There has always been an intimate relation between the saving acts of God, and liturgical music; namely, the former gives impetus to the latter. The recognition by Israel that their deliverance from the Egyptians, and the song that resulted was temporary produced the hope that pushed their ecclesial life forward. Although Christian faith possesses more in the form of realized hope, especially in the Eucharist and the other sacraments, hope is still quite vital on this side of the veil.
The Holy Spirit produces in the redeemed the songs of Heaven. The ancient Greeks had been aware of the power of music, to either elevate, or to denigrate man. Without going into an extended discussion of sacred music itself, the Christian community had been aware from the earliest days of the potential danger in the art form. Indeed, heresies were transmitted through Greek hymn forms.
So, one of the regulating influences for the Church is the biblical story, centered on Christ, the Word, (Logos) the summation of all reason. There is a sobriety in our liturgical music, or there ought to be, owing to Him we worship, and the purpose for which we come together.
The Holy Spirit produces in the redeemed the songs of Heaven. The ancient Greeks had been aware of the power of music, to either elevate, or to denigrate man. Without going into an extended discussion of sacred music itself, the Christian community had been aware from the earliest days of the potential danger in the art form. Indeed, heresies were transmitted through Greek hymn forms.
So, one of the regulating influences for the Church is the biblical story, centered on Christ, the Word, (Logos) the summation of all reason. There is a sobriety in our liturgical music, or there ought to be, owing to Him we worship, and the purpose for which we come together.
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