- Some may find it very confusing as to why the Church of Christ does not use instruments in worship. While obtaining a music degree from UT Knoxville I ran across an illuminating little book called Instrumental music in the worship : or, the Greek verb Psallo philologically and historically examined / by M. C. Kurfees, 1911. Kurfees essentially argues that psallo had evolved over time from meaning to pluck a beard, then to plucking of a stringed instrument, then to God plucking the “strings” of the human heart–we, after Christ, are now God’s instruments of worship. Apparently at the time of the Stone-Cambell movement the use of instrumental music in worship was hotly debated. Kurfees “made the very potent argument that if the use of mechanical instruments is included in the New Testament use of “psallo,” then no one could do what the Holy Spirit commands by using “psallo,” except by using mechanical instruments of music in Christian worship. The advocates of the use of instrumental music have never answered this argument, and, indeed, cannot answer it.”
- I have also heard that the COC, when deciding on the essentials of a worship service, simply thougth that instrumental music was not required to worship and was, therefore, excluded. Others say that instruments can be a distraction in worship.
- In conclusion, I do not think God is overly concerned–”Well, let’s see here…did you worship with or without instruments? Hmmm 2/3 of your life without and 1/3 with. I’m not sure what to do here. Holy Spirit?” “Yes!” “What was that you really meant by the Greek word psallo? I get so very confused each time someone makes an issue of this. Oh, yes, now I remember. The meaning changed over time. Well, well, where were we. Oh, now I remember. Let me see young man. Did you put your faith in Jesus? Good, good, good, good! You may enter, then based on His work on the cross. We’ll just let the music thing slide this time. Gives me a headache. Enjoy! Next.”
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