MECHANICAL INSTRUMENTS OF MUSIC IN WORSHIP TODAY - Detailed Outline of Class at Abilene Christian University by Homer Hailey

by Homer Hailey

The subject of music in worship is receiving much attention today. Curiously, however, the matter of the use of mechanical instruments of music in divine worship is rarely mentioned - sometimes seemingly shunned as if it were an embarrassment to discuss. It seems as if acappella singing, though practiced as a personal preference by many, is in their minds merely an antiquated tradition in churches of Christ handed down from generations before. Elders in one congregation, when asked what their churche's view is on the subject, declined to respond but offered this "To answer you would serve no useful purpose." Though instruments are not used in services, nothing has been taught about it in over a decade in either classes or pulpit. When asked why no teaching is ever offered, even though this most obvious distinction is regularly questioned by visitors, the answer given was that people can observe what we practice and thereby know our belief without anything being said. Those of us from "the old school" were taught to be able to give a reason for what we believe and practice, to "contend earnestly" for the faith and practice of the early church. The writer of Proverbs advised that a wise person should be capable of "rendering a reason" (KJV) or "answering discreetly" (NIV). This is the reason for this book by Homer Hailey. Written and taught in a polemic style, its purpose is to give reasons for those who seek to worship God "in spirit and in truth." Hailey had studied himself out of the instrumental churches, then gave his reasons to students at Abilene Christian College. We believe his arguments are as valid and true today as they were then, and that they need to be heard again and again in ensuing generations. So far as we can learn, such courses are no longer taught in classes at Abilene Christian University nor in many of the churches. Let us preach what we practice as well as practice what we preach. Alvin Jennings

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