Question #288

If a song writer wrote what he felt, then that’s good enough for me!

Sir, you are an idiot.

You are insulting and inconsiderate about these songs which you call “trite” little songs. The writer of the song wrote what they felt. That’s good enough for me. You make fun of 3 different songs on here with absolutely no reason why they are truly wrong, let alone a scriptural reason.

Do you not have anything better to do with your time than “warn” people against potentially helpful and encouraging songs? I advise you to get a life. It’s absolutely ridiculous. You require that a song be an absolute masterpiece of music before it is singable. These writers are just people! And there would be NO songs in your book if it wasn’t for them.

The Answer:

First, you may not agree with the conclusions stated, but you really give no reason to support your position other than that they are good enough for you. Unfortunately, you fail to give any indication of your ability to discern between a song that is trite and one that is not. What is your background in writing? What is your background in music? Moreover, upon what basis do you espouse the position that what is good enough for you is good enough for God? One ought not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think. (Romans 12:3)

Second, the standard for songs of worship is not what you or I or the author of the song may “feel.” The standard is whether the words of a song (or sermon or prayer for that matter) are sound (Scriptural) and worthy to bring to God as a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of our lips. (Hebrews 13:15) You may feel that anyone who can write a little “ditty” can produce such a worthy product. I do not. I am not suggesting that they do not have a right to write it; I am suggesting that I have a right to reject it as unworthy to take before the throne of Grace and to use it to teach and edify my brothers and sisters.

Third, much of the music for many of the new songs was written for the “accomplished.” Some are in minor chords and many have intervals that are difficult for the untrained singer to sing. Worship music should be written in a manner that is easy for all to sing because we are all commanded to worship. How can we worship when we are incapable of “hitting the notes” because the intervals are difficult? Some of them may be “masterpieces of music,” but most of us common folk cannot follow it. I am sure you are an accomplished singer and have no trouble at all, but that describes a small portion of the church.

Fourth, if you want to read something insulting and inconsiderate, just read what you have written. Disagreement does not call for such language. Several have written in disagreement and have done so in a kind and Christian manner. As for being an idiot, I will be judged by the work that I have done and that which I have accomplished. You will be judged on the same basis, and the only basis of judgment for you now is your “trite” comments worthy of a small unthinking child. You might want to show it to your mother. I am sure that she will be proud of you.