CLAPPING IN THE CHURCH/

CLAPPING IN THE CHURCH/ WORSHIP OR THEATRICS?

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September 9, 1998 (Fundamental Baptist Information Service, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061-0368, fbns@wayoflife.org) - The following important statement is by Gordon Sears, author of the 1998 book Apostasy and Deception in Christian Music (Songfest, P.O. Box 182, Coldwater, MI 49036) --

"Forty years ago the music of the church was distinctively different from the music of the night club. Even the ungodly person could identify a hymn of the church back then. Today's contemporary Christian music makes no distinction between Christian and non-Christian. The decline in moral and spiritual values in our country has left its toll on the church, where many seem to have no discernment in determining what is holy and what is profane anymore.. ‘Give the Lord a hand!’ they say. Is it not theatrics when Christian singers strut around like a Frank Sinatra or some other pop singer, with microphone in hand and copying all the gestures and professionalism of the Hollywood crowd? Since music is an essential part of Christian worship, contemporary music--with it's sensual sound and style, which demands and encourages applause--lands a devastating blow to true worship and the spiritual life of the church."