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3D model. But for me, as a child of God I This highlights the role of language “But the hour is coming, and now is, Wholesome Role of Music in Christian
am aware of a fourth dimension, I would and culture in musical works and vice when the true worshippers will worship Worship
call it the Holy Spirit plane. That is the versa. This is true both in secular music the Father in spirit and truth, for such the In light of the discussions made in this
plane in which the believer experiences and in Christian Worship music. Even in Father seeks to worship him. God is spirit, article, one can observe the lack prevalent
His Presence realised or reaffirmed, music the secular space, it is seen that music and those who worship him must worship in the role music plays in Christian
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being the enabler. plays many common roles in different in spirit and truth” Worship today. This is observed at various
cultures. It is seen in various life events levels and needs to be addressed in each
A brief personal biography and such as weddings, coronation ceremon- It is clear to see then that worship is a of them. Firstly, there is a lack of under-
experience pertaining to this discussion ies, funerals or last rites, battles and many spiritual exercise expressed in our standing of a wholesome role for music in
would shed further light on my position more. However, the role of music also has physical bodies. Christian worship. Secondly, even when
stated above. My first name is Judah differences or different appropriations there is a reasonable level of under-
Jebadas. Judah means “Praise be to God” and expressions across cultures. An It is then imperative to understand standing, there is a lack of teaching.
in Hebrew. Jebadas means “Prayer Warr- example I can present from my Indian “corporate worship”. Thirdly, there is a lack of progressive plan
ior”. The acts of praising God and praying heritage is in certain sub-cultures, they of action. And finally there is a lack of
are often accompanied by music in the use a siren like mournful trumpeting of Psalm 132:7 says: “Let us go to his dwell- implementation.
Scripture. I was born and raised in a death using a sea-shell, followed by an ing place; let us worship at his footstool” 3
Christian family, with a strong foundation energetic happy music with lots of drums In Music for Worship, Evangelism,
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on the Word of God and prayer. I've been and dancing during the death procession Several times, the Scriptures call the and Christian Education , Donald P.
involved in various ministries since child- which is then accompanied by designated believers to worship God together and it is Hustad, speaks of the three functional
hood, and many contexts that involved wailing women at the bereaved resid- often accompanied with direct or indirect roles that music can play in Christianity.
music. I am an avid dramatist with exper- ence. This is in stark contrast to the references to the use of music in corpor- Using music in such functional roles
ience of stage and television. I have also mourning in black attire accompanied by ate worship. would create the wholesomeness that is
been blessed with the gift of writing lyrics, solemn music that is played in such lacking in Churches today. It is to be noted
poems and other creative writing from a ceremonies seen in western cultures. We also see the prevalence of litur- that Hustad despite the classification in
tender age of five. gical usage throughout the history of the the title, reasons the role of “Corporate
Role of Music in Christian Worship Past Church. Liturgy stems from the Greek Worship” synonymous with the original
Thus, to me music was always assoc- and Present word “leitourgia” which referred to a term “liturgy” in the opening paragraph
iated with God. Music was an integral part In this second section, I am going to public gathering. In Christain usage, it
in my imbibing and reflecting the Word of discuss in a dipstick approach the roles means the order of service used in It is difficult to separate the three
God and prayer. I remember reading music has played in Christian Worship and corporate worship. principal activities of the local church
Psalms (and other poetic literature in the the associated approaches and interpret- mentioned in our subject. But, for all
Bible) as a child in English while reading ations. To begin with, let us use a reason- In, Christianity and Beauty: Music in practical purposes, we usually concen-
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through the Bible and feeling that able definition of Christian Worship. Christian Worship , Dr. H. K. Andrews, a trate on them one at a time. In one service
something was robbed in the translation. Worship is a lifestyle or action that reflects church organist himself discusses the role we provide an opportunity for corporate
And this was in all three translations I read the worthiness of God. It is an exchange of music in Christian Worship touching on Christian worship. At another time we
in those years, NKJV, Good News Trans- that involves two way communication. It certain aesthetical elements that music is give special emphasis to evangelism. And
lation and NIV. The language wasn't able can also be expressed as the ”rhythm of bestowed with. Even in an English setting on other occasions our principal desire is
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to communicate certain 'essence' for lack adoration and action” or a “response to in mid 20th century, Andrews feels that the training of believers. 5
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of words, the difference in poetic God's self revelation” . It involves self- the role of music as an offering in itself, as
structures used by the Psalmist in Hebrew surrender, sacrifice and a humble posture an act of praise (or prayer) and as a help Anderson, E. Byron wrote, “Music in
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and also the lack of the original music to ascribe all glory to God. How then does to worship is unable to find it's true high Christian Worship: At the Service of
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score. So I visualised poetic versions with God desire us to worship Him. Jesus level of beauty due to a lack in providing Liturgy.” on the premise that the quality
music, and borrowed better words from explains to the Samaritan woman at musicians with necessary resources to of our worship is threatened by the
my mother tongue Tamil, considered the Jacob's well in John 4:23,24. develop skill and to perform. general lack of understanding of the
oldest language in the world, translated nature of the arts, and of their relation-
to English to revitalize the text. ship to theology and religious practice.
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