Month: November 2017

The Reformation and Music: Music is Next to Theology (Part 4)

Dear BPCWAians, Over the last 3 weeks, we saw the Protestant Reformation’s influence on church music. To summarize, the Reformers ensured that church fulfilled its teaching purpose, which meant it must be theologically sound. They re- established congregational singinvg instead of just choirs. Words of the songs were the focus, not the accompanying music. We saw how music was meant to support the songs, not distract the worshipers from them. Music compositions and playing styles avoided frilly embellishments to avoid drawing attention to the music itself. So while the counter-reformation turned church music into a concert performance to draw the crowd, the Reformers remained steadfast to the Biblical purposes and principles for music. Last week, we saw how today the

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The Reformation and Music: Music is Next to Theology (Part 3)

Dear BPCWAians, Today, we will continue to see how the church’s view has changed since the Reformation in 2 particular areas. How music and worship has changed today Music above theology While many would propound Luther’s saying that “music is next to theology”, what they likely mean in effect is that music – not the theology put to music – is key. This phrase has taken on a new meaning of putting music on par with theology. But nothing should be thought to be on par with God’s Word. The Reformers emphasized sound theological music which served a didactic purpose. God never intended the church to entertain, but to edify, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in

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The Reformation and Music: Music is Next to Theology (Part 2)

Dear BPCWAians, Last week we saw the Reformers’ emphasis on the teaching aspect of songs by ensuring that 1) songs must be theologically sound and that 2) songs serve a teaching purpose, hence it must be understood. In their reformation of church music, they also 3) returned to congregational singing during worship. This made it even more necessary for the accompanying music not to distract but help focus on the words of the hymns instead of the music and musician’s style. This week, we will see 3 other areas the Reformers focused on. 4) Music must be fitting Both Luther and Calvin generally rejected the elaborateness of the music. Such fancifulness was already very common during their time. But this

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The Reformation and Music: Music is Next to Theology

Dear BPCWAians, As we commemorate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation this year, I have condensed and adapted an article which I was requested to write concerning “The Reformation and Music: Music Is Next To Theology” for a commemorative booklet produced by Calvary Pandan Bible-Presbyterian Church. I pray that this article will help all of us at BPCWA to be alert to prevent contemporary music creeping into our church. The aims given for the article are twofold: 1) to discuss the emphasis the Reformers placed on music and worship, and 2) to discuss how have churches today have changed in their view of music and worship. Reformers on music and worship While the church was going through sweeping changes during

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