I am reading a book called "Why I Left the Contemporary Christian Music Movement". It is written by a former worship leader. I have to say it is very eye opening. It has revealed somethings, i would have never thought of. The focus of this book is the music used in church, not so much what we listen to privately, but i believe it can apply there as well.

Did you know the words "Rock and Roll" was used as a term for sex? :o The very nature of rock music and its beat is based upon a immoral lifestyle. This music will effect you when you are surrounded by it day in and day out.

Before even reading this book, i have been concerned by the drum and guitar solos in my church. Is a place for worshiping the Lord proper for this type of thing? Is this not showing off your abilities? The platform has been updated for better sound and appearance. I wonder... why is the money not being used to truly help the body of believers or those in need? I am wondering if what we deem as acceptable worship to the Lord, is really the opposite. Does He find the driving beat a pleasing aroma?

This just dawned on me. Movie makers use music to bring about the emotion they want viewers to experience. Would a scene do the same thing to us in silence? Would we be lead to cry, rejoice or have a sense of fear and dread without the music playing along side the action in the movie?

Is this not also done in our contemporary music? We may think we have gone beyond the trappings of traditional ordered worship. But have we? The service usually starts with an upbeat praise song. As worship progresses it moves to more contemplative singing. The scene goes from hand clapping fun to a deeper "focus" on the Lord. The last song is usually a lot of repetitive singing of a few short phrases. Now and then you see hands lifted high and bodies swaying as if in a trance.

The author quotes from a book called "The Purpose Driven Church". I am sure many have heard of it, if not the highly popular "The Purpose Driven Life". Pastor Warren says, in essence, the music you chose for Sunday mornings will draw a certain type of people in, keep the ones you have or drive away some. Some who have been with a church since its beginnings. The several quotes used by Warren's book sound like he exhults the contemporary music. This scares me. A sheperd is willing to lose his sheep over music in the name of being "seeker friendly". He is letting the sheep go to be devoured by whatever wolves out there, instead of guiding and feeding them.

This is something i really have been thinking about. Is my music collection glorifying God? I am praying, wanting to do what is pleasing to Him and not my flesh. I want to die to my carnal desires. There is a war in my being between flesh and spirit. Jesus' death brought me freedom, not bondage. Music has been a big part of my life for many many years. Long before my salvation. Musically, the words have changed, but the style has not. I wonder if it is time for the style to change as well.

Kim