In the NAD August 2005 issue of the Adventist Review, Alvin Fisher of Dayton, Tenn., wrote an editorial which Included this statement:
"The Adventist Review frequently includes an appeal for acceptance of contemporary worship styles and music. I don't know how many readers are won over by these articles, but I do believe a substantial percentage of us cannot be won over, no matter how much eloquence or how much ink is employed. We have the conviction that these things are incompatible with Bible religion and the Spirit of Prophecy."
He expresses my thinking precisely. I teach a Sabbath School class of about 30 Adventists, most of whom are in their 50's, 60's and older. It is surprising to me the number of those attending that disagree with this statement; and in fact, express their opinion that the church must do 'whatever it takes' to appeal to the younger generation, even though the music and worship practices might be destained by many.
Some express concern that the only way to maintain a strick conservative setting is by incorporating home churches to like minded individuals.
It is amazing with Christians following a Christ-centered conscience, that there are so many variables in worship standards.

When I was a young man in my earliest of 20's. Sandie Pattie and Amy Grant and Steve Green and Twila Paris were the top christian artists of the day and my church said it was evil and of the devil. Is this true today. And if it was evil back then -why is it not true today? Not only do those particular conservative christians think the albums are evil but bringing them into the house unleashes a demon in the midst. They also judge you as not being right with God and if to die that night you will be eternally lost.
I grew up with these people! What do they say about the bands of today? I shudder to think.

Hi G4J...

The music you mention is exactly what my son listened to when he was going to school at PUC (in California). Sandy Patty, Amy Grant, Steve Green.... and he and his (then) girlfriend were musicians who also sang the same type of music themselves, in dormitory worships and in college vespers programs.

They're now "middle-aged" 40-somethings, and I don't keep track of what they listen to, since they each married other people; my son has two children and a busy career and they live 400 miles away from me. But I do know that my son is a dedicated Adventist, a leader in his church, and one of the "praise team" singers. That type of music didn't seem to hurt his relationship with the Lord.

Then I recall my parents, when I was growing up, who wanted to try to make sure I was never tainted by "bad" music.... The thing they nagged me most about was jazz. My mom was always asking me if I was listening to jazz on the little radio in my bedroom.... --as if jazz would be a corrupting influence.

Well, consequently I never did care for jazz much, growing up. Our family was fed oodles and oodles of CLASSICAL music -- both via live symphony concerts, and by Victrola recordings which we played over and over again. I still love Bach, Beethoven and Brahms the best. --But I have to say, now that I've become more knowledgeable about the skills required by the jazz musicians, I'm totally in awe of the medium. Couldn't do it myself (improvise totally, and still end up at the end of the 16-bar solos right in the same key and on the same beat as the other instruments in the combo...etc.). It's a great talent.

So. Bottom line. Styles change. And as Ellen White is reported to have said:
"Be not the first by whom the new is tried,
nor the last to lay the old aside."

thanku for sharing that.

I grew up in a non christian chaotic home. I grew listening to my parents music. dad was'shake it a baby' by the beatles and mom was like'johnny angel 'by Shelley Frabre. Basically 50's and 60's and 70's worldly music. Tom Jones,Petula Clark,BeachBoys,Chicago,,Hermits Hermits,Olivia,Carly and Linda R.

I didnt know it was the devils music till I went to church with my next door minister. .

I recently read an article about --?-- Wilson, the lead singer of the Beach Boys. (Forget his first name.)

I guess he was really spaced out on drugs most of the time while he was writing that music and singing with the Beach Boys. So much that it caused him to have a psychiatric breakdown in later years. He's evidently come through it and now is totally clean. Amazing recovery.

Music does have power over us, there's no denying that.

You did great, G4J, getting in touch with the right kind of music. Providentially through your next-door minister....

God bless.

(Gail- Brian Wilson)

I think Gus's point was more about music used in worship in the church than music generally, if I'm hearing him correctly.

I think he poses a good and interesting question. The quote he gives is about the conviction that contemporary music is unbiblical (which is what makes it on topic in this particular forum), but then the anecdotal info from him is about the age of the people at church and the idea that contemporary music is used as a means to 'reach the young people in any way necessary'. That's a different issue, to me: the latter just sounds like an issue of age and culture - older people like some kinds of music and younger people like different kinds (huge generalisation, I know).

I know this has been gone through in excruciating detail for something like 40 years now in the Adventist church, but can we get beyond the cultural and consider the issue of what is biblical in terms of music for worship (as opposed to music for listening to at home or in the car?)

In other words, is the conviction in the statement Gus quoted - that the use of contemporary music in worship is unbiblical - biblically sustainable?

Was the music used in worship in Bible times contemporary for its time?

After studying this weeks Sabbath School lesson I am beginning to wonder if a human can decide the best course of worship and what music is suitable for worship. Obviously, all music is just not suitable for worship, and some is downright satanic. Who decides where the lines are, which is OK and what is not?
Does sinful man decide this? If so, it is the only thing God leaves us alone to choose. If we were to use Ps 150 as a guide, it would seem a lot more is permissable than a conservative mind would allow.
The lesson for today states that we cannot dictate cultural preferences, and probably muddies the water. Personally, I cannot accept a rock and roll presentation is any given worship scenario.

What's the alternative to letting humans decide?

Phillipians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
This is what we have to come back too. I feel that if the lyrics are christ-centered AND the focus of the song is on the lyrics not the background, beat or whatever else, then it's worthy of our attention. But then it comes down to a question of style. I don't think that we as a church should fully endorse one type of music to the exception of others. Obviously some music doesn't fit the criteria of being pure and lovely, but within those guidelines, well, everybody has their own convictions, and as long as they respect those with different convictions than themselves, I think we'll be fine. Differences in musical taste should not be a divisive issue when we're faced with the problem of reaching a decaying world around us!