Toward a Philosophy of Church Music: Draft 1

the following post is a paper i just submitted for the class i'm taking at westminster choir college, "church music and the christian faith." the professor, dr. robin leaver, is my hero, i've decided.


Toward a Philosophy of Church Music: Draft 1

Music itself is a gift of expression. Inasmuch as we attribute beauty, creativity, and emotion to the goodness of God’s creation, it follows that music itself is created by God for human use. This gift of God gives us the ability to portray meaning in a multi-dimensional fashion. Music draws faith out of the realm of mere logic and exposition. It taps into a different part of the soul, where ideas can be expressed through tone and sound. Church music, even in its most practical functions, is still art. It is still the gift of creativity and expression given to humanity by a God whose majesty is so great that we need a variety means by which to express it. Music as art is a powerful image of the Christian life itself.

Church music is distinct from other sorts of music. It is within the community of faith that we offer back to God that which God has first given us. Just as we are stewards of the rest of God’s creation – using and protecting that which we have been given, all for God’s glory – the gift of musical expression is at once gift and offering. Church music, unlike other types of music, carries with it this burden of stewardship. As such, it is for the glory of God alone. Whether we be offering up music of prayer or praise, lament or exultation, fear or faith; we owe our music and our expression to God. Church music is not a tool of evangelism, though it is certainly evangelical. It is not for the purpose of bringing God down to us, but rather for exalting God on high. It is not a manipulative tool to inspire emotion, but it is an expression of the depth of our faith. This is not to imply that church music cannot ever be edifying. However, the intent and purpose of our music is to offer back to God that which he has given us, for this God is both the subject and object of our worship.

Because music exists independently of language, music binds together the human experience. Within the community of faith, church music binds together human experiences and understandings of God and thus unifies our worship. If music truly does have the power to transcend thought and word, how much more does church music have the power to express the deepest and most inward parts of our faith! In gratitude, we accept God’s gift of expression, and in humility, we offer our creativity to God’s service and praise. All music is God’s gift. Church music is distinctly offering – the paradox of presenting freely to God that which we owe God: our praise.



[ironically, just as i'm posting this, the professor of the class i'm currently sitting in just said "i'm the only person on this planet that thinks we should get rid of church choirs." (yes, i'm posting during a rather boring class. ) i'm completely flabbergasted that he would stand up and say that. to me, it is indicative of the mindset of theologians and theological schools: music is assumed to be merely decorative. musician-theologians have a deeper understanding of the intimate relationship between music and theology, and the necessity of music in worship. i believe this very strongly. argue with me if you want, but that's how i feel.]