So I checking out GOP Vixen’s blog, as I often do, as she was talking about the Pope banning modern music in the Catholic church. According to a quote from the Daily Telegraph:

The Pope has demanded an end to electric guitars and modern music in church and a return to traditional choirs.

The Catholic Church has been experimenting with new ways of holding Mass to try to attract more people. The recital of Mass set to guitars has grown in popularity in Italy; in Spain it has been set to flamenco music; and in the United States the Electric Prunes produced a “psychedelic” album called Mass in F Minor.

However, the use of guitars and tambourines has irritated the Pope, who loves classical music. “It is possible to modernise holy music,” the Pope said, at a concert conducted by Domenico Bartolucci the director of music at the Sistine Chapel. “But it should not happen outside the traditional path of Gregorian chants or sacred polyphonic choral music.”

Now I do not agree with forming a church service around what will attract people but I so don’t agree with this and GOP Vixen’s analysis. First of all, what makes anyone decide what music is Godly and worshipful and what isn’t? Gregorian Chants and sacred polyphonic isn’t Biblical. As a matter of fact David used the harp and lyre. He even danced nearly naked (not something I practice personally) and it was pleasing to God. Others believed he was wrong but that judgement didn’t seem to effect God’s acceptance. I do understand that everyone doesn’t like the same worship styles but that doesn’t mean because you don’t like it, it isn’t godly.
But what worries me more is GOP Vixen’s analysis of Mass(sorry Bridge):

I have to say I’m with the pontiff on this one, though maybe not for the same reasons. Mass is about hard, uncomfortable pews, boring lectors and bad singing — and everybody knows Catholics are the worst singers. I find it rather off-putting to try to turn it into a hip social event, because everything has its place — go to Mass if you want to pray, go to Staples Center if you want a concert. The same theory with “Christian rock”: In my mind, there’s church music a la “Ave Maria,” and there’s rock music — and I don’t really care how and where rock artists worship.

This isn’t a new view. I have met many who believe that mass (and church) is a time to pay your dues. A kind of attitude that if you suffer through these things, God will have to let you into heaven (because that was the deal?). I haven’t found the verse that says the worse it is the better person you are or the better relationship you have with God. Maybe having a foreign experience at mass would just make it easier to leave God there. I have to say that I believe that Ave Maria is a beautiful piece. I sang part of it in junior high and I understand the jist but I don’t really know what it means. Worship is the out pouring of you heart. True you do worship in ways other than song but we are commanded to “make a joyful noise” (I can’t sing either). So, if your heart pours out in latin, great. Mine pours out a little different. Why would God consider mine any less?
I leave you all with something to contemplate. Worship is how you communicate love to your Lord and Savior. When I love, I love with all of me, musically as well as otherwise. Why lock God into one aspect of your musical taste and one aspect of you life as a whole. We are to continually be in prayer and communion. So if you like rock, get some with so glorifing lyrics. Spend a little time with God while you rock out. (If you are looking for recommendations, email me;)

*** A Couple of Notes
1) GOP Vixen has pointed out that this is not an official papal edict.
2) I have ammended that David danced naked. According to 2 Samuel 6:14 that he was wearing an ephod. In 2 Samuel 6:20 Michal accused David of disrobing and dancing. I was raised to mean he was in makeshift underwear. Others says it is more modest.