Thinking It Through

In our study of Matthew we have been confronted with a number of texts that have challenged us to think through our traditions, asking specifically whether we have allowed our tradition to be considered on a level with scripture. I was recently reminded that the traditions with which we feel comfortable were new at some point in time. Such seems to be the case with regard to our tradition with special music presentations (making sure to have our “closing prayer” before the special music is presented). Several have asked for me to reprint the quotations I presented in a lesson a few weeks ago.

“But why is it right for any number of persons to sing simultaneously in the worship of God? For the simple reason that God has nowhere specified how many shall or shall not do so. He has nowhere limited it to some specific number. On this point He has placed no limitation one way or another. It is a point on which God has not legislated at all, and man should not undertake to do so. Hence, so far as the mere question of the number of persons who may sing at one time is concerned, one person or any number of persons may sing God’s praise and impart instruction on the worship of God.”

“[Paul’s] admonition for the Christians to sing in the following words ‘Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs’ (Ephesians 5:19). He uses the reflexive pronoun, ‘speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. It is a service rendered by ‘one to another,’ or by ‘one another.’ He does not say whether this speaking in psalms and other kinds of musical compositions shall be done by all in concert or by one at a time: hence either is correct.” M.C. Kurfees, “Is Solo Singing Permissible In The Public Worship of God?” The Gospel Advocate 55 #20 ( May 15, 1913): 464-465.

“It is no violation of anything in the New Testament – rather, it is sanctioned by it – for one man to sing to the audience if he can thereby edify and admonish the audience. Nor is it wrong for two persons, four persons, or six persons together to stand before the assembly and admonish them with a song or speak to them through a hymn – provided always, of course, that the singers are themselves worshippers and they are singing for the scriptural purpose. . .to praise God in song.” G. C. Brewer, The Model Church (Nashville:McQuiddy Publishing Company, 1919), p. 150.

So often what seems to be “new” is really not at all!

— Bob Clark

6/8/2004