A
agname
Guest
See above…it will be eventually condemned.
- Status
F
Faithful_2_Rome
Guest
Its not that I have a problem when they bring in the guitars…its that when they do…they ALWAYS feel the STUPID need to go all “Peter Paul & Mary” on me… by that, it almost becomes “folk”… and they CHANGE the MELODIES! Just keep the melodies the same as when the organ is used…is THAT TO HARD???
B
beng
Guest
IF anyone saith that Michael W. Smith’s musics or ANY Christian Pop musics should be allowed to be played in a Mass LET HIM BE ANATHEMA
M
mjs
Guest
Oops, I think I’ve come to the wrong place and I’m feeling just a wee bit uncomfortable. Imagine coming to a Catholic Answers forum in order to grow in my faith, and the first thread I decide to read makes me seriously question that decision.
You see, I’m a non-Charismatic, guitar-playing Music Coordinator for my parish. I do not play CCM unless it is in approved Catholic hymnals and hand clapping only occurs at special events held in the church basement.
I play at three Masses every weekend and at two of those Masses, my guitar and a handful of voices are the only instrumentation. I choose (diligently, with the help of the Holy Spirit) music that complements the theme of each Sunday.
I hear very few complaints from the congregation, with most of the ones I do receive coming after I take a couple of weeks off. The parish priest seems to appreciate my level of commitment and the music I choose - I have worked with him for over five years - and he is definitely !not! a liberal.
Almost forgot - I am over 40 and I plan on playing my guitar during Mass for as long as they’ll have me or until my fingers are too arthritic to play - and from the comments I continue to get the latter will occur first. And if any young person shows an interest in following my footsteps, I will willingly teach them everything I know. As well, although I don’t believe that Mass should be entertaining in order to keep our young people attending, they should feel that they have some control over what form their worship takes. And if that means choosing music that they like (within the Church’s and my very well-defined standards), well then that’s what I’ll be doing.
You see, God gave me a talent to play guitar and sing and I choose to invest that talent in praising Him. I don’t think I am wrong in believing that this is the correct response to the bestowing of gifts. I might wish for the talent to play piano or organ (and I’m working on those) but at least I choose to use my gifts to a good end. Are those who complain about the use of guitars at Mass able to provide an alternative? And if you can provide that alternative, do you?
So my last question is this - did I come to the right place to find others who wish to grow in their faith and serve the Lord with the gifts He has given or should I pack up my guitar and look for a more welcoming group of people?
mjs
You see, I’m a non-Charismatic, guitar-playing Music Coordinator for my parish. I do not play CCM unless it is in approved Catholic hymnals and hand clapping only occurs at special events held in the church basement.
I play at three Masses every weekend and at two of those Masses, my guitar and a handful of voices are the only instrumentation. I choose (diligently, with the help of the Holy Spirit) music that complements the theme of each Sunday.
I hear very few complaints from the congregation, with most of the ones I do receive coming after I take a couple of weeks off. The parish priest seems to appreciate my level of commitment and the music I choose - I have worked with him for over five years - and he is definitely !not! a liberal.
Almost forgot - I am over 40 and I plan on playing my guitar during Mass for as long as they’ll have me or until my fingers are too arthritic to play - and from the comments I continue to get the latter will occur first. And if any young person shows an interest in following my footsteps, I will willingly teach them everything I know. As well, although I don’t believe that Mass should be entertaining in order to keep our young people attending, they should feel that they have some control over what form their worship takes. And if that means choosing music that they like (within the Church’s and my very well-defined standards), well then that’s what I’ll be doing.
You see, God gave me a talent to play guitar and sing and I choose to invest that talent in praising Him. I don’t think I am wrong in believing that this is the correct response to the bestowing of gifts. I might wish for the talent to play piano or organ (and I’m working on those) but at least I choose to use my gifts to a good end. Are those who complain about the use of guitars at Mass able to provide an alternative? And if you can provide that alternative, do you?
So my last question is this - did I come to the right place to find others who wish to grow in their faith and serve the Lord with the gifts He has given or should I pack up my guitar and look for a more welcoming group of people?
mjs
A
agname
Guest
I have no problem with guitars being used within Mass. It’s when the Mass becomes “Bibleland” with Jimmy Lee Farnsworth …that’s when I have a problem (ie. the focus off the Mass turns away from the Eucharist…to healing sessions, etc…tongue speaking…celebrants surrounding the altar during the consecration…individuals having to say their confession outloud in front of the congregation, etc.)
For those wondering about “Bibleland” – imdb.com/title/tt0097366/
J
James_2_24
Guest
I am sincerely sorry that you feel uncomfortable. But being uncomfortable in a place doesn’t mean you can’t grow in your faith. Faith is not purely about feeling good all the time. I am extremely uncomfortable when I go to mass and a guitar starts up. But I don’t get up and leave that particular mass.
I think we should not as lay people have control of the form of worship but be obedient to Holy Mother Church and what she says true worship should be.
Yes, Chants… and/or organ… If neither can be done… the alternative would be a solemn mass without hymns.
If the mass is solemn and chants are used there really isn’t an alternative or choir even needed. Daily masses are like this all the time… In fact, many Eastern parishes have no need for choirs…
If what you mean by this is leaving the Church over whether or not you can play your guitar during liturgy… i really don’t understand why you would do that. If the Church told you today (from Rome) that guitars were no longer allowed in liturgy… would you leave because of that? If so, the truth does not mean much to you.
Now if you are talking about leaving this forum cause people don’t agree with you… come on! Not everyone is going to agree with you anywhere you go. It not just about having to feel good all the time with the people you are talking to. Relax.
V
Vitus
Guest
But some do understand. I being one of them. I have prophesied. I spoke in tongues (still can at will). I have been behind the scenes, talking with church leaders on how one can bring on these gifts. How they must be practiced, how people have to empty their minds to receive it. How music and lighting “sets the mood for the Holy Spirit”. I’ve laid hands on people and heard them burst into tongues. I’ve heard the stories, very similar to the one you told. I completely understand, I’ve walked the walk and talked the talk.I can understand you having doubts and not understanding the Charismatic Renewal and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. But I assure from experience most of these people are very sincere in living out their Catholic Faith and growing in and using the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. I know many Bishops, Priest and Deacons who consider themselves Charismatic. I am one of them. It would not be prudent to judge us as being heretics because you do not understand.
God has give us all gifts that he wants us to use. I myself have been given the gifts of tounges and prophecy others have different gifts and like all gift of the Spirit as St. Paul says, “Are to be used to build up the Body of Christ.”
The Catholic Chuch is a BIG Church and has room for all of us.
God’s Blessings and Peace,
DigitalDeacon
But now I know better. I was mislead. What I “felt” was my emotions taking over. When I spoke it was in an altered state of mind. They called it prophesy and words of knowledge, I now see it as having familiarity with common problems and telling people what they need to hear. They called it a personal prayer language, I now see it as over-excited gibberish.
I’ve read the history, I know of the beginnings of modern day glossaholia (which is the major component of the charismatic movement). I know the bible verses relied on and the poor exegisis to justify it. Modern Charismatics is what Paul was trying to prevent in Corinth, not encourage.
People become exicted and emotional and strange things happen. People fainting and speaking gibberish. It happened in Corinth before Christ was born. It happened with Montanus. Heck, it happened with the Beatles, Elvis and Michael Jackson. One loses control and that is dangerous.
The problem is that if “feels right” and therefore people claim it must be of God. And while it may feel like it brings one closer to God, the concept of “it feels right therefore it must be” is a very dangerous path to journey down. Is this not true?
This is why Paul says one must test the spirits, that there should be order in church and when people speak it must be interpreted. This was his message to Corinth, not to us 1900 years later. And this is why he said tongues will cease, prophesy will end when that what is perfect is established. Low and behold, the canonization of the Bible and the establishment of the Catholic church marked the end of the charims. It was a gift imparted to the apostles to help establish the church. It worked and the gifts ceased. The early church fathers recognized this. A
re you claiming they were incorrect? That the Holy Spirit was just waiting 1800 yearsfor some crackpot in California around 1901 to start up the charims again?
No one should claim you are heretics, that is not their place. However, one can believe that you are being mislead. And unfortunately that may mean that those who you rely on at church (priests, bishops, what have you) may also be being mislead. The claim of “it feels right” and “it’s in the Bible” can only bring you so far when put to the serious test.
B
beng
Guest
What prophecy(s) have you made?
Let us write it down. Then maybe we could confirm it with some other people who also has the gift.
And about your tongue, did you use it infront of believers? If you do was there any interpretation? If you did and there was no interpretation, then your tongue maybe fake.
Read my thread here
J
James_2_24
Guest
J
JCPhoenix
Guest
I grew up first with guitar masses…but in the solomn sense as there was no piano or organ. It was very simplistic and the songs I learned then are still my favorites (Be Not Afraid…This is the Lord…This is the Day…I Believe in the Sun…On Eagles Wings…We have been Told…) the latter two from when I was in Jr. High.
In any case, I did join the choir of my church in Jr. High, became a cantor, played the flute, and our choir did have drums in connection with some music…but it was always very tasteful and on very specific occasions. (The drums were specific…flute was everyday in conjunction with piano or organ)
I think music is a means and different music reaches different people. Although people commented that the priest at that church I attended would never allow secular music (ie “The Wind Beneath my Wings” from Beaches) at a wedding, I later attended a church in a large city I found myself in, and discovered the priest from my high school celebrating mass at a very liberal church with nothing BUT secular music (The Beatles’ “Let it Be”)
I’m not sure what my point is other than that music carries different messages from and for all of us…and I really wanted to share my shock at what my former priest had allowed to happen. I guess that would really be for a different subject, so let’s let that issue pass for now.
While I disagree with secular music “approved” by the church, I do believe that some popular songs are appropriate for church and do convey respect. I give as examples, “Shout to the Lord” by …uh…Darlene Tzietche (sorry, not sure of the name), and Selah’s, “Wonderful, Merciful Savior”, which are both played on Christian stations. The former was played at a friend’s funeral, sung by a friend of hers, and the latter is a beautiful harmonizing song which makes me cry every time I hear it. For those who know the music, you may understand.
Music is a medium and I believe is one of God’s great gifts to us. It is a language entirely unto itself and without it, not so many would flock to Christ or glorify God with singing, playing…etc. Of course, that’s not to say we dont’ need to discern which modes are truely appropriate and do glorify God and Jesus.
While we may not all appreciate or understand all forms of worship, even in accordance with the Catholic faith, I do think there is a purpose as variety draws in variety…which leads to the salvation of souls.
Myself, I attended by force, a Charismatic prayer meeting when I was a kid…and I’ve never forgotten the people “speaking in tongues.” I didn’t believe it then and I don’t now, but I can’t say that those people weren’t sincere in their belief. I know that we returned once with my Mom (I think) and then never again. We were all very uncomfortable and to this day my brother and I will look at each other, laugh, and utter, “AhdiAhdiAhdiAhdiAhdiAhdiAhdi” undulating in a constant tone until we run out of breath. My impression as a child was that the “tongues” were contrived and as I’ve gotten older I’ve noticed that children do seem to have an unerring sense for insincerity…so I guess I tend to believe that first impression of “tongues.”
We didn’t return and I later learned that my Mother felt the same as we…but didn’t tell us at the time as she did not want to denigrate the Catholic faith at all until we were old enough to understand.
Wow. I’m sorry…I’m very long winded tonight in general. I just became a member (of the site) yesterday and I’m so happy to “hang out” with other Catholics!
God Bless,
J.C. Phoenix
In any case, I did join the choir of my church in Jr. High, became a cantor, played the flute, and our choir did have drums in connection with some music…but it was always very tasteful and on very specific occasions. (The drums were specific…flute was everyday in conjunction with piano or organ)
I think music is a means and different music reaches different people. Although people commented that the priest at that church I attended would never allow secular music (ie “The Wind Beneath my Wings” from Beaches) at a wedding, I later attended a church in a large city I found myself in, and discovered the priest from my high school celebrating mass at a very liberal church with nothing BUT secular music (The Beatles’ “Let it Be”)
I’m not sure what my point is other than that music carries different messages from and for all of us…and I really wanted to share my shock at what my former priest had allowed to happen. I guess that would really be for a different subject, so let’s let that issue pass for now.
While I disagree with secular music “approved” by the church, I do believe that some popular songs are appropriate for church and do convey respect. I give as examples, “Shout to the Lord” by …uh…Darlene Tzietche (sorry, not sure of the name), and Selah’s, “Wonderful, Merciful Savior”, which are both played on Christian stations. The former was played at a friend’s funeral, sung by a friend of hers, and the latter is a beautiful harmonizing song which makes me cry every time I hear it. For those who know the music, you may understand.
Music is a medium and I believe is one of God’s great gifts to us. It is a language entirely unto itself and without it, not so many would flock to Christ or glorify God with singing, playing…etc. Of course, that’s not to say we dont’ need to discern which modes are truely appropriate and do glorify God and Jesus.
While we may not all appreciate or understand all forms of worship, even in accordance with the Catholic faith, I do think there is a purpose as variety draws in variety…which leads to the salvation of souls.
Myself, I attended by force, a Charismatic prayer meeting when I was a kid…and I’ve never forgotten the people “speaking in tongues.” I didn’t believe it then and I don’t now, but I can’t say that those people weren’t sincere in their belief. I know that we returned once with my Mom (I think) and then never again. We were all very uncomfortable and to this day my brother and I will look at each other, laugh, and utter, “AhdiAhdiAhdiAhdiAhdiAhdiAhdi” undulating in a constant tone until we run out of breath. My impression as a child was that the “tongues” were contrived and as I’ve gotten older I’ve noticed that children do seem to have an unerring sense for insincerity…so I guess I tend to believe that first impression of “tongues.”
We didn’t return and I later learned that my Mother felt the same as we…but didn’t tell us at the time as she did not want to denigrate the Catholic faith at all until we were old enough to understand.
Wow. I’m sorry…I’m very long winded tonight in general. I just became a member (of the site) yesterday and I’m so happy to “hang out” with other Catholics!
God Bless,
J.C. Phoenix
S
system
Guest
Mark 6:8 He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick–no food, no sack, no money in their belts. They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic. He said to them, "Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there.
Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them."
Good Bye!
B
beng
Guest
Is that the prophesy?
That’s not a prophesy.
1 Peter 3:15
15 but in your hearts reverence Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence;
1Jo 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are of God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
V
Veritas60
Guest
Beng,
I’m sure it wasn’t a phrophecy… I think you touched a nerve with
your quite legitimate questions and Digital Deacon is simply using the verse to inform you, he has shaken the
dust from his sandals… and left the forum.
V60.
I’m sure it wasn’t a phrophecy… I think you touched a nerve with
your quite legitimate questions and Digital Deacon is simply using the verse to inform you, he has shaken the
dust from his sandals… and left the forum.
V60.
M
mjs
Guest
I think we should not as lay people have control of the form of worship but be obedient to Holy Mother Church and what she says true worship should be."
But we are the Church - its leaders are servants to us.
Yes, Chants… and/or organ… If neither can be done… the alternative would be a solemn mass without hymns.
If the mass is solemn and chants are used there really isn’t an alternative or choir even needed. Daily masses are like this all the time… In fact, many Eastern parishes have no need for choirs… "
The Mass is all music - The Gloria, Gospel Acclamation are two Mass parts that should only be done if sung - yes, you can sing acapella or you can chant but I don’t think I believe that many of the Eastern Churches function without music. I think it is more integral to their worship than to ours. My question was - I believe - are you willing to provide an alternative? Can you actually lead the chant you feel can replace a guitar (or any other instrumentation) at church?
If what you mean by this is leaving the Church over whether or not you can play your guitar during liturgy… i really don’t understand why you would do that. If the Church told you today (from Rome) that guitars were no longer allowed in liturgy… would you leave because of that? If so, the truth does not mean much to you.
And you are being ridiculous. I have been a Catholic all my life and a Music Minister since the age of 18. Get up and leave the Church because someone like you won’t allow me to play my guitar at Mass? And Rome would never ban the use of guitars - “Give praise with blasts upon the horn, praise him with harp and lyre. Give praise with tambourines and dance, praise him with flutes and strings. Give praise with crashing cymbals, praise him with sounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath give praise to the Lord!. Hallelujah!” It is not the instrumentation that has been called into question in the last little while, but the manner in which it is used. Guitar music can be just as reverent as anything else. I just pray to God that if they do make changes to the Liturgy that I know and love, I wouldn’t gripe and grumble about it for the rest of my life.
Now if you are talking about leaving this forum cause people don’t agree with you… come on! Not everyone is going to agree with you anywhere you go. It not just about having to feel good all the time with the people you are talking to. Relax.
And no, I am not talking about the leaving the forum because people disagree with me, but because of the narrow-minded, only one way is the right way, kind of nonsense I am hearing on this list and many others I have joined over the years. Yes, debate is good, and we don’t always have to agree about everything. However, my impression has always been, traditional or contemporary, we are all Catholics under the skin. It appears here though, that I am but an inferior Catholic or not a true Catholic because I am not a traditionalist. Get comfortable with that idea? I don’t think so - but thanks for caring about me. But I am comfortable with the notion that some of the churches I attend on my travels have organ music (I have yet to attend one that had no music at all in the last several years, at least on Sunday) and some have piano and some have guitar, although not all appeal to me to the same degree. And I participate as fully as my knowledge of the music will allow.
But we are the Church - its leaders are servants to us.
Yes, Chants… and/or organ… If neither can be done… the alternative would be a solemn mass without hymns.
If the mass is solemn and chants are used there really isn’t an alternative or choir even needed. Daily masses are like this all the time… In fact, many Eastern parishes have no need for choirs… "
The Mass is all music - The Gloria, Gospel Acclamation are two Mass parts that should only be done if sung - yes, you can sing acapella or you can chant but I don’t think I believe that many of the Eastern Churches function without music. I think it is more integral to their worship than to ours. My question was - I believe - are you willing to provide an alternative? Can you actually lead the chant you feel can replace a guitar (or any other instrumentation) at church?
If what you mean by this is leaving the Church over whether or not you can play your guitar during liturgy… i really don’t understand why you would do that. If the Church told you today (from Rome) that guitars were no longer allowed in liturgy… would you leave because of that? If so, the truth does not mean much to you.
And you are being ridiculous. I have been a Catholic all my life and a Music Minister since the age of 18. Get up and leave the Church because someone like you won’t allow me to play my guitar at Mass? And Rome would never ban the use of guitars - “Give praise with blasts upon the horn, praise him with harp and lyre. Give praise with tambourines and dance, praise him with flutes and strings. Give praise with crashing cymbals, praise him with sounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath give praise to the Lord!. Hallelujah!” It is not the instrumentation that has been called into question in the last little while, but the manner in which it is used. Guitar music can be just as reverent as anything else. I just pray to God that if they do make changes to the Liturgy that I know and love, I wouldn’t gripe and grumble about it for the rest of my life.
Now if you are talking about leaving this forum cause people don’t agree with you… come on! Not everyone is going to agree with you anywhere you go. It not just about having to feel good all the time with the people you are talking to. Relax.
And no, I am not talking about the leaving the forum because people disagree with me, but because of the narrow-minded, only one way is the right way, kind of nonsense I am hearing on this list and many others I have joined over the years. Yes, debate is good, and we don’t always have to agree about everything. However, my impression has always been, traditional or contemporary, we are all Catholics under the skin. It appears here though, that I am but an inferior Catholic or not a true Catholic because I am not a traditionalist. Get comfortable with that idea? I don’t think so - but thanks for caring about me. But I am comfortable with the notion that some of the churches I attend on my travels have organ music (I have yet to attend one that had no music at all in the last several years, at least on Sunday) and some have piano and some have guitar, although not all appeal to me to the same degree. And I participate as fully as my knowledge of the music will allow.
L
lukefan
Guest
**2 years ago “LifeTeen” came to our parish. I gave it a chance as I have 2 teenagers who I thought might like it. Although the praise and worship band is good I missed the traditional songs. All the clapping and hand gestures during mass are distracting and in my opinion take away from the focus of why we are at mass. **
**I do agree with letting the teens be eucharistic ministers, lectors, cantors, ushers etc…but why do we need to make the mass a “show”. Why don’t we focus more on providing our teens and young adults instruction on our Catholic Faith, :yup: not trying to change our way of worship to entertain them! **
**I do agree with letting the teens be eucharistic ministers, lectors, cantors, ushers etc…but why do we need to make the mass a “show”. Why don’t we focus more on providing our teens and young adults instruction on our Catholic Faith, :yup: not trying to change our way of worship to entertain them! **
J
JJ_B
Guest
lukefan (and the rest in here),
I attended Life Teen at St. Timothy’s Church in Mesa AZ. This is the church you can thank for starting this whole Life Teen craze (I use craze in a respectful manner). I hated this mass at first because I grew up with a very traditional family and church. I also found the music too loud, hand gestures annoying, and overall experience too showy. Then one day, after many years of my parents FORCING me to church each Sunday night, I realized that the congregation was growing. Each week it seemed more and more teens were showing up. Each week more and more teens with Black Sabbath shirts, and very tiny skirts. Somebody mentioned to the priest that they thought this mass was disrespectful because of the loud music and the teenagers choice of clothing. My priests reply, “I’d rather they be here wearing those clothes than out there naked.”
We live in a different time. Kids want different things these days. It is so much easier for them to avoid church now because they all have a car and a place to be. My priest wanted that place to be church. So he adapted. He brought “their” music, and allowed them to wear “their” clothes. Now this doesn’t mean he lets everything go, but take it from a kid who didn’t want to be there…I’m happy and blessed that this church/priest exist and that they reached out to the ones everyone else forgets. My church still offers 3 masses in the morning that most would consider “traditional”. The one in the evenings is for teens, though a few hundred adults show up too.
Besides, who are we to judge the way we worship Christ? Some prefer soft piano and acoustic guitar, others prefer a set of drums and electric guitar. Do you think Jesus cares? I don’t.
I attended Life Teen at St. Timothy’s Church in Mesa AZ. This is the church you can thank for starting this whole Life Teen craze (I use craze in a respectful manner). I hated this mass at first because I grew up with a very traditional family and church. I also found the music too loud, hand gestures annoying, and overall experience too showy. Then one day, after many years of my parents FORCING me to church each Sunday night, I realized that the congregation was growing. Each week it seemed more and more teens were showing up. Each week more and more teens with Black Sabbath shirts, and very tiny skirts. Somebody mentioned to the priest that they thought this mass was disrespectful because of the loud music and the teenagers choice of clothing. My priests reply, “I’d rather they be here wearing those clothes than out there naked.”
We live in a different time. Kids want different things these days. It is so much easier for them to avoid church now because they all have a car and a place to be. My priest wanted that place to be church. So he adapted. He brought “their” music, and allowed them to wear “their” clothes. Now this doesn’t mean he lets everything go, but take it from a kid who didn’t want to be there…I’m happy and blessed that this church/priest exist and that they reached out to the ones everyone else forgets. My church still offers 3 masses in the morning that most would consider “traditional”. The one in the evenings is for teens, though a few hundred adults show up too.
Besides, who are we to judge the way we worship Christ? Some prefer soft piano and acoustic guitar, others prefer a set of drums and electric guitar. Do you think Jesus cares? I don’t.
W
WhiteDove
Guest
Right on JJ B!
These Masses are in the vernacular of our young people, so to speak. We live in such a rapidly changing world with such a strong secualr influence. We have to meet these young people on terms they can understand.
I find going to the LifeTeen Mass every month or two very inspirational. I drive an hour to do so. I love the priest, who loves young people. It’s great to see all those teens!
These Masses are in the vernacular of our young people, so to speak. We live in such a rapidly changing world with such a strong secualr influence. We have to meet these young people on terms they can understand.
I find going to the LifeTeen Mass every month or two very inspirational. I drive an hour to do so. I love the priest, who loves young people. It’s great to see all those teens!
T
tcaseyrochester
Guest
I am a liturgucal pianist and as conservative a Catholic as you will ever find. I think that providing the music for a given celebration is consistent with the readings and is based in scripture, the style, tempo and volume really doesn’t add or subtract to the miracle of the mass at all. In our church, we try to vary the music and style to ensure that everyone’s tastes are sometimes accomodated. If doing this in some small way encourages more Parishioners to show up on Sunday, fantastic!
On the other hand, I have no tolerance for some of the “pop” christian music some parishes are allowing to be used for so-called “youth masses”, with no scriptural basis and in some cases not even Catholic based (“Our God is an Awesome God”, kind of stuff). We need to be mindful that music at mass in not entertainment (a difficult concept for our youth today) but is instead a very special and joyous means of communal prayer.
I love the sound of a solid traditional choir singing in four part harmony as much as the next guy. Remember, however, that in liturgical music, our Lord is just as happy with the croaking of frogs as the singing of Nightengales! Its the prayer that matters!!!
On the other hand, I have no tolerance for some of the “pop” christian music some parishes are allowing to be used for so-called “youth masses”, with no scriptural basis and in some cases not even Catholic based (“Our God is an Awesome God”, kind of stuff). We need to be mindful that music at mass in not entertainment (a difficult concept for our youth today) but is instead a very special and joyous means of communal prayer.
I love the sound of a solid traditional choir singing in four part harmony as much as the next guy. Remember, however, that in liturgical music, our Lord is just as happy with the croaking of frogs as the singing of Nightengales! Its the prayer that matters!!!
J
JJ_B
Guest
tcasey,
“Our God is an Awesome God. He reigns from heaven above, with wisdom, power and love, our God is an awesome God.”
And that’s just the chorus. Please tell me what part of this song strays from the Bible. Is it the part about God being in heaven?
The truth is, worship is personal. You like the oldies, I like the new stuff. Think about Jesus for a second though. For 2 thousand years He’s had to listen to the same old tunes being sung by every church in every land. And you know what, I bet He loves every dog gone one of them. But I’d also bet he likes the new stuff just as much. Why? Because we are using our gifts and our instruments to promote faith, love and unity among all His children. And remember one thing, when the old stuff first came out, it was new.
Do you sing Amazing Grace at your church? Sorry to inform you but that is a pop song. It’s just old. Have you ever listened to the words of Awesome God?
“Our God is an Awesome God. He reigns from heaven above, with wisdom, power and love, our God is an awesome God.”
And that’s just the chorus. Please tell me what part of this song strays from the Bible. Is it the part about God being in heaven?
The truth is, worship is personal. You like the oldies, I like the new stuff. Think about Jesus for a second though. For 2 thousand years He’s had to listen to the same old tunes being sung by every church in every land. And you know what, I bet He loves every dog gone one of them. But I’d also bet he likes the new stuff just as much. Why? Because we are using our gifts and our instruments to promote faith, love and unity among all His children. And remember one thing, when the old stuff first came out, it was new.
W
WhiteDove
Guest
“I like coffee, you like tea, and that is the reason we can’t agree!”
- Status