Music Theology or Music Theory?

Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely. Psalm 147:1

Many Christians, and even many pastors, believe that unless they have formal training in music theory, they cannot possibly be qualified to offer any definitive or authoritative teaching on the subject of music. Often this feeling comes from a genuine sense of humility due to a personal lack of musical training or ability. But this feeling is frequently exacerbated by the writings and teachings of music “experts” who tell us that without proper music theory training we cannot possibly be qualified to address this complicated issue. We need to remember that most people, even the majority of the people who sing and play the instruments in our churches, are not formally trained in music theory. So, are you qualified to speak and teach on music without formal music theory training?

Music theory is the study of the science and structure of music. You might be thinking, “Just how complicated can it be? You stand up, sing out, and sit down. That’s not so tough.” Well, music theory is a bit more complicated and mathematical than you might imagine. Let me be very honest, right up-front: I have sung Gospel music all of my life, and I don’t understand a lot of music theory. But the good news is the Bible never says you have to understand music theory to speak or teach on music.

The word, theology, refers to the study of God. When we speak of music theology, we are speaking of the study of what God says about music. What God says in His Word is infinitely more important than what any “expert” in music theory could ever say. To put it succinctly, music theology trumps music theory every time. You are most qualified to speak on the subject of music when you say what God says, regardless of what the “experts” say.

David is the individual in the Bible whom God used to write more music than any other Bible character. Of course, we understand that the Holy Spirit of God inspired all the Psalms of Scripture that David penned. However, from a practical perspective, the Bible never indicates that David had a passionate knowledge and understanding of music theory and God used him to write the majority of the Psalms. Rather, Scripture indicates that David had a passionate heart for God and that music flowed out from his heart through the prism of a right theology of Who God is. More than a concern for “right music theory,” David had a right heart for God coupled with right theology about God.

Preachers, let us remember this basic law of hermeneutics: "When the plain sense of Scripture makes common sense, seek no other sense." When it comes to music, let the clear teachings of Scripture guide you.

Obviously, there is neither the time nor space to present an in-depth study of music theology here. But what are some basic biblical teachings regarding music? Let’s consider just a few:

1. Christian music should frequently convey joy.

“O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.” Psalm 95:1, 2

“Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.” Psalm 100:1

Christian music is not somehow more spiritual just because it makes you feel somber and serious. There is a God-given need in the heart of man for joyful music that praises God.

2. Christian music, at times, should be loud and enthusiastic in its praise.

“Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.” Psalm 32:11

“Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.” Psalm 98:4

Christian music ought to put joy in your heart, a smile on your face, and a spring in your step. As Christians, we ought to sing praise to God from the bottom of our hearts at the top of our lungs! God is telling us to rejoice and be glad as we praise Him in song.

3. Christian music, at times, should be quiet and meditative.

“Be still and know that I am God…” Psalm 46:10

There are times when we need to pull back from the frantic pace and wholesome “noise” of ministry to just be still and renew our heart.

4. Christian music ought to utilize a variety of instrumentation.

In the book of Psalms, we find everything from horns, various stringed instruments, woodwinds, and percussion. Let’s encourage our people to develop and use their musical talents for the Lord! (Psalm 150)

5. Christian music ought to encourage and emphasize the skilled use of instrumental and vocal ability.

“Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise.” Psalm 33:3

As you study and teach on the important topic of Christian music, let me remind you once more that music theology trumps music theory every time. Don’t ever let someone presume to silence you on the subject of Christian music with their knowledge of music theory and their classical training in music. Just use the Book and keep referring back to Scriptures. You’ll learn more about God’s heart and purpose for music through the intelligent study of Scripture than you ever will from an intellectual scholar who claims to be an “expert” on the subject of proper Christian music. Music theory can perhaps help you in defining your philosophy of music, but your theology of music needs to be rooted and grounded firmly in the Scriptures.