Why do some Christians stress a change from ancient liturgical music to the novelties of contemporary music?

Question

I'm always amazed by the recent generation and it's misunderstanding of what worship of God is all about. It seems we are being attacked from within with the stresses of how to keep the young and hypoactive alert and attentive during Godly worship. The novelity of the day is to stress the usage of what is called "contemporary" music during worship but is this compatable with the liturgical nature of Christian worship for the first 1900 plus years of Christianity or is it better left to converts and revivals outside of Christian worship? Obviously if one is unfamilar with what is liturgical than it will be harder to grasp what I'm getting at and I suggest studying ancient Christian worship before condemming my question.

Gentlemen do you understanding ancient liturgy?

Michelle is very correct and thank you for bringing to the conversation things that are happening at home in Catholicism. I'm sure you can see my overall intend with the series of questions I've been posting over the last two weeks. thumbs up for Mich

Answer 1

Art vs. Culture, hmmm great question. I realize this question may be geared toward a different section of Christianity but I wish to address that which is seen within Catholicism lately and your question would be just as valid in the scheme of "ancient liturgy" and 'modern liturgy'

This is seen specifically the Charismatic and even the local Church down the street. Haven't you ever attended a 'Polka Mass' or a Mass that has guitar strummers or other ridiculous music? I have attended several Masses due to my travels where the music was indeed contemporary and it was like someone scratching on a blackboard--painful and annoying.

I believe the answer lies in the question of culture versus art. And where should the line be drawn? It is perfectly acceptable (and encouraged) that those African tribes in conversion to Catholicism incorporate their musical hertitage within the liturgy. Same for Indians, Spanish, etc. However arguably within the American context; we're all a Heinz 57.

Post Vatican II it was all the rage to have a new contemporary musical liturgy. Losing the beauty of it all all in the name of 'getting the parishoners involved'...exactly HOW involved do we need ole' Dan, his guitar and his hippy music in 2007? Then we have the very questionable. (Lifeteen anyone?)

The issue at hand is simply in youthful terms 'street creditibility'. The ideology is intellectually sluggish, preoccupied with hackneyed, Modernist "dogma", and working through a bourgeois cultural and philosophical context.

Those within the Catholic realm who do this 'contemporary' musical liturgy when you synthesize A) a Catholicism that is nothing more than a coherent, social and cultural ideology, and B)cultural and artistic expressions that do not deal with modern predicaments in a meaningful way, but are the reflection of market motives, what you get is....NOTHING.

What is failed to be seen by the "contemporary Catholic" and the Protestants is that Truth is received by all, to one degree or another. If we are seeking converts to the true faith, then we must preach truth, rather than masking it in error.

I think kids today are sick of image saturation, and having those youth group meetings where worldly music is offered (but because "Jesus" is used it makes it 'okay') deep down they want something eternally true. We are lying to ourselves, its as simple as that.

To further expaned on my point, when it comes to the condition of a persons soul, and assuring that these people, young adults are exposed to the Truth in its completeness and all of its GLORY. The disorder of the music (hip-hop in general among them) reduces the sacredness of the Truth and it's Glory. Those that participate in this sort of 'liturgy' are inadvertently robbing God of the glory, sacredness, and praise by putting Him into the world. We as Christians do not live in the world. We separate ourselves from it.

What works is teaching the faith pure.

You can't defeat your enemy by becoming him.

Answer 2

I have a hard time with some of the "contemporary services". But that's me... I was brought up in a liturgical denomination and I love that part of it. To me, there is something very comforting in saying/singing/chanting the liturgy every week. It's very calming and reassuring. Also, as an AF brat and spouse, it is nice to have that continuity. I know that wherever I go for church on Sunday morning I will already know the routine and know the music. You are never a stranger in a church when you have that!
I have recently been introduced to a liturgy from Australia that I am really enjoying. Again, the flow and the repetition are there, as are some of the same familiar words and phrases.
Heck, I'll even admit to enjoying singing the Matins. You have to concentrate on the words and music and everything else vanishes from your mind. Your are centered on worship and the message.
I'm not into the whole rock band atmosphere that can be found. It takes away so much from the actual worship service, in my opinion. I don't want to go to a rock concert or sing along, I want to go worship! And that involves a certain amount of solemnity and honor, which is hard to come by when the drums are banging.
I've worked with some youth groups over the past few years, and the new kids admitted that the liturgy does take getting use to, that those first few times were a little rough. But, once they got used to it, they really enjoyed it and enjoyed the places that it took them to as opposed to the music that they sang to and listened to every day.

Answer 3

The problem as I see it is that "People want religion suited for them".

A lot of people dont go to Church for GOD. They go there to "feel good", and havent a clue as to "why" they are really going! They go there to "sing", have a good time and be with friends, and "jamming" with the band.

Its a shame that not all people who go to Church are "Christians". Just "Church goers" who think they are Christians, or pretend to be, so that they have some place to "go" on a Sunday.

I love a good "old fashion" worship session, where you get into the Word, and "sing" praises to our LORD, and just fellowship with each other and revel in the glory of our GOD! Of course, the "good old fashion" songs are going by the wayside, and new and "improved" songs are taking over... which can be ok, as long as you dont have a "rock band" playing to the Church and everyone outside the neighborhood and windows rattling and everyone going deaf!

The LORD doesnt change, but, "we" change and as you say, we must be "entertained" to keep the youngsters busy so that they will "stay" in the building and "try" to get something out of the sermon, other than waiting for the next "set".

I wish you well...

Jesse

Answer 4

I was asked this question before, it is clear that there is no guidelines in the Bible how should be the music, but as a matter of fact, the new generations of Christian youth are so affected by the worldly music with all its directions, I see it is more important to catch the youth inside the Church, than letting them be lost to the world because they are not interested in our ancient way of music songs.
I think we should mix the two kinds together!

Answer 5

Yes.
It bothers me also, and I think that this trend came into the church from the more emotional/pentacostal side.
It's one landmark I would not have moved, I think it is misguided.
Often I have said to people that you cannot use the ways of the world to reach the people of the world in order to save them from the world.
I believe these "worship leaders" are up there to be seen, in many cases.
In the end, I think all we can ask is, "Does it have reverence? Does this actually show reverence with understanding?"
If it does not, then does it really have a place?

Answer 6

While a lot of folks have issues with the "charismatic" movement of the Catholic Church, I have to say - this particular subject is why I enjoy charismatic conferences so much.

Mass is beautiful. Often with traditional Gregorian chant.

Worship services are separate and distinct. That's where the loud music belongs. That's where the contemporary music belongs. That's where the running around on fire with the Holy Spirit belongs.

Wheeeee!!!

Answer 7

It is a faster world these days and young people have shorter attention spans.

Its the content, not the form that counts.