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Does Instrumental Music Belong in Christian Worship?

We received this inquiry: "There is a religious group that says that instrumental music has no place in Christian worship. I have done some reading regarding this discussion, so would you be able to send me via e-mail some information to counteract such an idea — that is, if it's incorrect."

ANSWER:

  1. Instruments have been used in ritual and in worship since pre-history. The Hebrew Bible — our Old Testament, especially the Psalms — frequently mentions instruments used in worship such as bells, cymbals, rattler-sistrum, gong, flute, pipes, horn, trumpet, shofar, lyre, lute, and harp. Some of these were used in Temple worship, while only the shofar was used in synagogue worship. Organs were introduced into Reform synagogues in the nineteenth century.
  2. It is commonly believed that instruments were not used in early Christian worship. A number of writers condemned instruments in worship in these early years, testifying to the fact that, at least in some places, instruments were, indeed, used in early Christian worship. There is no New Testament passage to be found that condemns the use of instruments in worship.
  3. Organs were increasingly used in Christian churches by the eighth century; and by the tenth century, organs had become an important part of worship. The organ has held its place of prominence ever since. During the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and into the Baroque Era, wind and string instruments and bells were common in worship. Bells and percussion were extremely important in worship.
  4. The vast majority of Christianity today affirms, uses, and celebrates the role of instruments in worship, including pipe organs, pianos, all orchestral instruments, drums and percussion, as well as the more modern electronic and computerized instruments. A small minority, mostly descendants of Calvin and Zwingli, continue to condemn the use of instruments in worship. Instruments are used in worship today for a variety of roles: to accompany congregational singing, choirs, and soloists; as a vehicle for the musicians' expression of praise to God; and to enable the congregation to meditate and experience the presence of God.
  5. I think the best biblical response to the argument against instrumental worship music would be to quote any number of passages from the Psalms and Revelation — Old and New Testaments — to show their approval.

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