is part of the ritual. The music iswhat music genre it is the lyrical content that guides
integral in the service. The songs used in the serviceus. Especially when the lyric are in agreement with
need to be based on solid biblical principals. Now whenthe Scriptures.