Being a former student of Florida College and knowing a good number of people who have an affinity to the school, I thought it was important to pass along this article about the troubling practice of the Florida College Chorus performing religious songs.
The performance of these types of songs by the Chorus is nothing new. But the announcement for this year’s tour indicated that “songs, narrations, and scripture readings focusing on the death and resurrection of Jesus” would be included in the performance. During the two years I attended Florida College, I never attended a Chorus concert (even then, I was uncomfortable with these religious songs being performed as entertainment). Shortly after leaving the school, I reluctantly agreed to attend one of these performances when the Chorus came to town on their tour — perhaps I would see my concerns were unfounded (I learned they were not). But I do not remember “narrations and scripture readings” being part of the performance. This appears to be one more step away from the New Testament pattern and toward a pattern of denominational-styled worship experiences.
Below is an excerpt from the article:
Supporters say that the chorus performance does not constitute worship. I agree, provided that they are singing non-spiritual songs. However, songs focusing on the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus are indeed spiritual songs! Singing such songs for the purpose of entertainment [or commerce] constitutes a profaning of holy things, and takes God’s name in vain. By singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs one obligates himself to the rules that have been divinely attached to their use. The Hebrew writer said, “Through Him then let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips that acknowledge His name” (Heb. 13:15). The fruit of the lips, offered either by spiritual song or gospel instruction, constitutes “praise to God,” and must not be practiced for other reasons. (Tim Haile, Bible Banner)
If you are one who is familiar with Florida College, I strongly encourage you to carefully consider the observations and teachings in this article. Even if you are unfamiliar with Florida College, or have no tie to the school or those associated with it, you will still find some valuable instruction in this article about Bible authority, worship, and the sacredness of the gospel.
Here is the link to the article: Some Reflections on the 2011 Florida College Chorus Tour (PDF).
12 Comments »
Tim’s article is well-thought out and well-articulated. I have been uneasy about the “performance” of hymns and spiritual songs for some time. I guess I would take it a step further to being concerned with and emphasizing our enjoyment of elaborate or “different” musical renditions in worship. I sometimes wonder to what extent we “enjoy” hearing others sing — emphasis on what we enjoy and what we need for God to hear.
Comment by Eva Sochor – March 26, 2011
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.” Mat7:13 I think it is time for the “Churches of Christ” to start to practice this verse! Churches of Christ of all the different sects [non-institutional; institutional; one-cup; no Sunday school and all the rest of them] DO NOT enter in at the NARROW GATE! They try to build the gate and construct the road! The CoC enter a broad gate and wide road [with dozens of forks in the road]with their members having to choose between forks on every conceivable doctrine and thought till they come to the last fork possible?? then their sect proclaims they are on the narrow road [if it was not such a serious matter I would LOL]! The Lord Jesus Christ said the NARROW GATE is already THERE just enter through it He did not say a word about building a GATE or ROAD! When you enter the NARROW GATE you enter Christ’s KINGDOM a spiritual Kingdom [not of this world] by faith accepting God’s grace [a spiritual act on our part]. PLEASE THINK ON THIS WHY WOULD GOD REQUIRE A BURIAL IN WATER OF THE PHYSICAL BODY [BAPTISM] IN ORDER FOR OUR SPIRIT TO ENTER A SPIRITUAL KINGDOM!!
Comment by Dan Dillon – March 26, 2011
Dan, I agree with part of what you said. We cannot construct our own gate or pave our own road. We must follow the path that Christ has left for us. That path is not hidden, or indiscernible, but is clearly shown to us in the Scriptures. This is why Timothy was told, “Retain the standard of sound words” (2 Timothy 1:13). To depart from this pattern is to follow the broad way, thus jeopardizing our souls. This is why we contend for the faith, even in matters in which our own brethren are in error.
As to your question about baptism, the New Testament clearly teaches that baptism is necessary for salvation (Mark 16:16; John 3:3,5; Acts 2:38,41,47; Acts 22:16; Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:27). In fact, Peter very plainly states, “baptism now saves you” (1 Peter 3:21). I don’t question why God requires this or anything else, I simply accept His word by faith. I encourage you to do the same.
Comment by Andy Sochor – March 26, 2011
I wonder who gets to decide what is entertainment vs worship, and what God would consider worship.
Comment by peter – March 29, 2011
Worship is that which is directed toward God. Entertainment is that which pleases the audience. The way God instructs us to sing spiritual songs, there shouldn’t even be an audience, because we are to speak to one another (Ephesians 5:19).
Comment by Andy Sochor – March 31, 2011
In the article as well as the comments,we read the words uncomfortable,reluctantly agreed,and uneasy.If something violates your conscience Paul tells us not to do it.It could be alright in of itself but,if you think its wrong and participate,you sin(Rom.14:23).Sacred Selections is not going to be one of the books open on the last day.This is no different than playing a piano and at the same time singing “How Great Thou Art”at home.Notice the spelling..HOME…..CHURCH….Two different places.If it is “offered” as worship at home,on a stage with a chorus singing,then there is a problem.Worship has a start time and a finish time.Entertainment seems to go on all the time.
Comment by Jeff – April 26, 2011
Jeff, the differences in the spelling of ‘home’ and ‘church’ are noted. Now, which of those words appear in the following verses:
“Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19).
“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16).
Where in those verses (or the surrounding verses) is there any mention of a church assembly? Neither the church nor the home are singled out. These verses address the singing of spiritual songs when two or more are together (”to one another”). This could be in a church assembly, in a home, or other places. These verses do not establish a rule based upon the PLACE where singing is done, but on the TYPE of songs being sung (psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs). Therefore, when we sing these types of songs, we are bound to the rules set forth in these verses.
Comment by Andy Sochor – April 26, 2011
Andy, Good point.I noted the place for the purpose of distinction.We can do something at home that is like we do at the assembly but is not offered the same way.Pass the grape juice,please.I don’t think its the type of song that is the issue but how it is “offered”..Are they being “offered “as worship to God?Can we listen to someone else sing or play them for our own enjoyment?Can I sing them with or to my family for our own enjoyment? Are you saying that when these songs are sang they are automatically put in the”for God only and we have rules mode”?If “type” of songs being sung is the issue,we are going to need the list of songs that are out there that are bound by the rule.Need to be careful,some out there think everything we do is worship.
Comment by Jeff – April 27, 2011
Jeff, if a song fits in the category of “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs,” then it is bound by the rule found in the above verses. I can find no Biblical exception to the rule for these types of songs when they are sung in a home, in a chorus performance, for our own enjoyment, etc.
If we’re singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, we need to sing them the way the New Testament authorizes. If we want to perform in a chorus, sing along with instruments, or sing for our own enjoyment, we can sing non-religious songs.
Comment by Andy Sochor – April 27, 2011
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Pingback by Plain Bible Teaching » Top 5 Articles on Plain Bible Teaching in 2011 – December 29, 2011
I think that Colossians 3:17 would come in play here, we need authority on all that we do if we want to be pleasing to our God, Hebrews 11:6, if we sing praises to our Lord at home it better be the way we sing praises to Him in the assembly.
Carlos Raymer
Comment by Carlos Raymer – December 30, 2011
I think you’re exactly right, Carlos.
Comment by Andy Sochor – December 30, 2011
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