From: mmaccorm@fox.nstn.ns.ca (Mike Mac Cormack)
Newsgroups: rec.music.christian
Subject: Re: Statement Condemning Musical Forms (was: is music amoral)
Summary: Statement of conservative group, condemning some musical styles
Date: 18 Aug 92 16:50:27 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: Micronav International

In article <1992Aug17.135834.10601@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu> jlaplant@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu (John R Laplante) writes:
>Since we have recently talked (ad nauseum, to some) about various views on
>music that christians have had, I thought I should post this. It comes out
>of my filing cabinet, which I'm cleaning out. This is a statement taken
>from a national gathering of a nation-wide denomination/group. Since we're
> not into denomination-bashing around here, I'll remove any identifying
>information. Just look at the reasoning, instead.

>PLEASE NOTE: THESE ARE NOT MY OPINIONS

>  ---------------------- Begin National Group Statement ------------- 

>  Wheras it is apparent from the study of music history and music theory
>  that music is a language that conveys thoughts and emotions without
>  words, and  

>  Whereas the promoters of the music of this pop rock culture know exactly
>  what they are communicating to the youth of our day through the music 
>  they write and perform, and
>  
>  Whereas the trend of thoe day in Christian music is a belief that any kind
>  of music is suitable for fusion with words, prose or verse, concerning God
>  and Jesus Christ and the teaching of the Bible,

>  Be it resolved by the delegates to the XXXXXXXXXX meeting in XXXXX,
>  XXXXX 1987, that music is in fact not neutral in that it has the power to 
>  communicate thoughts and actions of morality or immorality,

>  Be it further resolved that we believe it is wrong to attempt to 
>  communicate the things of God and His Word through a style of music that
>  in its structure is promoting the very opposite of the truth of God, and

>  Be it finally resolved that we strongly advise that careful scrutiny be
>  given to the music of our church fellowships and schools to be sure that
>  it follows the time-honored formula of great music -- beautiful melody,
>  glorious harmony, and flowing rhythm

>  ---------------------------- End national group statement ------------

>  As i've said before, these are NOT my opinions. 
>  One further comment: this particular group is very proud of its defense
>  of the the Bible and Biblical innerancy. Yet I've noticed that no where
>  in the statement are any scriptural references given. 

A little while ago I heard someone (I forget who it was but I think it 
was a Christian Rap Artist) say that he was giving a concert at a 
church and performed an experiment.  He first made the congregation sing "
Amazing Grace" to its traditional music.  Then he made the congregation hum 
the "Amazing Grace" music while he sang lyrics which were offensive to the 
congregation (but nothing too offensive I hope!).  His point was that it 
wasn't the music to "Amazing Grace" which offended the people.  It was the 
lyrics.  I think this makes sense, don't you?

Mike Mac Cormack
Micronav International Inc
P.O.Box 1523 / 104 Marine Drive
Sydport Industrial Park,
Sydney, N.S. Canada B1P 6R7
Tel: 902-564-8833      Fax: 902-564-8764
Newsgroups: rec.music.christian