Writing Intelligent Music
At first, I was put off when McClaren called me “Egypt of modernity” (Para 1) as though all that my world has to offer to real thinkers is enslavement and oppression. I realize that he is coming from a position of revolution, however, and is attempting to throw off what is useless, not throw off me (hopefully). I must admit, that I agreed with much of what both writers had to say about writing music. I think they have illuminated what makes praise and worship music trite, especially the “me, me, me” problem. As I look at what songs are accepted for new hymnals, they are pieces that are singable and playable by all kinds of church musicians. Many new pieces only sound good when played by a praise band, and feel contrived when played in a church with only a pianist. I especially liked his suggestions for new lyrics, about eschatology, missions, God’s character, and human pain. Can Christians handle music with themes about real issues and problems? Can we “worship” in brokenness and humbleness?
I totally believe that Christians can worship through brokenness and humbleness. Actually it’s the times where I’m going through pain that I’m able to pour out the most in worship. It’s kind of like the song “Heart of worship”
“I’m coming back to the heart of worship
And it’s all about you, its all about you Jesus
I’m sorry Lord for the things I’ve made it
When it’s all about you, its all about you Jesus”
Through the times of pain from the issues I face in culture today where I seem to be at life’s lowest my worship has no other choice but to go up., because that’s when I am desperate for the need of my savior. So yes again I believe Christians can worship through brokenness sometimes it’s actually when their worship is for- real
His comments halfway implied that there are no songs that reflect pain and suffering in the modern canon of worship songs. I am sure there are some, but right now I cannot think of any. So, obviously, there need to be more, or it wouldn’t be so hard. Can Christians worship through brokenness sometimes? I sincerely say yes. Some of the worst pain I ever experienced was when I feared that I had misunderstood God’s plan of salvation and was spiritually dead and bound for eternal torment. In the midst of that excruciating mental pain, however, I found immense comfort one day when I discovered I could say without reservation, “God, you are good.” This simple act of worship flowed naturally and was made even more sincere by the fact that it came during a time of brokenness.