Worship Wars Summary

The book ‘Worship Wars – What the Bible says about Worship Music’ gives a balanced look at an issue that many Christians are either far to the left, or far to the right in their stance. Dr. Bakss brings out many Biblical truths that exposes the lack of substance behind some principles of music being widely taught & preached in many Christian circles. Overall this was a very informative and thought provoking book. Dr. Bakss starts by introducing what is the cause of all the ‘worship wars’ we see between churches. “The issue surrounding the worship wars has been over the use of contemporary music, traditional tribal music or any other kind of music that could be distinguished from what is formally known as “sacred music” in the western tradition of church worship. The genres of rock, as well as what is now usually known as “praise and worship” music, have been the main areas of contention. In addition, the choice of instruments, the vocal technique, the volume, the origin of the genre and the
character of the typical performer of these contemporary styles have been promoted by those on one side of the issue, and demonized by those on the other.” (Bakss, R., ‘Worship Wars’ pg. 5-6) In the first chapter of the book we see the focus is on seeing that the purpose of worship is God, it is not about us. Only God is worthy of our worship. And when it comes to worship music, God is our focus and purpose in this too. JOY – Page 2
The book continues with showing us how there has always been opposition to change of music styles in the church.
In the 1700s many of our beloved hymns were questioned for being to worldly. These ‘worship wars’ have been fought for centuries. From this foundation, Dr. Bakss uses Scripture and sound reasoning to show how God is to be centre of our worship music. Dr. Bakss explains that worship music should exalt the Lord and glorify Him (Psalm 21:13); worship music should edify one another (Colossians 3:16); worship music should educate our minds (Deuteronomy 31:19); worship music should engage our hearts to hear from God (Psalm 108:1); worship music should exhort us to serve God (Ezekiel 33:32); and worship music can be used to evangelise the lost (Psalm 40:3). Many may criticize changing music styles and accuse it as being ‘seeker sensitive’ but as the book further explains Paul compromised to reach others, without compromising the gospel (1 Corinthians
9:22). Music styles have changed over time, and it continues to do so around us. Some churches however have not changed music styles since the 70s it seems. Whilst this may be a preference for their people, it can be hard for new visitors or new believers to relate to that music style. And one of the goals of the church is to reach the lost. Bakss explains how some believe certain backbeats are wrong, or that certain music types are moral or immoral, but he explains that the music itself is amoral. It is once the words are added that the music becomes moral or immoral. Sure certain music styles can remind us of certain things from our

JOY – Page 3 past or activities that are associated with them, but that is what we have placed upon it from our own experiences or pre-suppositions.
Is music style a preference or doctrinal conviction? We see it is not the person who wrote the song or the style that it was written in that is important, but the heart of the worshipper who sings it to the Lord. If the song is doctrinally correct, and fulfills its purpose of lifting our hearts in praise and worship to the Lord, that is appropriate worship music. Individual preferences with the types of instruments used or the way the service is led will be different in each church, but when those preferences become the law is when we get into trouble. We don’t have a list of yes and no’s in the Bible when it comes to worship music. “Paul set aside many personal preferences and became all things to all people in order to reach them with the gospel.” Dr, Bakss continues with “I believe we need to follow Paul’s example, not just for the sake of reaching the lost, but also in the quest of ‘Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace’ (Ephesians 4:3) If my brother has a variance in his music standard, I don’t have to embrace his personal preferences as my own. But neither do I need to separate from him in order to keep my standing pure before God.” (Bakss, R., ‘Worship Wars’ pg. 153) Is preaching more important than praising God? Dr. Bakss explains how they are equally important for believers in the church. The longest book in the Bible is the Psalms, which are Hebrew songs. We were made to praise the Lord, and our time of praise & worship to the Lord is just as important as our time in God’s Word. We worship the Lord through our singing, focusing

JOY – Page 4 on Him, and then we are fed through His Word, focusing on our need for His guidance & help. Dr. Bakss provides some Biblical guidelines for selecting worship music. Which include: ‘The Message Test’ – does the message of the worship song teach & admonish sound Bible truth? ‘The Motive Test’ – Is the worship music God centred or man-centred? ‘The Marked Test’ – Does the song unnecessarily idenitify with things, actions or people that are contrary to Christianity? ‘The Mood Test’ – Emotions without genuine conviction quickly subside. “Pure praiseworthy music will stir the emotions to love and worship God with all our heart, soul, mind & body.” (Bakss, R., ‘Worship Wars’ pg. 227) ‘The Music Test’ – Is the song singable? The book finishes off with some testimonies and practical policies that can be used in a church situation to help with the worship song time. I found many points raised in this book to be very helpful. I would recommend it to others to read. Balance is required in all areas of life, and I think this book dealt with the issues surrounding worship music styles and preferences in a very balanced way.