Worship Styles

[M. Wayne Bradley]

I never meant to imply this. I simply meant that a position like yours (determining exactly the kind of songs that are to be sung in worship) is fairly disputible….

Knight,



Ok, so when you said, “Sometimes, those who take positions like yours tend toward being judgemental,” what you meant was, “a position like yours [that is, mine] (determining exactly the kind of songs that are to be sung in worship) is fairly disputible.”



So, you didn’t really mean that people who take positions like mine tend toward being judgemental, just that their position is disputable? If yes, I’m glad to hear it. Because without the clarification it sounded a bit like you were trying to paint us as as Pharisees, which, I assure you, I am not. And if by ‘disputable’ you mean controversial and open to debate, then of course. You’re right, and that’s why we engage in discussion of these issues, isn’t it? But if by ‘disputable’ you mean narrow-minded or overzealous, or that we’re making mountains out of molehills, I must disagree.

…as has already been demonstrated in this thread. Debating these issues can be very petty as I'm sure you've seen.

Well, again, I’m not sure, persnactly, how you define ‘disputable, but I can’t recall where anyone has been uncivil or petty, on either side. I don’t know what more anyone could ask for, but if you care to further clarify, I welcome your thoughts.

I think it's safe to say that your position is in the minority.

Yes, I’m fully cognizant of this. I also know that it used to be dominant, and find it puzzling that so few people today seem to care about the facts of history pertaining to “Reformed” worship, and that they don’t ever stop to ponder how or why their own current practices came about, or how faithful to Scripture they are. Yet, by and large, such is the case.

However, others can disagree with you without being ignorant.

Certainly. I believe I said as much.

Ignorance implies a lack of knowledge. There are many knowledgable, Godly men and women who would disagree with the assertion that we may only (musically) praise God through the Psalms.

I feel that you’re (unintentionally) applying a double standard to me and my confederates. In fact, I can’t agree with the words above, for they are impossible. Either they are sincere and ignorant, or they are not ignorant but are sincere, but possess poor analytical skills, or they lack spiritual discernment. Or I one or more of those defects must plague me. In other words, as much as you and I might like to have it both ways, we can’t. I happen to think I’m in the right on this. ‘They’ think they are, so if they’re honest they must also think the same of me. Don’t you think? Yet, I don’t find it profitable to dwell on that aspect of things. If we’re going to dialogue and try to reach some agreement (as brothers in Christ, we should) then, again, let each side offer their best argument. Have a good evening!

 

[Bob Moore]

I think it's safe to say that your position is in the minority.

Yes, I’m fully cognizant of this. I also know that it used to be dominant, and find it puzzling that so few people today seem to care about the facts of history pertaining to “Reformed” worship, and that they don’t ever stop to ponder how or why their own current practices came about, or how faithful to Scripture they are. Yet, by and large, such is the case.

Here is something that is tearing at the very heart of the church: ignorance. I know that word isn't well received sometimes, but it is the appropriate descriptive in this case. It seems that 'church history' as an area of interest is out of fashion. Wayne is quite right in his assessment that "few...care about the facts of history...(or) stop to ponder...". I think that there are two main reasons for this. Intellectual laziness and weak teaching, and the latter is often the reason for the former. The fads and fashions of the world have crept in, and few seem to object. Many pastors are reluctant to preach the whole council of God for fear of offending the membership. That results in little or no theological challenge coming from the pulpit. One forgettable sermon follows another, and the status quo is never challenged.

I wish the dire warnings of Matthew 7 would be uppermost in everyones mind because if they were it would be a lot harder for the wisdom of the world to sneak in through the back door.

 

[Knight]

Mr. Bradley,

Please understand that I am not trying to insult you in any way. Merely trying to understand the attitude with which you approach this topic. That is all.

By "disputible" I simply mean, not explicit and open to debate. That's all. I have no underlying motives nor am I attempting to discredit you in any way.

I am content to disagree with you in this matter.

God Bless.

 

[M. Wayne Bradley]

Hey, thanks Bob, and I agree with your post. Well said.

Mr. Bradley,

Please understand that I am not trying to insult you in any way. Merely trying to understand the attitude with which you approach this topic. That is all.

By "disputible" I simply mean, not explicit and open to debate. That's all. I have no underlying motives nor am I attempting to discredit you in any way.

I am content to disagree with you in this matter.

God Bless.

Ok, Knight. Thanks God bless you too.