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Thursday, April 28, 2022
Tuesday, April 26, 2022
Sunday, April 24, 2022
Friday, April 22, 2022
Thursday, April 21, 2022
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
In Defense of Tradition
In Defense of Tradition
Can you imagine the Queens Guard Band marching to Buckingham palace
playing a Tommy Dorsey swing arrangement in place of the traditional British
March? I would imagine the ‘Brits’ would go ballistic, if not the Queen
herself! But why would this elicit such a negative reaction?
Tradition, of course!
I have stood at Buckingham Palace and watched the Guards, from a
distance, march down the Mall toward the Palace grounds. Given my British
heritage, I found this to be a real thrill, even a 'heart pounding' experience.
It was wonderful! It was ‘tradition’ on display in its finest form.
However, in this modern day and age, I think tradition is getting a bad
rap! Those who find tradition meaningful are often criticized, if not
ostracized, by friend and foe alike. Get
'with it' they are told and leave such nonsense behind! Many think we should
toss tradition aside in favor of more contemporary ways of doing things.
Tradition has become an issue in
the Christian Church also, especially as it regards music and the modern forms
it has taken in the worship setting.
First, let me say, I believe everyone should worship in an atmosphere
they are comfortable with and if that means the more modern offerings, then I
say wonderful! However, be careful not to hold the 'traditionalist' in
contempt. If traditional music is meaningful to some (I believe many), then
let's encourage its use wherever it is appropriate.
Being comfortable in the worship setting is a prerequisite for true
worship. I believe that is why many churches are offering two services on
Sunday morning, one contemporary and one traditional. Of course, to do this you
must have a sufficiently large attendance if you are going to separate the
services.
There is another point that might
be made. Rick Warren once wrote, "Show me a radio station with a mixed
format and I will show you a radio station bound to fail" (Rick Warren,
The Purpose Driven Church). His point being that people will listen to one genre'
at a time and if you mix them on the same station they will tune out!
Traditional and contemporary music in the same service may work for some, but
not all.
I seek out traditional music
because it stirs my soul and brings me closer to God. It enables me to worship as I should. I don't
like being criticized for it.
I also like other worship traditions like the use of the choir, vocal
and instrumental soloists and so much more.
For those who are seeking more contemporary music... more power to you,
if that helps you get closer to God! As for me, I seek the traditional. I enjoy
music that makes me 'feel good' and I don't apologize for it! I look to be
moved by the Spirit as I sing the traditional hymns.... that is what is
meaningful to me.
I doubt we will be listening to the Queens Bands playing swing style (on
the march) anytime soon. They, no doubt, will continue to use the traditional
British marches. Good for them! I applaud them for it!
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
Monday, April 11, 2022
THOUGHT for TODAY
Saturday, April 2, 2022
THOUGHT for TODAY
THOUGHT for TODAY
I am always surprised at those who play fast and loose with
the truth. Many are prone to pick and choose which truth (falsehood) they will
subscribe to. If it is such that it fits their world view or personal opinion,
they will accept it.
Of course, truth is what it is. It is unchangeable,
absolute; were it not so, it would not be 'truth'. It does not change because one chooses not
to accept it. You can believe that Abraham Lincoln was the first President, but
that does not change the truth that it was George Washington! GDL
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the
life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14 :6