I recently had a bit of time to catch-up on some reading. On the back page of “Christianity Today,” April, 2006 edition the following statement was made by Charles Colson, in his article, “Soothing Oursleves to Death: Should We Give People What They Want or What They Need?”
[I quote]When church music directors lead congregations in singing contemporary Christian music, I often listen stoically with teeth clenched. But one Sunday morning, I cracked. We’d been led through endless repetitions of a meaningless ditty called “Draw Me Close to You,” which has zero theological content and could just as easily be sung in any nightclub. When I thought it was finally and mercifully over, the music leader beamed. “Let’s sing that again, shall we?” he asked. “No!” I shouted, loudly enough to send heads all around me spinning while my wife, Patty, cringed.I admit I prefer traditional hymns, but even so, I’m convinced that much of the music being written for the church today reflects an unfortunate trend–slipping across the line from worship to entertainment. Evangelicals are in danger of amusing ourselves to death, to borrow the title of the classic Neil Postman book.[End quote]
So, what is your thought on this?
What is worship?
What constitutes worship music?
Is it for our refocus on God?
Is it so we feel good, so we can then feel good about God?
Should worship be only songs with Scriptural significance and reference?
Is the Bible the end all of all that we can say of and to God?
Take a look at the “offending” lyrics for yourself and tell me what you think:“Draw Me Close”Draw me close to youNever let me goI lay it all down againTo hear you say that I’m your friendHelp me find a way to bring me back to you[Chorus:]You’re all I want, You’re all I’ve ever neededYou’re all I want,Help me know you are nearYou are my desireNo one else will doCause no one elseCan take you placeTo feel the warmth of Your embraceHelp me find a way to bring me back to you
[Chorus:]You’re all I want, You’re all I’ve ever neededYou’re all I want,Help me know you are near
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Is it possible the beginning “worship” set of every church service just fill-time so we can wait for those running late for church?
If worship is so be can “draw close” to God, and be fully, spiritually prepared to here the word of God through the preacher, how is it so many worship teams, walk out of the service after their performance and hang around in the back of the sanctuary, talking story, checking out the bookstore, the food and drinks and just waiting for their cue to do the doxology, special music, offeratory, and closing tunes so we can rush back out to the parking lot?
Do some people intentionally come late, knowing they are only missing the musical section of the service?
Maybe they can’t sing well, or just don’t like to sing…do we ever offer other means of worhipping God…if there is any other manner (No, not animal sacrifices please).
Though I am very fond of BBQ’s!
May be we should add animal sacrifices back to “worship”…people won’t be late (if they like meat), we all get fed, and can give God the glory…..we could even save some of the food for the band, as they continue to sing, “Draw me close to you….”
Just some stuff to ponder and comment about……
GOD ROCKS!
