Music in the Church

We left one church (we hadn't joined, but had been attending faithfully for one year) partly due to the music. One couple left our current church this past year over music. So, I thought I would talk about music in the church.

I think the words are the most important part of a song. If the words are not Scriptural, then the song should not be sung - end of story. But there are also songs that aren't unscriptural but are also not church worthy in my opinion. Songs that don't really have a message at all don't make sense to me! They are fine for a concert, but I don't think they should be part of a service.

I also think the instruments accompanying the song should be mellow enough to hear the words. I don't feel strongly that any one instrument shouldn't be allowed, but I feel that certain locations make instruments like the full drum sets unacceptable (small churches, etc).

The Bible does say we should bring a new song unto God, but I don't think we have to sing a new song every week. There is something to be said for singing a song again once you know it. Personally, I think it is easier to worship when I know the words and the melody so I don't have to worry about how to sing the song. But, I also don't want to sing the same songs every single week.

How do you feel about music in a church service?

Christmas

Is this the time of year Jesus was probably born? No. Does that mean we shouldn't celebrate His birth now? No. I believe (I could definitely be wrong) that is was during the time of Constantine that Christmas as we know it began. It was done to match a pagan holiday with the new Christian state religion. But, since we don't know for sure exactly when Christ was born (the Bible doesn't give a date specifically), why not celebrate it now?

Holiday comes from Holy Day. So, I don't have a huge problem with people saying Happy Holidays. But, I really don't like Seasons Greetings. The U.S. holiday is Christmas. So, why not call it that (especially after Hanukkah)?

Okay, back to the grind. Next week is the end of the term (so grading is CRAZY) and Sunday is my daughter's first birthday. Tomorrow is our church's holiday (Thanksgiving/Christmas) dinner, so I had to make some food for that today as well. It is definitely a busy time of the year!

Crowd Control

The family of the man killed by stampede into Wal-Mart filed a lawsuit against Wal-Mart and the shopping center. Could Wal-Mart have prevented the incident? Possibly. Are they responsible for this death legally? I don't think so.

Wal-Mart could find a way to have the doors open mechanically. I have been thinking of ways to do this, but I don't know if the "technology" is available for stores. I don't know of a store, etc that unlocks its door mechanically. So, I don't think it should be required.

Who is responsible for the death? The people that trampled him! Is a good buy that important that you will kill someone for it? I guess there are people out there they do, but I won't. Actually, I haven't gone shopping for anything except groceries since Thanksgiving. I will go out today, but I don't know how much I will buy. I am thinking of doing a lot of my buying online and having it shipped to my parents (where we will be spending Christmas) so I don't have to pack them!

What are your reactions to the stampede?