The 'good old days' of well-loved hymns are gone? What's your take on this?

Guy walks up to the "pearly gates" and St Peter asks him... "So, what good things did you do with your life?"
The guy says "I wrote praise songs. I wrote praise songs. I wrote praise songs.... praise songs... "

Hi All
I grew up in a Baptist church playing the piano for traditional hymns, mostly (around 1970s - 1980s). I owe this experience to my musical skill development and confidence. However, as I got into secular gigs (I was forced to do this to pay off debts) I found myself using more secular styles of playing, but I had the insight to always keep my playing as 'clean' as possible, staying close to the original chord structures in the hymns. So then I stopped playing in church because I went overseas (Asia) and played pro mostly, at hotels etc. Fast forward to contemporary church 'worship' music today, and I believe that the original essence of what is needed to create an atmosphere of worship is lost in many ways. Today's mega-churches have mega-bands/dancers/lighting etc not much unlike regular pop concerts. Although I haven't had the opportunity to play regularly in a long while, I still miss those classic hymns accompanied by a solo piano. Sorry for sounding like I'm venting! I probably am! Over to you guys....

I never gave it much thought. But I did come across a site where it was claimed that at this time there is no music in Heaven. I don't recall the reasoning or the site. Now I get the sense from the Scriptures that some of you musicians first performance will be in The New Jerusalem coming down from Heaven.

Some people complain about modern praise and worship, saying it is too cloying and meant to
stir up the emotions etc which is kind of the opposite of what you are saying. Or even that is is
lacking in doctrine which I find kind of funny/peculiar because one does not need to recite
doctrine in sing-song to praise and/or worship God. People have different tastes and varying
reasons for what they prefer. You like the old-time hymns, and some do not care for them as much
as other forms of worship. Is there not room enough in this world and in the family of God for both?

Since I'm part of the Bluegrass community here in Dallas, I get my "Real" church music at bluegrass jams, since all we do in the Assemblies of God are "contemporary" choruses - "I am who I am because the I AM tells me who I am" repeated 9 times to a strong drum beat (the new "Bridge" to "There's a new name written down in Glory".

Hi All
I grew up in a Baptist church playing the piano for traditional hymns, mostly (around 1970s - 1980s). I owe this experience to my musical skill development and confidence. However, as I got into secular gigs (I was forced to do this to pay off debts) I found myself using more secular styles of playing, but I had the insight to always keep my playing as 'clean' as possible, staying close to the original chord structures in the hymns. So then I stopped playing in church because I went overseas (Asia) and played pro mostly, at hotels etc. Fast forward to contemporary church 'worship' music today, and I believe that the original essence of what is needed to create an atmosphere of worship is lost in many ways. Today's mega-churches have mega-bands/dancers/lighting etc not much unlike regular pop concerts. Although I haven't had the opportunity to play regularly in a long while, I still miss those classic hymns accompanied by a solo piano. Sorry for sounding like I'm venting! I probably am! Over to you guys....

There are many hymns of old that should stay dead and buried. There are many that are eternal value. I am musical - I play guitar. Most modern "Christian" music is pathetic. Since the 1980's it seems that the name "Jesus" no longer is included in lyrics. It's the name above all names, so surely Jesus should get a mention? Sure, there are exceptions. Not nearly enough.

So-called worship is often just Christian entertainment, like a dessert without a main course.

Why does it matter? One reason is that it is much easier to memorise words that are set to music. If the words are truth from God's word, we do well to memorise them. And I believe that worship in spirit and in truth means that our words matter as well as our heart attitude.

Well by using God, companies can sell the same music to non Christians. That's why they take Jesus out of the music, it's no longer worship music but entertainment music. Because Hindus have a good, Muslims have a god, satanists have a god,

They replace Jesus with God not out of respect but to make more money on the music.

Some people complain about modern praise and worship, saying it is too cloying and meant to
stir up the emotions etc which is kind of the opposite of what you are saying. Or even that is is
lacking in doctrine which I find kind of funny/peculiar because one does not need to recite
doctrine in sing-song to praise and/or worship God. People have different tastes and varying
reasons for what they prefer. You like the old-time hymns, and some do not care for them as much
as other forms of worship. Is there not room enough in this world and in the family of God for both?

Well by using God, companies can sell the same music to non Christians. That's why they take Jesus out of the music, it's no longer worship music but entertainment music. Because Hindus have a good, Muslims have a god, satanists have a god,

They replace Jesus with God not out of respect but to make more money on the music.

Yes. I read about a rock band that saw Christians as a market and so sang a few "god" songs. The band leader was horrified when one of his fans came up after the concert and asked to pray for him. "Amazing Grace" is a great hymn but does not include the name of Jesus. So worldly performers are able to sing it without any conviction.

Yes. I read about a rock band that saw Christians as a market and so sang a few "god" songs. The band leader was horrified when one of his fans came up after the concert and asked to pray for him. "Amazing Grace" is a great hymn but does not include the name of Jesus. So worldly performers are able to sing it without any conviction.

Really?? Wow, I never heard of that.
That's the problem, if your not Christian you shouldn't sell Christian stuff. Christian music, worship and entertainment should be left to the Christian community.

If your a a secular person you should stick to the secular crowd.

I was raised in a secular home before becoming a Christian so I struggle with old habits and routines.

Since I'm part of the Bluegrass community here in Dallas, I get my "Real" church music at bluegrass jams, since all we do in the Assemblies of God are "contemporary" choruses - "I am who I am because the I AM tells me who I am" repeated 9 times to a strong drum beat (the new "Bridge" to "There's a new name written down in Glory".

"Should" is meaningless when it comes to money. Secular performers routinely have albums of Christmas Carols, usually mixing them with Jingle Bells or other meaningless drivel songs.

I know, when we were kids our parents played both secular and Christian Christmas music,. While supposedly waiting for Santa Clause to show up Christmas Eve.

It's ruined Christmas for me to know my life was built on a lie. I was 13 when my parents finally told me their was no Santa Clause.

Years ago my mom revealed people were afraid I was going to be another school shooter,. Well how can parents and educators lie to me my whole life and expect me to be ok with it and understanding?? Especially when they force to be in a place I hate and get constantly bullied by kids.

I feel if my parents had raised me in Christian home that my life would have turned out a lot better than it has.

There is nothing that you can do to change the past. However, you can let Jesus heal and deliver you from the wounds of the past. This will come to pass when you forgive everyone every wrong that they've ever done you. While you maintain an attitude of unforgiveness, you remain in bondage.

How, you might ask? We have no ability to forgive to God's standard, which is "from the heart". There is an answer. The following article is long, but if you read it and follow its guidance, you will gain your freedom.

https://www.christianlife.org.au/can-you-forgive-from-your-heart

I know, when we were kids our parents played both secular and Christian Christmas music,. While supposedly waiting for Santa Clause to show up Christmas Eve.

It's ruined Christmas for me to know my life was built on a lie. I was 13 when my parents finally told me their was no Santa Clause.

Years ago my mom revealed people were afraid I was going to be another school shooter,. Well how can parents and educators lie to me my whole life and expect me to be ok with it and understanding?? Especially when they force to be in a place I hate and get constantly bullied by kids.

I feel if my parents had raised me in Christian home that my life would have turned out a lot better than it has.

I know, when we were kids our parents played both secular and Christian Christmas music,. While supposedly waiting for Santa Clause to show up Christmas Eve.

It's ruined Christmas for me to know my life was built on a lie. I was 13 when my parents finally told me their was no Santa Clause.

Years ago my mom revealed people were afraid I was going to be another school shooter,. Well how can parents and educators lie to me my whole life and expect me to be ok with it and understanding?? Especially when they force to be in a place I hate and get constantly bullied by kids.

I feel if my parents had raised me in Christian home that my life would have turned out a lot better than it has.