Drums in the Bible (a.k.a. Do drums belong in the church?)
Feb 14th, 2007 | By Matt | Category: Drum Articles
The funny thing about Christians and the Church is that we’re supposed to back up what we believe and do from the Bible. Why is it funny? Well, you see, things creep into the church that often cannot be Biblically justified. Man brings things into the church under the pretext (or pretense) of holiness, but at the end of the day, it’s a man-made ritual, a human tradition that becomes as established and unquestionable as concrete! And concrete is difficult to break down once set!
My reason for writing this article is two-fold:
1. To look at Biblical justification for percussive instruments in the church as part of worship
2. To counter the negativity towards drums in church
Some churches take a very negative stance towards drums in church. They reference voodoo and trance drumming from Africa and come to the conclusion that all drumming is inherently evil. Wow! What a broad, blindly-definitive, ignorant assessment! They completely leave out the fact that God created all music. How man uses music is up to him. It is Satan that comes to pervert it and use it to destroy lives. Music can be used to glorify God or it can be used to deconsecrate. We, as Christians, use it to express ourselves to God and bring Him glory and honour. It’s not a question about instruments, it’s a question about the heart of worship (which I will address later in this article).
Was David’s harp electric?
Music in church has always been a point of contention amongst congregants, leaders and denominations alike. Some churches are accapella (voice only, no instruments), some are organ or piano only, others are acoustic guitars, others full bands (drums, bass, keyboard, guitar). There are some churches where hymns are holy and anything ‘modern’ is shunned. Instruments are also seen differently: piano = ok, electric guitar = evil.
To me, it seems like a question of music style. We’re arguing in the church over music styles and missing the heart of what the music is for.
Do you not think that in the days the hymns were written and sung, that they were not ‘modern’ for that time? (Just thought I’d throw that in there!)
What about the drums? Do drums belong in the church? If you have rhythm and are a Christian, are you allowed to use that rhythm in church? What Biblical justification exists for drums in the church?
Drums in the Bible
(from Psalm drummers’ website)
The bible drum is the ‘Tof’ (Hebrew), which modern translators mostly call a tambourine. The Tof is simply and more accurately a frame drum. It has no jingles and is named after its sound. The ancient scriptures give authority for the drummer to strike the drum in celebration (1 Chron 13:8), in praise (Ps 150:4), in worship (Ps 68:25), for prophecy (1 Sam 10:5, 6), for healing (Ps 81:2-7), and in declaration of the Lord’s sovereignty.
For your reference:
From Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionary.
H8596
תּף
tôph
tofe
From H8608 contracted; a tambourine: - tabret, timbrel.
From Websters 1828 Bible Dictionary.
Tabor
TA’BOR, n. [Eng. tap.] A small drum used as an accompaniment to a pipe or fife.
TA’BOR, v.i. To strike lightly and frequently.
Timbrel
TIM’BREL, n. [L. tympanum.] An instrument of music; a kind of drum, tabor or tabret, which has been in use from the highest antiquity.
References to rhythmical instruments/percussion in the Bible:
(You’re going to need to look these up in your Bible! Or, click on the Reference to read it right away online with Bible Gateway.)
Genesis 31:27
The tambourine is mentioned here. When we look at the actual reference in the original text, we see the word “tof”, which is a Hebrew frame drum similar to today’s tambourine. The instrument mentioned in this scripture was not strictly a tambourine in the modern sense of the word.
Exodus 15:20
Tambourines (frame drums) used for praise, thankfulness and dancing.
Judges 11:34
Another reference to the tambourine and dancing albeit in rather sad circumstances.
1 Samuel 18:1-6
Joyful songs, tambourines and lutes used for praise after battle.
1 Samuel 10:5-6
A whole host of instruments being used in prophecy. The frame drum is one of them.
2 Samuel 6:5
Instruments being used in celebration.
1 Chronicles 13:8
The moving of the Ark. People celebrating with all their might. Notice all the different instruments being used in praise. Even frame drums!
Job 21:12
Singing with tambourines and harps.
Psalms 68:24-26
Tambourines in praise.
Psalms 81:2
I like the start of this one: Begin the music, strike the tambourine…
Psalms 149:3
Making music with the tambourine (tof) and harp. A Psalm of praise.
Psalms 150:3-6
The clash of cymbals! Resounding cymbals! This definitely a drummer’s favourite Psalm!
Isaiah 5:12
Another reference to the abundance of musical instruments used all the time. Although this context is negative.
Isaiah 30:32
A powerful chapter showing the mercy and love of God and also how percussive instruments are embedded in the Israelite culture.
Isaiah 24:8
Reference to tambourines reinforcing its use in the context of cheerfulness and joy.
Jeremiah 31:3-4
Reference to tambourines reinforcing its use in the context of cheerfulness and joy.
Just by going through these references, one can see more than enough evidence that there was no pipe organ or electric guitar! But percussion instruments abound! They were used in temple ceremonies, festivals, celebrations, worship, prophecy, war and praise. What more Biblical justification can one possibly require? It’s all there in black and white!
Worship in Spirit and truth
So should every church have a drum kit now? Not necessarily. But they shouldn’t deny its Biblical relevance. It comes down to the church leadership and how “in tune” they are with the Holy Spirit. Are they truly following God in the way He wants them to be going? If they are worshipping in Spirit and truth, it really doesn’t matter what instruments they use.
The core of worship
The heart of worship is Jesus, not the instruments we use. The instruments are tools we use as part of our expression to God. I acknowledge that churches are different and do things differently. I find it difficult when some churches are very legalistic and prescriptive when it comes to worship and musical instruments because of an issue of taste or musical style preference.. When the Bible is not the reference point, the deciding factor, man’s ‘opinion’ takes over and what he thinks is right takes presidence over what God says is right. It’s about the heart and the church’s relationship with God : that will naturally affect the practical aspects of worship such as music style, instruments etc.
Evidence for drums and percussion in the Bible is incontrovertible. It’s up to the Christian drummer to educate the other musicians, to talk with the church leaders with respect and understanding of what God is saying to the church in terms of music. That is, of course, if there has been or currently is a resistance to using drums as part of the worship in church.
Take courage!
May you be encouraged by this article and take pride in your instrument. Use your gift for God’s glory and honour. Show respect to others who may see things differently and ask God to help you as you play to worship Him in Spirit and in truth. Play with skill and integrity. If you can’t bash the skins, click your fingers as loud as you can, clap your hands, stomp your feet, make drum sounds with your mouth…ok, everything but that last one! Go for it and be bold!
I have been inspired earnstly by this article and I would like you to send me follow-up comments on this particular topic. May God bless you in this noble ministry of yours.My email address is ochikaab@yahoo.com or ochikaa@unijos.edu.ng.
WOW.. thanks man this is awesome, the Christian school i go to doesnt believe in morden music, but this just lays out the facts thanks ,, also i went to wikipedia an looked up tambourine , an frame drum , pretty cool http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tambourine
Hey Jon, glad you enjoyed it. I am surprised you’re at a Christian school that does not see how powerful music can be and that it was created by God for us to enjoy and use for His purpose too on earth. In heaven there is definitely music and it’s more modern than now! All the best and stay in touch!
Top banana! Superb article. I’m doing a workshop (grand word really for a bunch of under 30’s hitting things :-)) on Christian drummig, and these references are fantastic. Well researched. Of course I’ll quote yourself and this site for the references. Keep, keep on playing for Him! All the best
Hey Jason, thank you. I hope your workshop goes well! Do stay in touch!
Thanks so much for this site - it’s so encouraging!
I drum every week in a church in Hungary. The sole reason I drum is to worship our wonderful Saviour (although I do love it, I must admit) and I can tell you what, I can worship a lot better on the drums than by singing (the Lord knows….!!!!) But the great thing is that in our church people really appreciate the drums - I’ve never had so much positive feedback in a church as in this one, which is great. It’s actually a reasonably traditional church, but think the attitude is all that counts - if all you want to do is worship the Lord, then, well whatever you use, that’s what you do!
Hungary is the one place I have always wanted to go. It’s great to hear of a Christian drummer there, do stay in touch!
I am also glad the church is so receptive to drums, it does make things easier!
I saw a vision which included a tambourine sized hand drum, but it didn’t have any jingles on it. I was researching ancient drums online to find one that matched what I saw. While researching, I came across your site and was interested in the references to where in the Bible drums were mentioned. I had earlier used a search engine to scan the Bible for the word “drum” and it returned no results, so I was thinking there was no mention of drums in the Bible. I’ll be reading the scriptures you’ve referenced. Thanks! Oh, and keep praising God through your drumming. God loves our praise and you please Him by doing it. (We’re fortunate because our local church is receptive to modern music. My son is one of the worship leaders. He plays electric, bass, and acoustic guitars. Our drummer married and attends his wife’s church where her dad is the pastor.) Thanks again, Jodi
Hi Jodi, I am so glad you found my site. That’s great. I am also glad it was able to assist you in your research. Thank you for the encouraging words. Do stay in touch!
[...] The Bible encourages the use of rhythm, songs and even drums to worship God. For more information on drums in the Bible, you can read my post entitled “Drums in the Bible (aka. Do drums belong in church?)” [...]
Hey Matt,
i’m 16 years old and love the drums although i can’t play them ha ha i play the guitar in my youth group. We sing contemporary music that despretly needs drums. Well we came across a problem. Our preacher that has only been there for a few months does not believe in drums in the church and this website gives me all the info i need to confront the congregation i thank you. We are located in mississippi and really need to grow our youth group or the church isn’t going to make it, its a lot of old people. the youth are the future of the church and christianity everywhere.
daniel
The one thing I still think of:
How can God say to His people, “Oh, I’m sorry, I know I created everything but you can’t use that instrument to praise or worship me. I know I gave everyone special talents and gifts but you can’t use them to play that instrument to glorify me…” ?
Doesn’t make any sense!
The last comment is exactly true and alot of people have a hard time believing it, but you can prove it by Colossians 1:16:
“For by him were ALL things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: ALL things were created by him, and FOR him.”
I like when you said “piano=ok, electric guitar=evil”
That statement brings this question to mind:
How can they prove biblically that the piano is good?
The answer is ‘they cannot’, because the piano isn’t even mentioned once in the bible.
It is just another man-made ritual set in concrete, and it all boils down to our own judgement(personal preference) and not the judgment of the Father.
What you haven’t realized is that various instruments can be used based on the setting. If you look carefully at the passages given you will realize that those instruments were not used in the temple but they were used in festivals or in some outdoor activity. My understanding is that instruments are used based on occassion. If u look through 1 Chron starting at about chap 15, 16 and 25 you will realize that only certain types of instruments were used in the temple for worship such as the harp and trumpet during the different aspects of the service. God requires a certain level of peace when his people are worshipping him so that their thoughts can be focused only on him which allows them to have real worship.
Now why would God separate the instances in which various instruments are to be used? I cannot give you any other answer apart from the above but its best to emulate the temple worship as it was done then and to leave the worship done at feast and in other different occassions out of it. God created everything to be used in its own time
Hi,
I am the youth choir leader of our church. I have recently had a family remove their children from the choir becasue a song we did (split track cd) had drums in it. I am so upset and disappointed. Can you give me any advise?
Thank you,
Sherry
I’m not sure I agree with Matt’s point, since a tamborine is a far cry from large-frame drum or a drum set. Musically speaking, one sound (tamborine) is the servant , the other sound is the master (drum set).
Trish and Sherry ought to know that there are different hebrew words for drum and tamborine. So it’s not clear that the hebrew word for Matt’s drums is mentioned in the bible at all. It is clear that, in comparison to human voice, stringed instruments and wind instruments, drums are not a prominent part of any music sound described in Old and New Testament passages on music. The tamborine is rarely mentioned. IMO, the effect of beating drums (typically repetitive) is primarily toward the sensual (marching, dancing, moving). IMO, sensuality conflicts with true spirituality.
Let’s not be glib and disregard the pervasive use (and unholy use) of drums in our degenerating culture. Drums were not always so pervasive in the popular music of the western culture. Why is that?
For another biblical perspective, you might want to look up the word Tophet in 2ki 23:10. There, you’ll another biblical context for drums that’s not so holy. Tophet’s name may be based on the hebrew word Toph = drum.
Hi Gary, thanks for posting. Although I do not agree with your viewpoint, I think it’s only fair to publish your post here to promote healthy discussion amongst other Christian drummers who either agree or disagree with your views.
Thanks for being fair and publishing my post..
>>we’re supposed to back up what we believe and do from the Bible
I notice also that Matt exclusively uses Old Testament passages about musical instruments in an article about the New Testament church (a.k.a. “Do drums belong in the **church**”).
So what about that? No musical instruments, except the voice are mentioned in the New Testmant. How does Matt support his heading (”Do drums belong in the church”) from the New Testament part of the Bible?
Spurgeon noticed the lack of musical instruments in the New Testament a few generations ago and decided that, to be biblical, their church would exclude all but vocal music from the worship services.
It seems like Spurgeon was closer to the mark than you on this topic when he appreciates the spritual nature of NT worship more than the immature worship of OT Israel. He seems closer to the ‘Heart of Worship’ with his scriptural references on this topic.
>>When the Bible is not the reference point, the deciding factor, man’s ‘opinion’ takes over and what he thinks is right takes presidence over what God says is right
If we’re just going to use sheer volume of scriptural references on musical instruments, though, we’ll see relatively little or nothing of drums. God seems much more interested in the congregational singing.
So, Matt, I agree that we’re supposed to back up what we believe and do from the Bible and I’m having trouble finding biblical support for your viewpoint about drums in NT church worship, except that God is gracious and probably allows liberty in this area. IMO: We’re not witnessing liberty today in western Christian church worship, we’re witnessing ignorant, licentious behaviour dressed up in spritual rags.
But spiritual rags are better than nothing…Jesus said:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.
Hi there Gary, thanks for showing such in interest in this topic and posting your viewpoints.
I can see what you’re saying but I still do not agree. For me, as a Christian and a drummer, I cannot see how how God would bless me with this gift and then tell me I cannot use it for His glory in church. So many times have drums been used for His glory. And you’re saying there is no justification for drums in church? (even from a New Testament point of view).
The Biblical references are to show historical evidence and significance for percussion being used in the Bible in many different contexts. If you researched the history of drums and the actual development and evolution of percussion in cultures and Biblical contexts, you will see much more evidence for percussion (drums) being used in worship.
If Jesus and His disciples sang songs together, did they maybe clap their hands in a rhythm to the song? Would clapping have been acceptable? In the Psalms read ‘clap your hand all you people’. I know some churches where they never clap! My point is, it’s pointless to say things like “It doesn’t say Jesus passed wind, or urinated etc.. so he didn’t do those things because they’re not in the Bible.” It’s inferred because He was human.
What comes to my mind is when Peter is told to get up, kill and eat and to call nothing that God has made, unclean. Such a powerful message to Peter.
Like I said in the article:
“The heart of worship is Jesus, not the instruments we use. The instruments are tools we use as part of our expression to God. I acknowledge that churches are different and do things differently. I find it difficult when some churches are very legalistic and prescriptive when it comes to worship and musical instruments because of an issue of taste or musical style preference.”
I will not argue with you or try prove a point here, only to say that you are entitled to your view.
Are you a drummer? I am just curious. And what instruments do you have in your church worship?
>>I can see what you’re saying but I still do not agree
But what you or I say is not at issue in a blog entitled “Drums in the Bible”. What the bible says or doesn’t say about drums is what is supposed to be relevant in such an article. If God is silent in His word, we ought to humbly acknowledge that and not lapse into “For me, as a drummer I cannot see how God….”
Clearly, God created rhythm and it exists in all music (along with melody and harmony) with or without drums beating. I’m pointing out that there is relatively little mention in the OT of drums compared to other instruments (you can search BibleGateway for sing, trumpet, flute, harp, etc..) as well as I can) and there is no mention of any instruments in the NT. The biblical rarity of drums is not reflectied in popular Christian music produced today, where drums are used almost incessantly. Such is is not the case historically in the worship music of the Christian church.
Here’s a link to Spurgeon’s opinion on music in church worship (as it pertains to scripture):
http://godsbreath.wordpress.com/2008/03/17/spurgeon-differs-from-todays-baptists-on-church-music/
>>you are entitled to your view.
I’m not so sure about that. We’re discussing the church that Christ bought with His blood. I’m more intrerested in finding God’s view and lining up with it. How ’bout you? We both agree that we find God’s view in the Bible. Korah, Dathan and Abiram had their point of view about worship and it didn’t go well with them.
>>Are you a drummer?
I play many instruments in church. I write and arrange. I have taken drum lessons, but don’t consider my self a drummer.
>>And what instruments do you have in your church worship?
We use all kinds of instruments in our worship service.
Unanswered questions that I have asked:
-Drums were not always so pervasive in the popular music of western culture. Why is that?
-No musical instruments, except the voice are mentioned in the New Testmant, which is where the church finds its beginning. So what about that? [Isn't this blog about drums in church?]
Well, Gary, you play “many instruments” in church.
Your church “use all kinds of instruments”.
You’re not a drummer.
Whether you are right or wrong in your assertions, I will not debate you but rather I pray that God will bless you and your family and also reveal more of who He is in your life and your music writing and arranging. I can see you have a heart to worship Him and be true to what you believe in and I respect that. So continue to serve our incredible awesome God living according to your convictions and together we’ll stand in heaven praising him
with or without drums!
God bless you Gary.
Hello Matt
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i noe tht we are tlkin about drums here but i had to address this line that has been frequently mis-interpreted. many have failed to read the entire chapter to understand the meaning of this verse. Peter was called to go witness to some Gentiles but knowin tht Peter is a jew n jews dnt mix with gentiles he referred to thm as unclean. nw Peter received this vision to let him noe tht he should nt refer to ne person as unclean. this was interpreted for Peter further dwn in the passage n i think it shud b read clearer n nt be mis-interpreted. Jus as hw Joseph had dreams which cnt b interpreted literally the same was of Peter’s dream, the reference was being made to ppl and literal animals.
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I do believe that the heart of worship is Jesus bt when God ordains something n when he sets out a path we shudnt stray frm it bcuz we of our own taste or preference. When we pt our taste into it it no longer is centred on God bt the focus is shifted to wat we like n tht wud have defeated the idea of worship nw wudnt it.
i have already given u the bible’s view on musical instrument n i refuse to repeat it bt i believe tht u shud luk into it n nt bypass it.
>>No musical instruments, except the voice are mentioned in the New Testmant,
correction:
>>No musical instruments, except the voice are mentioned in the New Testmant worship,
Very interesting discussion with valid points made both ways. We come from a Bible-believing SBC church out west with a broad-spectrum worship team - keyboards, drums, piano, guitars, flute, etc. Recently, job requirements forced me to step aside from my role as sound engineer there and temporarily relocate to the east coast. Our church here is an independent Baptist church, theologically on track with our home church but very different musically - piano, violin, cello, etc. Not totally acoustic - the piano is electric!
Drums in church came up in discussion at school the other day, and my kids brought the question home to Dad. I fell back on to my Sunday School teaching from (college) days gone by, to the effect that what is important to God is not the “spice” - the instrumentation - but the “meat” - the message of the music, and the heart of the musician.
In other words - “Does this song minister to you? How? How are you using it to minister to others? Are you lifting up Christ? Could you be creating a stumbling block to others?”
One other thing to consider - pastoral authority. You may not agree with the pastoral policy of your church - but you need to acknowledge the pastor’s duty, responsibility and authority as the leader of the church. If he doesn’t want drums in church, or prefers pews to chairs, or wants the choir to be in robes (or not), or likes to do congregational singing from the hymnal (or not) … or WHAT EVER - that is his prerogative as the pastor. I believe that if you have an issue you take it to him in private, rather than challenging him to the congregation - whether he’s been called to that church for two decades or two weeks. If you discuss it with the pastor and he still says “no drums in church” - then you pack your drum set home with a willing heart and praise the Lord in church without drums. There are still 6-1/2 days of the week you can fill with percussive praise, secure in the knowledge that God looks with favor on both your joyful noises and your obedience.
My opinion for what it’s worth.
Gary, you said,
-”We’re discussing the church that Christ bought with His blood. I’m more intrerested in finding God’s view and lining up with it. How ’bout you?”
-”No musical instruments, except the voice are mentioned in the New Testmant, which is where the church finds its beginning.”
-”If God is silent in His word, we ought to humbly acknowledge that and not lapse into “For me, as a drummer I cannot see how God….”
Then you say
“I play many instruments in church. I write and arrange. I have taken drum lessons, but don’t consider my self a drummer.”
“We use all kinds of instruments in our worship service.”
If only vocals are mentioned in the NT, then why not “line up with God’s view” and stick to vocals only. Are you possibly joining in with those that “lapse into “For me, as a musician I cannot see how God….”
Reading your posts you don’t seem to be consistent, and that is the difficulty when we put actions in front of a relationship, we can’t even keep our own rules!
I appreciate drums, but I can take them or leave them. The focus is Jesus from Genesis to Revelation, always has been, always will be.
I want to thank you for this article, as i was reading through it everything i read was exactly how my church is. I love my church dearly but the music kinda sounds like im at a funeral at times. we need something and God keeps speaking to me about it but every time i bring it up i get shot down. We have the older generation that doesn’t want to hear anything other than hymns. Grant it…i like hymns but they are like 200yrs OLD! come on now. I see it this way we still don’t have things from the 1800’s in our church…..why not update the music as well. thanks for letting me vent a bit, ha ha thanks again for the article.
God bless
Rusty
Thanks Jason,
>>If only vocals are mentioned in the NT, then why not “line up with God’s view”
I have not suggested that I agree with Spurgeon’s view (voice only worship music), just that he has valid, biblical opinion that is worthy of consideration. The Reformed Presbyterian church practices this view today.
I have not suggested that musical instruments in church worship are wrong, just that there is no explicit precedent for them in the N.T. scriptures. Spurgeon’s position illustrates that effectively.
I have not suggested that I know God’s view. I do want to line up as best as I can with God’s view. His primary revelation of Himself is the Bible, so that’s a good starting place.
>>Reading your posts you don’t seem to be consistent, and that is the difficulty when we put actions in front of a relationship, we can’t even keep our own rules!
I hope that you can understand that my personal convictions and my church’s standards are not identical.
I hope that you understand that the scriptures provide the rules, not me.
The topic of discussion here is ‘drums in the bible’. The gist of my comments is that drums may not even be mentioned in the bible and if they are, it is a rare occurence compared to singing and other string and wind instruments. I didn’t write the scriptures — they are not ‘my own rules’.
Does this mean that using drums in the church is wrong? Not necessarily; they just lack biblical support:
Regarding ‘my own rules’, I hope you didn’t miss this comment:
>Gary wrote>I’m having trouble finding biblical support for your viewpoint about drums in NT church worship, except that God is gracious and probably allows liberty in this area.
>Jason wrote>[Gary has] put actions in front of a relationship
As far as relationships:
Gal 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
Yes, Jesus is the focus, and He would have me serve you in love. Helping you discern the truth is one, loving goal of my comments. Avoiding fleshly, sensual worship of Jesus is my worthy goal as well.
Another Bible question:
Why did God prohibit the sound of hammers in the construction of the sacred temple?
“In building the temple, only blocks dressed at the quarry were used, and no hammer, chisel or any other iron tool was heard at the temple site while it was being built.” 1KGS 6:7
“It was to be the temple of God of peace, and therefore no iron tool must be heard in it. Quietness and silence both become and befriend religious exercises: God’s work should be done with as much care and as little noise as may be.”
http://studylight.org/com/mhc-com/view.cgi?book=1ki&chapter=006
Complete excerpt from Matthew Henry’s commentary on 1 Kings 6:7:
III. The materials are brought in, ready for their place (1 Kings 6:7), so ready that there was neither hammer nor ax heard in the house while it was in building. In all building Solomon prescribes it as a rule of prudence to prepare the work in the field, and afterwards build, Proverbs 24:27. But here, it seems, the preparation was more than ordinarily full and exact, to such a degree that, when the several parts came to be put together, there was nothing defective to be added, nothing amiss to be amended. It was to be the temple of God of peace, and therefore no iron tool must be heard in it. Quietness and silence both become and befriend religious exercises: God’s work should be done with as much care and as little noise as may be. The temple was thrown down with axes and hammers, and those that threw it down roared in the midst of the congregation (Psalms 74:4,6); but it was built up in silence. Clamour and violence often hinder the work of God, but never further it.
Thank you again, Gary, for your input. I would like to suggest you start your own blog where you can explore and express what you believe. I think we’re making this way too big now… for me my freedom is in Christ and I am in His grace, not under law anymore. All the best.
Hey, it’s been fun.
Sola Scriptura.
Iehova Semper Fidelis
All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient:
People very much want to prove that what they do is OK. Cain was very upset when God did not accept his offering. The Bible is full of examples where God does not accept just anything. He wants things done His way. So just because there are examples in the Bible where something was done, does not give others justification to do the same.
Psalms was given to us so we would know what type of music God prefers. Psalms 150 gives guidelines for new music. Some specific instruments are listed. Those not specifically listed need to be in one of two categories - stringed instruments or those that are blown into (have breath).
I personally like music with drums, but I’m not God.
If we want to really worship God, we should study his word and do as he says. Asking Him to bless what we want to do is the wrong process.
I agree that we should follow God’s word, but that whole argument is not Biblically sound, if that were the case maybe we should take the pews out of the church, what about a sound system with microphones, these items were not included in Biblical worship either, and what about all the pomp and circumstance that even protestant churches still incorporate into their worship services. I grew up in a legalistic church, so I have heard it all. The Bible clearly tells us that God inhabits the worship of His people, I’m not sure He gives a rip about the instruments we play, but rather the condition of our hearts. Man looks at external things, but God looks at the heart, what is the condition of our hearts? If Christ lives in us, then how can our worship not be pleasing to God?
I like the Cain/Able analogy, but I’m not sure it is a fit here. To whatever extent it could be said that Cain worshipped before the Lord, his activity was negated by the fact that it was not according to faith. By way of contrast, Abel’s offering was by faith.
Thank you Jason, the heart condition is the key. People get so wrapped up in legality and religion. A good point about microphones and sound systems!
Nice to hear someone living in and under the grace of God and not the law.
I had a chat this evening with my wife about the previous comment about what type of music God prefers! I found it quite funny. God made me and inside of me put the ability to play the drums. So here I can play drums and now God says to me “Matthew, my son, I have made you to be an excellent drummer for my glory… but please don’t play your drums in church, I prefer not to have drums in church…”
Matt; Play them from your heart, and play them for His glory! I only wish I was there to join in on the praise!
I am encouraged that you are zealous about doing what you believe is right. Saul, aka Paul, spoke about being the same way. And no one has spoken more about our freedom in Christ than he. The question that remains is if we choose to do God’s will or our own. The Old Testament is able to teach us much. And a hint to the wise is sufficient.
Your website is intriguing. It is interesting when certain words are combined. For example, gay priest, military intelligence, and absolute mess. While Christian and Drummer can be used together, it makes as much sense to me as saying Christian Idol maker. But do what your heart tells you to do, or follow what the scripture teaches. The choice is yours. Perhaps that is why it is so amazing that zealous Saul changed his ways when confronted by the Truth.
The “Truth” Paul was confronted with, was none other then Jesus himself.
The “Zealous” ways Saul changed from were; following the numerous laws and rules that the Jews had put in place that were displeasing to God – remember, according to the Jews, Jesus Himself broke the law – their laws that is. He also changed from being judgmental to the point of killing those who did not agree with him. Saul’s life was about cleansing the church, under the illusion that he was doing God a favor. What beliefs do we have, and what actions do we carry out, in an attempt to do God a favor?
As far as PS: 150, I see a list of instruments that were being used, not a limitation of instruments that are pleasing to God. However I fully agree that the Bible is the living Word of God, and every attempt should be made to follow His Word, I am just not seeing the no drum thing in the Word. The thought that an attempt is being made to add to scripture, or “clarify” scripture in a way that aligns with our preferences, could be applied to either side here, however, scripture appears to be largely silent on the use of drums in praise. I do understand that some praise in not pleasing to God, but I believe that is probably because of the condition of the heart, whether sincere of not, whether the goal is go bring glory to God or the “worshiper”, and I do understand we all have different preferences in music style, that is why there are so many churches to choose from. Pick one that is Bible based, that you are comfortable with, and give God the glory! Remember even noble topics such as this CAN take our focus off Jesus, and our willingness to give Him complete control of our lives, right here, right now. Blessings………..
“The heart of worship is Jesus, not the instruments we use.”
Did people miss that sentence….. ?
I am not trying to prove or disprove anything, merely show you that as a drummer AND A CHRISTIAN we can use our drums to glorify God. I love God with all my heart and seek to glorify Him any time I worship, at church or privately on my own. The gift of rhythm and being able to play drums and percussion, to me, is so special and I treasure the privilege of being able to play for my King.
NOWHERE (that I know of) does it say that drums cannot be used in worship, so I will continue to drum until the day I die or God tells me to stop!
[ as an aside -- some people are anti-drums, but then don't mind clapping hands together... that's rhythm and percussion right there...and scriptural. you play a rhythm or percussive pattern on a drum... suddenly they have a problem... I personally don't get it. ]
Jason, you are right - our focus needs to remain on Jesus and we should not get caught up in silly debates (which this is danger of becoming) on things that are just things. Coming back to the heart of worship is not about instruments actually…
Also, read the disclaimer of the site (link in footer at bottom of page)!
Some exegesis I recently wrote to our pastoral staff, as they hosted a quote christian unquote rock concert…
Some exegesis…
The expression “praise him with a loud noise” is not a license for PA
systems set at 115 dBA. The NASB translates it with shouts of joy. Where the
hebrew word is used it relates either to the non-electrically amplified
sound of the shofar, or the shouts of people. In the context of worship, as
is the opening of Psalm 33, is relates clearly to the people themselves
expressing their joy to the Lord with singing and shouts in full engagement
of the longs to express their joy and gratitude to God.
* Note: For references to the “te-ru’a”: Lev. 23:24; 25:9; Num. 10:5f; 29:1;
31:6; Jos. 6:5, 20; 1 Sam. 4:5f; 2 Sam. 6:15; 1 Chr. 15:28; 2 Chr. 13:12;
15:14; Ezr. 3:12f; Job 8:21; 33:26; 39:25; Ps. 27:6; 33:3; 47:6; 89:16;
150:5; Jer. 20:16; Ezek. 21:27; Amos 1:14; 2:2; Zeph. 1:16.
Further, in our discussion you claimed the drum to be a Scriptural
instrument of praise. Well… in its 115 dBA amplified, monotonuous beats
that is twisting Scripture to the extreme. Temple worship makes no mention
of the so-called “toph”, translated “timbrel” or “tamborine” (1 Chr 15:16f;
1 Chr 16:4F, 42; 1 Chr 25:1f). Where the timbrel is used, it is often used
by women. It is a small hand instrument, not even able to make the deafening
noise of a mechanically enforced bang of a bass drum. Let alone, coming
anywhere near a fraction of the volume of an electrically amplified BANG
BANG BANG of a modern drumset currently used on the alter.
When I lived in Papua amongst the tribal people, at full moon, the non-saved
tribal people would gather for their demon worship. I can close my eyes and
see myself laying on my bed, trying to block out the ever ongoing BUMB BUMB
BUMB BUMB BUMB of their monotonuous bangs on their non-amplified drums. The
masses dancing around them, taken up in the hypnotic trance of the
monotonuous THUMBS. To suggest that Tanakh or New Testamental worship
implies, even instructs, the use of modern rock band instruments and
amplification is exegetically unfounded.
This leaves us with the open question whether man is allowed to go along
with the times and worship God with new means and in new ways: The piano and
church organ were not mentioned in Torah either. My answer to that is along
the same lines of reasoning as Joseph Ratzinger’s angle on morals and
ethics, as expounded in his book “Principles of Christian Morality.” The
teachings of God in all of Scripture, and the teachings of Christ in His
life and verbal message, are pictures relaying principles and concepts of
conduct. As concepts they are binding. The only scene in Scripture that
comes near to the scene of a rock concert is the scene described by Moses in
Exodus 32. And that scene is hardly to be used as a concept of acceptable
worship.
Perhaps the greatest tragedy of this all is that several people, according
to Br. Gary, were so-called touched by God and responded to
invitations. This places their spiritual birth ground in the context of a
sub-culture that will hinder them profoundly in the attainment of inner
peace and victory in Christ. My salvation took place in the bedding of
fellowship with men of God like John Schultz and Don Richardson,
missionaries in Irian Jaya, Papua. When I waiver, I have Godly, Victorious,
Christian Mature lives in my memory of my spiritual craddle. These poor
souls of yesterday will have to turn on their iPods and submerge themselves
in screaming noise to try to find the whisper of their Savior… .
Get yourself some earplugs, I don’t think the multitudes shouting in heaven that sounds like rushing waterfalls is going to be below 115dba…
and, if you have ever played a timbrel, toph or tambourine right next to your head… it is quite loud and potentially deafening.
Our Savior came to heal: One hour of 115 dBA produces temporary loss of hearing; Frequent exposure to 115 dBA produces permanent hearing loss. So how do we harmonize that? How are we going to explain to our Savior that we are actually in the business of making people deaf? I love truth and I love facts, for they are not open to discussion. Jump into the water with your clothes on, and you will discover the truth and fact that your clothes are wet.
Study the scientific evidence of rock music lover social behavior and Church Organ lover social behavior. There is a profound difference in drug use, promiscuity, juvenil delinquency, and any other type of habit and bahavior that the Lord came to set us free from. I leave it to you to guess which groups majors in the above habits and which demographic group minors in them. The only escape hatch here that is available to you, is the argument that Jesus came to save us for eternity only, and that He is not concerned about today’s life for we are all under grace anyways. My Biblical understanding of salvation is that He came to set us free in the here and now, and in all eternity. So if 115 dBA rock beat drumming in worship edifies the Church into holy living, into service, into honesty, into integrity, into waking up early and working diligently, into delivery from sex, drugs and rock’nRoll (oeps… not that one, I guess), then I am all for it. As it is… many a person attending a (christian or non christian) rock concert does not even get the liberty to borrow my bicycle, simply because there are no fruits of genuine conversion visible in his/her life. That may come, of course, as we are all a work in progress (me being one of God’s greatest challenges, I fully and in all honesty admit), but we need to ask ourselves what builds up, what brings down, and what keeps us up, and what keeps us down.
All the best, brother,
Hans
Thank you Hans.
In our church we have a decibel meter and our music is kept below 90dba. I play the acoustic drumkit with a perspex shield around me, it’s still under 90dba in the kit box.
Dear Matt:
That is, at least, a very responsible way of doing it. Keeping it under 90 dBA. I am the first to admit that moving a drumset out of our culture - if one would like to - is a near impossible task, for it has penetrated every realm of society. Whether you are in a grocery store, listening to radio, watch a TV anchor man… the drums and beats are there. As for me: I could happily live without. And as for my understanding: There is no Biblical basis for them. But… I have no problems agreeing to disagree when employed responsibly, as you indicate you do. I do have big problems though when churches start throwing hard rock concerts at 115 dBA and a visual/emotional setting 100% identical to AC/DC, only labelling it “christian” for the lyrics… . That type of behavior I do not choose to agree to disagree with: For that sort of thing I will stand on the wall and blow the shofar night and day.
God bless you, brother,
Hans
Thanks…….
To God be the Glory.