I grew up with a cappella singing. At some point in my youth, I became aware that “we didn’t” and “they did,” and I became quite proud of that fact.
I’ve planted a cappella churches, though one of the groups went through serious debate on the matter. In my work, I work with some who have strong feelings against the use of instruments and others who feel it’s not a salvation issue. I worship at a church that uses no instruments and has no intentions of doing so soon.
I have no desire to be part of a church that uses instruments. I grew up preferring a cappella music, and that hasn’t changed.
Because I know that personal history and preferences can affect these discussions, I thought it would be helpful if I shared that. Feel free to lay out your own experiences, as some of you already have.
“In my work, I work with some who have strong feelings against the use of instruments and others who feel it’s not a salvation issue.”
The use of instruments in itself, I don’t believe is a salvation issue. But,there is always a but, but if the instrumental accompaniment distracts from the purpose of singing praise to God (if it begins to occupy ones mind) then it could become a “stumbling block” to those who are not as strong in their belief as you might be, Why risk placing a barrier before a weaker brother or sister. There is enough distraction when sister whoever hits that great alto , or soprano. without that bum chord on the instrument.
Didn’t get a chance to post yesterday, but here’s a little of my history and thought process concerning instrumental music. Raised in non-instrumental ultra conservative (legalistic) CoCs with the three methods of authority drilled into me every Sunday and Wednesday – Command, Example, Necessary Inference. Even though I’ve left the legalistic sect, I haven’t left my basic beliefs in those methods of establishing authority. I’ve heard the exact same lessons taught at various institutional CoCs I’ve attended, as well. So for me, CENI authorizes singing, no instruments except the melody in your heart. Some may say that’s legalistic and Pharisaical, but to me, Christ is King and He is the one who sets the rules. There are several examples in the Old Testament (there for our learning) that show that God DOES care when we don’t follow His directions. And only God knows what He will find acceptable. We have to trust what He has decided to reveal of Himself to know what He will accept and find pleasing (1 Cor. 2:11). If we are to speak as the oracles of God, then I cannot tell someone “God is happy when you worship using an instrument” because I can’t find a scripture to support that doctrine. It’s kind of like Simon Says. “OK everybody, Sing using an instrument……uh uh, didn’t say God Says Sing using an instrument.” I believe the method of worship is just as important as the spirit with which we worship. As Christ told the Pharisees when addressing their zeal for worship according to the letter but not the spirit of the law – Matt. 5:21 (these things you should have done, without neglecting the other). This, to me, is the key to worshipping in spirit AND in truth. We must worship in an accurate and authorized manner with the proper heart. So as much as I would love to put on a rock concert (think Queen and Kiss in their heydays), the song I offer in worship to God, to me, should be what we can find authorized in New Testament worship, which is a cappella. It is from a love for God, not legalism, that I try to do things His way, to the best of my ability. I know others will obviously disagree, but you asked us to share our personal views. Thanks for the opportunity.
I was raised with CENI and appreciate a cappella music, but I don’t recall it ever being taught by Jesus. I no longer attend a CofC but do attend a bible based, theologically conservative church that does use instrumental music. I am happy with the worship/praise there in part b/c the music suits my tastes. (I do realize that something that suits one’s tastes does not make it right whether it be IM or a cappella.) When living overseas I attended a church with a band and it was mostly noise to me. I would have preferred a cappella. The church I attend now uses traditional orchestra instruments – sometimes full orchestra, sometimes just brass or strings etc. and a cappella at times. More importantly, the hymns are chosen for their theological content.
To suggest that IM “is not a salvation issue” still implies that it is wrong headed or possibly worse — if it becomes a “stumbling block.” I know no one wants to debate that again here, least of all me. I do find it interesting that when we (Stone-Campbell movement) left the Presbyterians and Baptists we gave up Calvinism regarding salvation pretty quickly, but kept CENI which is very much the theology or Zwingli and Calvin. Even some reformed churches that still advocate CENI don’t see that it forbids IM. Seems like ecclesiology has received more emphasis in the CofC than almost any other doctrine. If it weren’t for CENI and baptism IN ORDER TO receive the remission of sins would the CofC have much left to talk about?
It is encouraging to read the comments above that make it clear legalism is dead in the CofCs ;-)
Hesed,
Randall