Interesting reads here and there.
First, check out the discussion on Secondary Separation over at Faith and Practice. The conversation is primarily between Dave Doran of Inter-city Baptist Church and Nate Businitz of Grace Community Church, assistant to John MacArthur. I know both of these men and admire them both. Both have more intelligence in their nail clippings than I have in my entire body, and they are both very gracious. There are also some other good contributions in that discussion from both sides from thoughtful people. There’s even an appearance (is this a surprize?) from the ubiquitous Don Johnson.
Second, Pat Berryman is musing outloud about the practise of applause in church. Though many conservative churches actually refuse to stoop to the heinous practice of clapping our hands together, we have our own form of applause: the hearty “amen.”
Finally, my old friend Brian McCrorie is daring to speak up to the intimidating and condescending aesthetic gestapo (or musical KJV-only-ists) with a rational, balanced, well-worded two-part article on aesthetics in music.
Brian is a first-class musician. Oustanding pianist. When we were in college he and I would play duets together. He outclassed me in every way, but I was just good enough at the time to hang in there with him as his supporting cast while he dazzled the crowd with his flair and flourish.
I think what Brian is trying to do is to articulate thoughts on music that support the necessary strong resistance to the cheap, contemporary Christian music that is flooding churches today while simultaneously resisting the elitist, high-church, musical sectarianism that is, in complete contrast to what its proponents believe, eroding a proper understanding of worship. Brian calls for charitable reflection, humble balance, and the conscientious resolve to allow blurry lines. (As I read him anyway).
One more thing: Chris Anderson’s city was flooded. It provoked discussion on how the local church could (should?) respond in a times of crisis. I added my two cents to Anderson’s two. That makes four! Might want to check it out!
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