Music and Lyrics

I saw [and shared] a quote that caught my eye this morning . . . it said. . . .

"SHOW ME A CHURCH'S SONGS AND I WILL SHOW YOU THEIR THEOLOGY" - Gordon Fee.

Now honestly, I have never heard of Gordon Fee [and I am pretty sure he has never heard of me], that being said just because I am quoting a quote of his doesn't mean I endorse him nor that he endorses me.... it was just a really profound quote that summed up something I have pondered and felt for a while but struggled to put into words.

You see music is incredibly powerful. It has the power to stir the emotions and shape the mind or identity. Often when we look at a generation and the identity of that generation [the hippie 60's, the free loving 70's ...the rebellious rockers etc.] There is a strong link between popular music and the identity that generation or group of people hold. 

So what music is prominent in your church? Do you realize how much that music shaping your beliefs and your identity? I grew up in a youth group where a lot of the songs sung were about being the chosen generation, going to the nations, being a warrior for Christ. And that is what the majority became and did. Majority of that youth group went to nations on missions and pursued full time ministry. It was not just preached from the pulpit but it was deeply ingrained and reinforced through the song choice. You began to live, eat, sleep, breath it. Hum it subconsciously.  It helped form our group identity.

Take a moment and listen in on a Sunday or two. What are the songs about? How many of them are about God? and about loving and honouring God? How many are about stirring us up to a specific theology? calling? religious mindset that is trending at the moment? ourselves?

That is why this quote really struck home. . . because its true. . . its almost like the songs a church sings are the mirror to the heartbeat of the church.

Just some food for thought.