What is one of the biggest benefits of singing our theology? You tell me... I would submit that one of the most tangible benefits lies in music's impression on the memory.
How do children learn the alphabet? They sing their "A,B,C's"! Children memorize songs with amazing speed. But so do adults! How much of the day do you have a song running through your head? Sometimes it is a song you would love to get out of your head...how do you get rid of it? With a song you want in your head!
I think one of the most powerful ways to teach good theology lies in the singing of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. There is a reason Paul instructed the believers in Colosse to teach and admonish one another through congregational singing; it played an important roll in allowing the Word of Christ to dwell in them richly!
That in mind, I just came across a website by Mark Altrogge called Forever Grateful Music. He has written very simple songs intended specifically as an aid in Scripture memory. Now that's creative! And I think he has captured (conceptually) one of the great benefits of putting Scripture and biblical theology to music.
Help me out... What are the greatest benefits of singing Scripture and theology? How do we capitalize on that?
Poetry brings imagery to propositional truth and music takes the imagery to the heart (providing the music interfaces with the imagery). By interfacing I am not referring to the contemporary/traditional debate. I mean, for example, if a song imaginates things sad, heavy or majestic, a lilting style might not overlay well.
ReplyDeletePoetry and music help us understand what a truth looks like and can feel like. They bring vision and emotion to intellect. I rarely think of the theology of friendship without "hearing" the melody behind the words, "He's my friend and he is my brother, even though he is a king."
Interestingly, Ephesians 2:10 uses the Greek word which gives us "poem" when it describes us as God's "workmanship."
Singing Scripture and theology, especially when it causes or reinforces memory of Scripture, allows us to "think on what is true" and "always have an answer". I've found that when I have an edifying song or hymn in my head, my attitude toward others and life in general is much more God-honoring than when I don't. God has given us music to honor Him and help us focus our minds on His truths. The greatest need in this area is finding such music and choosing to incorporate it in our daily lives and ministry.
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