Hi Everyone... It has been a LONG time for me (about the time E. Lee got banned). As an aside, pertaining to a recent thread, I do have some ideas of why participation in this board has seriously declined. And, I may share them if I get the energy.

Anyway, my job (selling vintage prints) gives me opportunity to come across a lot of interesting articles. This past week I found one titled, "Church Music in America". This was written in April, 1879. I have not had time to read the entire thing... but found some portions that I did read interesting in light of the current New Style v/s Old Style music controversy going on in the churches. I personally did not realize that this has been an on-going battle for years and years.... (Keep in mind the following was written in 1879.)

The opening sentence says, "There is probably no question growing out of the relation of the churches to those who worship in them so full of embarrassment and perplexity, so constant in demanding an intelligent answer, and yet so difficult of solution, as that of the proper form of music to be used."

Another paragraph states, "The fault with the most of our present hymnal music is that it does not correspond to the sentiments of the age." I think I heard someone say that in a recent congregational meeting!!! :-)

-- Anonymous, January 20, 2003

Answers

Hey Robin,

Good to see you're back. Were you lurking or what took so long? As for your thoughts as to what has happened, just look over the last several topics and you'll find your answer. Anyway, good to hear from someone.

God bless, Scott

-- Anonymous, January 28, 2003

Hey!

No, I wasn't lurking. I didn't have the Password. After E. Lee was removed (when the password took affect), I and a few others were "left out" of the process to get back on (because of our support for E. Lee). I emailed several times, as did others, but without response. So, I gave up and hadn't checked in for a very long time (about 1 year). However, I was doing some research and wanted to be able to at least look into the archive. I emailed Danny asking for the password... and, I believe because so much time had passed and because the board was Much Slower than before, he gave it to me.

I'm not sure what you mean by looking at the last few posts to see why participation has wanned. Unless, you mean the topics aren't of general interest.

When a bunch of censoring (of words and people) took place and the Password was added, I predicted (to wife and self) that the board would greatly taper off... perhaps into oblivion.

Perhaps, it will slowly rebuild into something like it was previously, which I Really enjoyed. I was able to learn a Bunch from many people.

Take Care!

-- Anonymous, February 02, 2003

E. Lee got banned?!? I HAVE been gone for awhile! What happened? Why? Did the debate he wanted ever take place?

-- Anonymous, February 12, 2003

Hi Benjamin!

Yes, you must have been gone a while!! E. Lee was 'banned' (not given a password when it went into effect) because *some* deemed his repsonses to be more contentious than helpful. Personally, I miss his unwaivering support for the truth concerning baptism and the gospel.

No, The Debate never took place... plans were in the making when he was shut out.

Nice to hear from you....

-- Anonymous, February 12, 2003

Robin;

I wanted to weigh in about your statements concerning E. Lee. First, E. Lee was not at fault with his "unwavoring support" of most doctrinal issues. Most of us were in agreement with him.

The problem lied in that not only did he give us his opinions, but also his pejoratives and very wordy diatribes. Often they were very contentious. From my point of view, none of that was necessary. I would have no problem with E. Lee, if he can talk WITH us and not AT us.

And as for the debate, I pulled out because there was no middle ground with the man as to how it was to take place. He would only tell his position in his format or not at all. For this many advised it was a waste of time. So I backed out, I did not need his many words and/or ridicule.

-- Anonymous, February 12, 2003

Having never replied to the topic of this thread, I give my 2 cents.

The church I serve has no care which type of music is used as long as it is praiseworthy for the whole. Since coming here, we have use of keyboard that plays MIDIs. We have a plethora of music available to hymns, praise songs and chorus. We sing accompanied by organ and / or piano, full or partial instrumentation, or guitar among our choices. We also sing acappella from time to time. In the year that I have been here, only one song has been objected to as it sounded more like a fire drill than a song to worship and praise God. As it was not praiseworthy we will no longer use that tune.

We are blessed in having a church family that music is not a battle ground. It is amazing that the debate of traditional vs contemporary has been going on for as long as Robin documented it. But for us, there are many that want the hymns, and many that want the praise songs, but the whole want to worship God together.

We have a blend of both in each service, so that all may have something to relate to.

We will sing acappela from to time but we have no problem with instruments. To the instrument issue I add this. The Bible is God's one and only true word. When David sang before God, God never condemned him for his use of instruments. The New Testament says that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. Therefore, if he did not condemn David, and he could have, he does not condemn us if we choose to worship him with an instrument.

-- Anonymous, February 12, 2003