At youth camp this summer, one of messages preached was on
music, and how it was created to glorify God. Afterwards, one of my students
came up to me and asked, "If music is for God's glory, what about
classical music?" It made me stop and think, because that is a question
that I had battled for years. I'm not about to say that all of these classical
composers were Christians and wrote the pieces for God's glory. So, if music is
to be for God's glory, why do we learn classical music? Or go through lesson
books, for that matter?
I can't answer this question for others, but for me, I have
a total peace about using classical and lesson books. The ultimatum is the goal.
I never learned classical music with the goal of becoming a classical musician
for the world's applause. Classical music was but a tool to help me better use
my music for God's glory. Just like I didn't use only the Bible to learn
reading and mathematics, I didn't use only hymns to learn music.
In Bible times, Christian musicians were the maestros. Sadly, Christians are not the top musicians of
our day. Look at the contemporary Christian movement. All you need to know is a
few simple chords and you can be part of the praise and worship team.
Excellence in praising God is no longer our standard, like it was in King
David's time (read 1 Chronicles 15:16-22).
While I do not judge beginning musicians as they learn to
worship God in song, and I fully believe that God can use musicians of any level,
is the attitude of "I don't have to put in effort" God's desire? Are
we willing to work to multiply the talents that God has given us, so that we
can better be used for His glory?
Not at all do I think of myself as the prime example, but
looking back, I can clearly see a few things. Because I learned classical music
and secular theory, I not only can arrange at a higher level, I can write it
down for others to use for God's glory as well. Because I learned classical
music, it has equipped me to teach. Because I learned classical music, it has
given me many more opportunities to use music for God's glory.
Are there downfalls to learning classical? For sure, yes. I
personally believe it goes back to our motives and goals though. Are we
learning classical to "one-up" our fellow musician and become top
dog? Or are we learning it to master musical techniques that cannot be found
elsewhere?
This is definitely an issue that each musician needs to
determine in his own heart as he seeks the Lord.
What do you think about this issue? Is it okay for the
church musician to use classical music in training and musical influence?
5 comments:
This is a very controversial topic for Christian musicians. And I think that it all comes down to what God gives you peace about. Before I started classical, I was thinking,"Wait. But, I'm supposed to be glorifying God with my music. Why am I playing this?!". But as you said, it's a tool to further my knowledge so I can further glorify God. You just need to pray about it and ask if it's HIS desire that you learn classical.
Wow! What a thought-provoking post!
In my opinion, doing anything "to God's glory" ultimately comes down to the spirit and attitude behind it. I think even about Bible study; it's not often talked about, but studying, yes, even the Bible with a rotten spirit and rebellious heart is NOT glorifying God!
I have no problem playing classical music. Just have to watch the attitude behind it. :)
Just my thoughts! I really appreciated this post today!
I appreciate this post! I have had the same ponderings and there are certain classical pieces I do not listen to because I do not feel that their spirit is God-honoring. But I love classical music, especially the baroque masters. This type of music elevates the mind above, as you said, the raw worship team style. Thank you for this post! ---Libby
You ask a legitimate question. It's always worth examining things in the light of Scripture and taking care that we do things thoughtfully and intentionally. I had a fairly traditional music education with several teachers over many years and I was exposed to a variety of genres. I love classical music but I realise that I need to pay attention to the underlying spirit and message of any one particular piece. Scripture enjoins us that "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord..." (Colossians 3:23) so my attitude has to be correct - submissive and God honouring - and I should be offering the best quality I'm capable of. A training in classical music, with it's rigour and discipline, helps me to do that in my Christian music. A greta post, thanks. Wyn
Wow, thanks for all of your comments and feedback! I should have replied sooner, but things have been busy. I loved reading your comments and hearing your thoughts!
@ Beau - Focus and motive is everything. And, from what I've experienced, has to be prayerfully checked often!
@ Kimberly - Agree about the heart attitude. Great points!
@ Libby - I agree about certain classical pieces not being God-honoring in spirit. Baroque music tends to lean more towards "Christian" than the others, for sure.
@ Wyn - Thanks for sharing about your journey! Very, very true! I appreciate your points.
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