The Bible tells Christians to make a joyful sound unto the Lord (Ps. 95:2).
But just what is the best way to praise God through song? More and more, the answer depends on who you’re asking.
Many churchgoers are embracing contemporary music that is often played by praise bands, while others believe traditional hymns are being discarded. The controversy over contemporary versus traditional music is one several readers of The Alabama Baptist have expressed an opinion on in recent months, with one dubbing the issue “worship wars.”
Mrs. Walter Anderson of Birmingham said her church has “practically abandoned” using hymnals, opting instead to project the words of “praise songs” onto a screen at the front of the church.
“I suppose the reason we don’t use hymnals is because these praise songs aren’t printed there,” she wrote.
“No wonder, since they sound as though not much thought or divine inspiration went into their composition. They remind me of the popular secular songs I hear on TV or radio.”
Mrs. Anderson concluded her letter by speculating as to whether “the fine old traditional hymns that have blessed us through the years will be forgotten and left to mold inside unopened Baptist hymnals.”
But another Alabama Baptist, Tom Akers, believes that today’s contemporary songs are not only divinely inspired but are also written by artists who are committed to reaching a changing world through their music.
“Their passion for the lost and especially for unchurched youth and young adults is beyond measure,” said Akers, a member of Beechwood Baptist Church in Mount Olive.
Akers argued that praise choruses are not mere entertainment (as some critics contend) and “are in fact worship,” with the words to many of the songs taken from Scripture.
“In a day where American society grows more unchurched every year, they provide a vital ministry to those who are not so familiar with our churchy ways and religious phrases,” Akers said.
Too many music directors have moved toward contemporary music that is pleasing to younger worshipers without input from older members of their congregations, according to Larry W. Nelson, a member of Centercrest Baptist Church, Pinson.
“The church music program is too important to be left to the sole discretion of the music director,” Nelson said. “I believe changes were made without thought to the needs of all members.”
Billy Hobson, a member of Canaan Baptist Church, Bessemer, also pointed out that many of today’s contemporary songs are taken from Scripture. He said the music is just as effective as traditional hymns if it focuses on the Word of God.
“I think we need to focus on the theological message of the song,” Hobson said. “There is a difference between entertainment and worship. The church needs to grasp the idea that worship is more involved, more comprehensive than any of us realize.”
Expressing her love for traditional hymns, Regina Gulley said, “It would be sad for our younger generation not to be exposed and be familiar with music and hymns that have brought such peace and joy and conviction to so many.
“The older hymns are the cornerstone to our praise and worship, just as Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our churches — the Body of Christ,” wrote Gulley, a member of Westview Baptist Church, Enterprise.
Gulley said she is saddened to think senior citizens believe they are being discarded along with “old inspired hymns.” However, she said churches should be willing to adapt to reach a new generation.
Gulley said she believes contemporary music is “just as inspired by the Word as our old beloved hymns.”
And one senior citizen, Frances Logan, 73, wrote to express support for contemporary music.
“Even though I am a senior adult, I am delighted to sing some of the newer songs and choruses that our younger generation enjoys singing,” said Logan, a member of Shades Mountain Baptist Church, Vestavia Hills. “After all, they are the ones we are building our churches on.”
Expressing a love for traditional music, Logan said churchgoers have to realize there is also a place for newer music.
Churchgoers might find themselves accepting either style of music if they would first analyze its content, according to Jim Atkinson, a member of Jackson Way Baptist Church, Huntsville.
Atkinson wrote: “Although the musical delivery is diverse,” music that meets the following criteria always honors God:
–Does our Lord alone receive the glory?
–Is it music with a solid eternal message that is meaningful both to God and to those singing and hearing it?
–Is the musical arrangement practical for the born-again believer as well as for the unsaved?
–Is there an underlying plan where our music programs seek to advance and train the participants to a more artistically challenging level while also educating the participants in a deeper understanding of their faith?
Akers suggested the solution to ending what he called “worship wars” could be for churches to move toward two different services, with one contemporary and the other traditional.
Editor’s Note: The reader responses in this story represent the variety of views expressed in numerous letters received by The Alabama Baptist, so no other letters on this topic will be printed.
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