But with that said, some of the newer praise music has earned the 7-11 reputation (7 words repeated 11 times). Some would say there is nothing wrong with that. After all, some of the highest praise in Scripture makes use of repetition. They would point to a passage such as Isaiah 6:3 as an example: "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is filled with His glory." I would certainly agree that repetition has its place in our praise. And yet, I'm still prone to wonder if much of the modern praise music has become so repetitive and shallow because we've simply run out of anything to say. I have finished singing some worship songs and thought to myself, "Where's the beef?"
Say what you will about hymns, but I don't think that much of the modern verse captures the substance of some of those great songs. I was reminded of this recently when our minister of music, Mike Martin, led us in the singing of "Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me." Just consider the second stanza:
Not the labors of my hands
Can fulfill Thy laws demands.
These for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.
In my hand no price I bring,
Simply to thy cross I cling.
In that one stanza, man's sinfulness is confessed. The need for an atoning sacrifice is demonstrated. The worthless of man's works to make reconciliation with God is clearly seen. The truth of Jonah 2:9 is plainly professed: "Salvation is of the Lord" (Jonah 2:9).
I don't know about you, but when I sing a powerful hymn like that I'm not left wondering about "the beef." The substance is there. It all begs the question: Where did the hymn writers of yester-year get their substance from? From the same place the song writers of today can get theirs' - the precious, timeless, inerrant Word of God. What a day it will be when the worship of today is met with the power of God's Word and the leadership of His Spirit. Then we will finally have worship "in Spirit and truth" (John 4:23-24).
wow Todd, I completely agree w/you on most of this...Its kinda funny, my mother in law (74 yrs old) talks about those "7-11" songs too, I just hate to hear that, cuz she considers ALL contemporary songs to be that, but coming from a person thats been in a praise "band" and then to go back to our traditional choir is hard for me, I MISS the praise band feel, and the songs that go w/it...I like hymms too, dont get me wrong, but I feel like contemporary gets a bad rap sometimes, and really, that seems to be the MOST worshipful music to most people..thanks for this post! Ive never really heard it like this before!!
ReplyDeleteMelissa, please know I agree with you. One of my reservations in writing this particular post is that I didn't want to be misunderstood. I also LOVE much of the praise music we sing. In fact, I have to credit our Minister of Music because he is currently attempting to lead our worship in more of a "blended" direction. I think that's a very good thing.
ReplyDeleteIt's just unfortunate to me that some (not all) of the newer praise music has become so shallow and focused on us. I believe the greatest praise is that which takes the attention off us and places it on our Savior. My prayer is that the song-writers of today will crave God's Word. As they do, it will affect the music they write. When that happens, we won't be left wondering "where's the beef." :) Thanks for your comment!
I would say that only a few currently live to that "hymnal" status. Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman and possibly the lead singer of Third Day. Steven Curtis Chapmans could qualify, however, his are not necessarily in the hymn or praise fashion.
ReplyDeleteSam, I would agree about the other men you mentioned. Those who are still writing "beefy" music are still out there. They're just a little harder to find. Funny you should mention SCC - I just quoted his song "What About the Change" in my sermon last Sunday. I used it in the conclusion of my message. You can check it out here: http://www.gbcmorristown.com/Sermons/AM%20Service%20100926.mp3
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