Mr. Rendelman’s column “Christianity’s musical mess” (Newberry Observer Nov. 13, 2009) provides his provocative, albeit confusing, account of the function of music in Christian service. His apparent familiarity with the history of music in church service is impressive although as he does not address a specific congregation, other than his seeming preference for lay ministry, one is led to wonder what disciplines he finds in fault.

Churches addressing the better angels of our nature have since their beginning aimed to discover, showcase and indeed promote all the arts, music being that great soul speak that I would not want to live without. Varying kinds of quality painting, literature, poetry, architecture, drama and most certainly- music, can and often do speak the gospel without contentious conflict.

Whether we join a congregation in vocal praise with music or listen to one gifted with talent and training in solo, be it rap, cymbals or dancers, God knows, understands and indeed takes note of the intent. Your writer feels that reaching down as well as out and up is important to keep alive and promote the glory of the gospel whereas singing, preaching and praising aimed at only pleasing the congregation seems a dereliction of duty with the easy play of feedback confirmation rather than the hazardous business of instructive confrontation.



Jim Livingston

Newberry