Author Topic: Music - sinful waste of time? (Read 3099 times)

Vladimir · « **on:** April 20, 2011, 06:15:32 PM »

I was reading a book on the history of western music and it appears that many of the early Church fathers were of the opinion that music (particularly instrumental music) that was not used for liturgical/worship purposes was a waste of time and venially sinful. St. John Chrysostom also criticized elaborate instrumental music used for weddings.

Has this view changed?

Catholic Samurai · « **Reply #1 on:** April 20, 2011, 06:43:29 PM »

Considering we've had organs in the Church for quite a while, and Chant even longer, I'd say yes.

PartyIsOver221 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 20, 2011, 06:45:20 PM »

Interesting post, the timing of it.

I was just listening to some Motley crue on youtube, no video on screen just music, and I felt that it was a waste of time though the beat was catchy. Low and behold, I go to the browser to view the video for one second, and its their album cover of headshot of Baal (or whoever the horned goat devil depiction is) with a "Crue" on his forehead.

Music is evil, usually.

Matthew · « **Reply #3 on:** April 20, 2011, 06:47:52 PM »

Quote from: PartyIsOver221

Interesting post, the timing of it.

I was just listening to some Motley crue on youtube, no video on screen just music, and I felt that it was a waste of time though the beat was catchy. Low and behold, I go to the browser to view the video for one second, and its their album cover of headshot of Baal (or whoever the horned goat devil depiction is) with a "Crue" on his forehead.

Music is evil, usually.

If that's what you consider music, then hell yes it is!

Vladimir · « **Reply #4 on:** April 20, 2011, 07:16:20 PM »

Quote from: Catholic Samurai

Considering we've had organs in the Church for quite a while, and Chant even longer, I'd say yes.

Chant evidently falls within the use of vocal music to praise God.

I'm not referring to popular music either.

I'm curious about what the Saints would have thought about the common practice of organists playing preludes/postludes for Mass. If they did not approve of liturgical musical extravegance (such as for weddings), what would they think of recreational music?