Hello.
I've been a member of the CoC since I was 13, and I've been raised in the church all my life, but I still have trouble with the "instrument accompaniment in worship" question. Now, I apologize if y'all have heard this question 100 times already. It's one of the most frequently brought up ones at my college, so I imagine y'all have already discussed at length. But I have to ask because it's really bugging me.
I grew up with a "Bible song Sing along" tape that taught me all kinds of children's christian songs, and it was instrument accompanied music. When I turned 12, I discovered the "Songs 4 Worship" series. At 16, I had found contemporary Christian music, and was so fond of it, that I defended it anyway that I could when it was brought up in Bible class.
Things are different now. I'm not as "certain" about instrumental music being okay anymore. Repeated discussions with brethren, and studies of brotherhood literature on the subject, have convinced me that there is simply no way I can use NT scripture to directly justify the use of instruments in worship. I want to do what God wants me to do, and if he does not want me to praise him with instrumental accompaniment, then so be it. But I still have questuions on this issue, and if y'all would discuss them with me and help me reach a better understanding, then I would appreciate it.
My first question is, where do we draw the line? If it's not okay to play instruments or clap, is it okay to tap your foot to the rythym of the song? If it's not okay to dance, is it okay to gently sway in your seat? Is it okay to close your eyes while you sing? What about those demoninational groups who raise their hands while they sing, is that okay? I understand the need to sing and just sing, but what constitues just singing?
Secondly, if listening to "Christian" music is wrong, then what about listening to secular music? I recently made a three hour drive by myself, and I turned the radio on to keep from feeling lonely. The scan button gave me the following results:
"Tilt back and take another swig, we're gettin wild in the country-" *skip*
"Sittin back, with a bottle of jim bean-" *skip*
"I wanna take a ride on your disco stick-" *skip*
"Imagine a world with no religions-" *skip*
"I aint gonna tell you what I've been drinkin-" *skip*
You get the picture. Nearly every station that I could get was playing a song about drinking, sexual promiscuity, or in one case, how much better the world would be without anyone considering heaven and hell. There was one exception. I finally found a really sweet song about how every girl in the world is beautiful, and needs to recognize it. I didn't recognize the artist or the song, but I recognized the band that came on after the song was over. Skillet, one of my old christian bands. I had found a Christian radio station.
Now, if it's not alright to listen to Christian music, does that mean that I need to spend the rest of my life listening to Josh Groban and the Jonas Brothers? I like them, but I don't really want to make them my sole listening options. There's only so much "light and easy" one can take without getting bored, and the JB are cheesy.
Unfortuantely, the vast majority of secular music glorifies sin. Is it alright to listen to secular music?If I'm asking this question in the wrong place or anything then I apologize, just point me in the right direction and I'll head that way. I would really appreciate any anwers, comments, or anything. Thanks.
