Why did the pope declare that masses can't use guitars?

Question

This is really idiotic seeing as how Pope John Paul never said anything like that. The bible tells us to make a joyful noise unto the lord using stringed instruments. Specifically named was the harp which did not even exist at the time. The first so-called "harps" were actually similar to guitars. And to tell you the truth i'm not Catholic but have been to masses on frequent occasons but i've never, i mean never heard a joyful noise from there. Why's that? **This is not meant to be offensive to Catholics but just think, what's going on?**

Answer 1

--is Catholic--

"guitar Masses" do make quite a noise, but it is just mostly noise. The Guitar can be a wonderful instrument, however it is not used as such most of the time and is very unbecoming of the importance of the Mass. "Cannot" is bit of a strong word to describe with the Vatican said, but I agree completely that the usage of the guitar as it is often used in American Masses is not a proper instrument. Most of the time it is banal.

You make a few mistakes.
1.) You assume that we Catholics look to the Scriptures as the only source to tell us what to do. This is not the Catholic Faith and we do not do that. Thus it matters not what instruments were used in the scriptures.
2.) Scripture references both a lyre and a harp. Both are not guitars nor do they sound like one. The Psalmist is probably refering to what is known as a kinnor lyre. At the time the Nevel harp was also used.
3.) You assume that JPII never said anything. I have attached one of his sayings below.

What is going on at the Mass? The sacrafice of the Eucharist is what is going on. That is what is most important and what is focused on. That is why reverence is important, as well as joy, for the Lord comes and gives himself as true food and true drink. The Eucharist is truly Christ and is the source and summit of our salvation.



4. Again at the practical level, the Motu Proprio whose centenary it is also deals with the question of the musical instruments to be used in the Latin Liturgy. Among these, it recognizes without hesitation the prevalence of the pipe organ and establishes appropriate norms for its use[42]. The Second Vatican Council fully accepted my holy Predecessor's approach, decreeing: "The pipe organ is to be held in high esteem in the Latin Church, for it is the traditional musical instrument, the sound of which can add a wonderful splendour to the Church's ceremonies and powerfully lifts up people's minds to God and to higher things"[43].
CHIROGRAPH
OF THE SUPREME PONTIFF
JOHN PAUL II
FOR THE CENTENARY
OF THE MOTU PROPRIO
"TRA LE SOLLECITUDINI'
ON SACRED MUSIC

Answer 2

I am Catholic and have been to different Catholic churches that play guitars.
Where are you getting your information from?
Or is this another deliberate miss truth that Catholic haters like to put forth.
I haven't heard the Pope say a darn thing about guitars.
What do you consider a joyful noise? Only stringed instruments? All you churches out there that have music without stringed instruments are in deep trouble here, LOL LOL

Answer 3

i have never heard about the pope declaring that. are you sure you're getting your information from a true source?

i'm sure the pope does not have anything against any one instrument. besides, i've been to a lot of masses that have a guitarist playing.

yes, there are joyful sounds in churches. maybe the churches you've been going to don't really have much of a music staff and program.
i'm pretty much a dutiful Catholic, and at each mass, the choir director leads the 50 piece choir in very beautiful hymns and songs. our pianist is remarkable as well. he improvises while the choir is going up for Communion or when there are un-needed silences. his on-the-spot-compositions are all beautiful and moving. at the end of mass, when the priest is walking back down the aisle, the song is very upbeat and rejoiceful (only except during the Easter Passion).

...the pope didn't do that did he???

puzzledly, me.

Answer 4

I had not heard that but know Catholics do not sing like protistants a guitar is good for song and new music I like the old hymns also but we should sing a new song unto the Lord and keep it up I love singing in church, I have atended many catholic services and cathedrels and am disapointed at the lake of singing

Answer 5

Specifically named was the harp which did not even exist at the time?
Nice 1.
I wonder how many got it!

Answer 6

Because, it is more attractive and do have the capacity to diverting the preaches and concntration to look inside the gods love. It was due to concentration only. Catholoics fundamental christians than protestands, the new comers use different approaches to rach the god, I am respecting all their belief.

Answer 7

Did he?
Maybe he is old school and believes that guitars are still the Devil's tools.
I've never been to Mass, but I say let them play whatever they want.

Answer 8

When did this happen?A guitar is played in my church most of the time during mass.

Answer 9

can no longer there be peace between the German? help your fellow clergyman. And please tell Stoogerious to positioned on some underclothes under the pope robes. the different day I had a marvel.

Answer 10

Well, I suppose "Because he's a fuddy-duddy jackass" is a foregone conclusion.