Music in Church

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Many churches today have different styles of music in church for worship. Some use the old hymns and gospel songs found in hymn books while others use what is labeled "praise and worship." What is odd about this is many who use hymn books tend to downplay praise and worship as being or sounding contemporary or "worldly." Some go as far as to pick out exactly what tempo is Godly and what is Satanic. Conversely some on the praise and worship side say that hymns are like being at a funeral. What I believe is happening is tradiditions in music are becoming doctrine in many cases. This is extremely dangerous! Now, I would consider each side mentioned rather extreme, but it is happening.

Scripture has been used to defend either side. One commonly used on the hymn side is Colossians 3:16 (which mentions hymns along with psalms/songs, and spiritual songs). The problem with defending hymns with this verse is that none of the hymns we sing today existed in Paul's time. However, the principle here is that whatever songs or hymns used are to be honoring to God. Psalm 150 is commonly used to support contemporary music in churches. While insturments are different today than in David's day, the principle of Psalm 150 worship is upheld in praise and worship.

While I prefer more contemporary music in church, I do not condemn any church who uses other types of music. Preference should never be placed over the principle of why we worship with music. Music, remember, is not what makes any given song "Christian." It is the heart and lyrics which God looks at.

The Question: Are the more extreme views, such as mentioned above, attempting to choose what God receives and does not?