Old vs. New -- An Unnecessary and Divisive Debate

In the July 24, 2008, edition of the Louisiana Baptist Message, Chester A. Peyronnin, Jr. of New Orleans wrote a letter to the editor decrying the use of contemporary music in church service. Peyronnin posited that Baptists had formerly been known as a singing religion, but now they seem to be a chanting congregation.

I can appreciate much of what Mr. Peyronnin wrote concerning his preference to old hymns to new music. Without a doubt, we have enjoyed a rich heritage of great hymns. I have also come to appreciate them greatly. However, our personal preferences should not give rise to a spirit of division. Hopefully my own letter won’t cause more division.

The letter suggested that new music makes use of “repeated phrases.” But we should also note that many of our old favorites include repeated choruses. So it appears that the choice of old hymns or new music comes down to preference. Whether our music expressions are aided with keyboard instruments like pianos and organs or whether we add guitars, drums, horns, or other instruments to them is also a matter of preference.

It may not be practical where Mr. Peyronnin attends church to have two services as we have at our church. We have found many advantages in this approach. Having multiple services gives attenders to have choices in music styles. In our particular congregation, we include hymns in our contemporary services and newer songs in our more traditional services. We do so because we value the theology and heritage of the older hymns, and we are grateful for the contributions of modern song writers such as Michael W. Smith, Chris Tomlin, and others. In a congregation where it’s not practical to have more than one service, it is possible to utilize a variety of music styles in a blended format.

Baptists as well as other groups have historically utilized their “cultural sounds” in expressing worship to God. I have worshiped in many churches. Some have been small, and others have been large. The styles of music have varied from traditional to gospel to contemporary. There have been times when a full orchestra accompanied a large choir. I have also been blessed to sing along as a contemporary band led worship. I have worshiped with our Hispanic congregation as they used guitars and tambourines and with a church in Nigeria as they used drums and gourds and sang words in languages I could not understand. But no matter the language or the style, I could worship the great and living God.

I would urge us not to permit a spirit of division arise among us on this central issue. Yes, worship is to God, but it is also for people. Let’s not allow personal preference cause divisions in our churches.

Will It Ever Be Finished?

Ever since I lived in Mandeville, there's been a highway widening project on the books. In fact, I was told that U.S. Hwy. 190 needed to be widened back in the early 1980s. However, a lack of financial resources always seemed to push this needed project back.

About six months prior to Hurricane Katrina (this storm has become a significant date from which we've come measure time), the road-widening project began with tree-cutting and utilities relocation. Now, more than three years later, people in our community have dealt with detours, bumpy roads, construction equipment, traffic delays, entrances to businesses blocked, dust, and generally a big mess until they really don't believe it will ever end.

No doubt, the task of widening a two-lane highway into a four- and five-lane thoroughfare has not been easy for either the construction workers or those who must use the highway regularly. This road literally is the main artery for our community, so we've all been affected.

I've been told that the project should be completed by November. I'm hoping for earlier! The inconvenience has affected businesses up and down this corridor. I'm fearful that some businesses will be forced to close. Our church's attendance has been affected by mess. We have, however, seen more people come check us out since the focus of the construction has moved away from our entrances.

I suppose that we should look forward to our situation improving soon. I'm glad that the road is finaly getting widened. It was desperately needed, and the only reason it was finally started is because it was so desperately needed. That a metaphor for life -- though many know that they need to do something about their relationship with God, they don't do anything about it until they are desperate. Unfortunately, that can be too late.