Christian Music

Dr. Couch, some time ago you gave your opinion about Christian music today. Could you repeat that? ANSWER: I'll try though I'm up to my ears writing books presently that I think need to be done. But I believe Colossians 3:16-17 is an important verse that settles the issue of what kind of music churches should be promoting in their assemblies.    Paul starts off with a general statement that "the word of Christ richly dwell within" us. He then says that the word should be coupled with "all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another ..." In other words believers should be aware of what the word of Christ is doing for the believers. We are to "admonish one another with psalms and hymns and SPIRITUAL songs, singing with thanksgiving in your hearts to God."    Songs are to be used "to admonish." This is the Greek word "noutheteo" which means "to establish, place the mind" in a proper position. This is in the Present Tense which means that such admonishing with spiritual songs should be the standard continually practice that needs to be always carried out this way!    The word "mind" ("nous") is in the word. In other words, we are to be in the good sense "brain-washed" by "spiritual" music. "Spiritual songs" means songs that are controlled or influenced by the Holy Spirit. Every time the word "spiritual" is used it has to do with such an influence of God's Spirit.    Therefore you cannot have junk music being sung!    I really don't think it is that difficult to know whether music is influenced by the flesh or by the Spirit of God! The modern, hot-rock music is meant to please the ears of a younger crowd who like and want fleshly songs rather than songs that have to do with something spiritual and that which is solid!    Good spiritual music should also inspire thanksgiving in the "hearts" (emotions) toward God. We are speaking to Him! Paul adds that whatever we do (including singing) we are to be "giving thanks" through Christ "unto God the Father." Twice God is to be considered in what we do, especially in the issue of singing solid spiritual songs.    Here is my little list that I think is important when considering music: 1.Can I understand the words? 2.Do the words conform to the Word of God—are they doctrinally solid? 3.Can I hummm the words and tune in the shower? In other words, do they stick to my soul and allow me to repeat them over and over again?  I personally believe most younger people are in rebellion with the churches and with the Lord. They want to imitate the world, and sound like the culture. They squint their eyes when singing, go up and down like a roller coaster, warble like a bird, and sing tunes that no one can repeat or share with others. The words cannot be understood, and I think that this is a strategy which they carry out in order to be "contemporary"! Garbage either is or it is not. It does not take a rocket scientist to know what is spiritual, right or wrong in music. The Spirit of God is either with the music or He is not!    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch (Apr., 10)