There is a large group of Christians today that believes this misconception that worship is the words. There is a constant battle in my church between the people who believe this and those who realize that perhaps the music adds something to the worship experience. This battle is carried out by the sound-men as they either try and mix all the sounds, which usually ends up creating an unpleasant sound for all parties involved.
First, let's look at what words actually are. Words are a social construct that we use to express thoughts. Worship is a thought, or impulse that we seek to release somehow, language is the most natural, easiest way to express ourselves. But is that the only way in which we can express ourselves? There are a huge array of media which humans can use to communicate or express their thoughts. Classical music is especially good at telling a story without words. A well written song can actually produce a visual image in the mind of the listener, it communicates a message by virtue of the notes alone.
What would happen, I wonder if Christian songwriters began to write songs that told a story of praise and thanksgiving to God that used a combination of words and music to worship. What if maybe, just maybe, the music itself became just as much a part of the worship experience as the words. Who are we to say that the music isn't as glorifying as the words? Scripture says to "make a joyful noise unto the Lord" a joyful noise does not mean "words".
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