I'm not talking about the sappy, cheesy praise songs that you could replace "Jesus" with "romantic interest" and sing without missing a beat. I'm talking about those good ol' hymns and theologically-sound praise songs that have the power to move the soul. Now that's good music. Here's what Martin Luther had to say about people who don't like praise music (from Kenneth Osbeck's 101 Hymn Stoires, page 14,):
"If any man despises music, as all fanatics do, for him I have no liking (ouch, kind of harsh, don't you think? But Luther goes on to explain why he feels so strongly.) For music is a gift and grace of God, not an invention of men. Thus it drives out the devil and makes people cheerful. Then one forgets all wrath, impurity, and other devices."
If you're not convinced of Luther's love and commitment to praise music, here's one more quote from him from the same book, same page:
"I wish to compose sacred hymns so that the Word of God may dwell among the people also by means of song."
One can't help but admire such a lofty goal. Would this be the desire of every praise leader.
And since I've been pulling quotes from this book, it's only fair that I give some props to the author, Mr. Kenneth Osbeck. What a great little book to read. It combines my love for Christ, music, AND history into a wonderful book. Go check it out.
