Mike’s Musings …
Teaching Via Singing
This week’s THOUGHTS WORTH THINKING has a notable “theme” of “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” (Colossians 3:16). Gary Fiscus’ article is timely (and edited for space only) and relates changes to the several song books we have used in churches of Christ. In Gary’s last paragraph, he poses a matter of great concern, viz., the scriptural teaching of the words within the songs. It is to that matter we muse in this article.
Any knowledgeable Bible student would challenge any teacher of a Bible class, or any preacher of a sermon, who presents a point as agreeing with God’s word when it does not agree! Those of faith demand book, chapter, and verse for what we say and do (Colossians 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:21). Yet, when it comes to singing, “poetic license” somehow excuses the liberties used by the author. Just how much “liberty” are we permitted in teaching God’s truth? Just because we like the tune/melody does not justify the speaking of falsehoods!
A wise teacher of song leading insisted his students first READ THE LYRICS and study them! If they were unscriptural, or even if they left a wrong impression of God’s truth, he had his students mark that verse or, at times, entire songs as “Do Not Sing.” He had no desire to teach false doctrine through singing! Likewise, any song leader, and for that matter, any CHRISTIAN should first READ THE LYRICS, and if you find them disagreeing with God’s word, DO NOT SING IT!
Tunes/melodies teach nothing – words do! That is why we must sing with the spirit and understanding also (1 Corinthians 14:15). I muse on that reality, and ponder why so many proclaim, “I like that song,” meaning, “I like that melody,” when in fact, they NEED to read the words! We teach as we sing! Let us be sure to teach GOD’S truth, and not merely a song we think has a catchy tune!