Wednesday, 12 February 2025

透过基督信仰分析音乐(以及敬拜音乐的选择)

A Christian Analysis of Music

透过基督信仰分析音乐

 

Introduction 导论

Whales swim based on a sensitive echolocation system.  鲸 [jīng] 鱼在水里依靠一个敏感的声纳定位系统。

Ocean noise pollution, due to large ships, can cause blue whales to become disoriented, and to fatally swim into underwater objects.  海洋大型船只造成的噪音污染会使蓝鲸失去方向,游向致命的海洋物体。

Think of the obvious analogy in the way that music affects the human psyche. 这显然犹如音乐对人心灵的影响。

Colossians 歌罗西书 3:16: Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.当用各样的智慧,把基督的道理,丰丰富富的存在心里,(或作当把基督的道理丰丰富富的存在心里以各样的智慧)用诗章,颂词,灵歌,彼此教导,互相劝戒,心被恩感歌颂神。

Notice that God wants Christians to sing to one another.

注意,神想要基督徒们彼此唱诗。

We were designed to make music, and to be moved by music (regardless of our musical ability).

我们本就该创作音乐、被音乐打动(无论我们的音乐才华如何)。

Music is woven into our created being, because we are image-bears of a musical God.  神把音乐编织进我们的存有中,因为我们按着神的形象被造,神是有音律的神。Some sing in order to remember, and others sing in order to forget.有些人唱歌是为了记住,有些人唱歌是为了忘记。

Singing both reflects our moods, and often changes that mood.唱歌既反映了我们的心情,也常常改变我们的心情。

Our songs have a great influence on our thoughts and actions, since music pulls the heart in a particular direction. 我们的歌对我们的思想和行为有很大的影响,因为音乐强烈地拉着内心去往某个方向。

Additionally, music enters portals of our psyche that prose and logic cannot.  另外,音乐以一种文字和逻辑所不能的方式拨动我们的心弦。

In other words, music enters into one’s emotions in a way that other forms of communication cannot.换句话说,音乐对人的情感有着强烈的触动,是别的方式难以企及的。

 

 

An Eternal Quality to Some Music  一些音乐具有永恒的特质

When listening to beautiful music one feels as though he has transcended time.   当你在聆听曼妙的音乐时,会有一种超越时间的感觉。

While music is bound by time, it has an eternal point of reference.  虽然乐曲有时间限制,但它却能让人忘记时间。

 

Music as Imitation of the Sounds of Creation音乐模仿受造界的声音

Music sounds like the creation around us, imitating the sounds of our natural environment.  音乐如同受造界一般围绕着我们。模仿自然环境的声音。

1. Music mimics the sound of a fearful storm.   音乐模仿着使人畏惧的暴风之声。

2. It echoes the cry of regret and loss.  音乐回荡着人们后悔、失落的哭泣。

  3. It simulates the laughter of a party.音乐激发晚会上的盈盈笑语。

4. It replicates the rage of a man insulted.  它讲述人不看羞辱的忿怒。

5. It reverberates with the excitement of sexuality.  让人沉浸在男欢女爱之中。

Music gives “voice” to our emotions and passions. 音乐向我们的情感与热诚“发声”。

As music imitates the sounds of the creation, it reminds us of God whose invisible qualities are found throughout the creation (Romans 罗马书 1:20). 音乐模仿着受造界中的声音,让我们想起整个受造界中遍布神看不见的属性。

It is as if beautiful music reminds us of God’s presence, drawing out and magnifying God’s invisible qualities in the creation. 似乎美妙的音乐让我们想起神的临在,带出受造界中神看不见的属性,并使之放大。

 

 

Music’s Effect on the Psyche

音乐对灵魂的影响

In Daniel 3:5, Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar unveiled a giant statue of himself.   但以理书 3:5 中,巴比伦王尼布甲尼撒为自己巨大的雕像揭幕。

The statue’s unveiling was accompanied by music.雕像的揭幕伴随着音乐。

Daniel 但以理书 3:5, mentions six instruments:  提到了六种乐器:

1. Horn 角

2. Flute 笛

3. Zither 琵琶 (or 古筝)

4. Lyre 琴

5. Harp 瑟

6. Pipes 笙

Notice that Nebuchadnezzar brought together a full concert of sounds, those sounds designed to induce worship in the Babylonians. 请注意,尼布甲尼撒汇集了多种声音,以激发巴比伦人的崇拜。

Music triggers worship. 音乐激发敬拜。

As Nebuchadnezzar understood, music has a profound effect upon the heart.  音乐对心有很深的影响。

It shepherds the heart, coaxing worship commitments from those who hear it.   它牧养人心,劝导听见的人作出敬拜委身。

Music is often like an intoxicant, causing people to act inebriated. 音乐常常就像酒精,让人沉醉。

Music functions like an intoxicant to the heart, causing one to often not think clearly. 音乐就像是心脏的麻醉剂,常常让人无法清晰地思考。

Socrates (470-399 BC) said that music is the one medium which goes directly into man’s heart.  苏格拉底(公元前 470-399)说,音乐是直接进入人心的一种媒介。

It does not first enter man’s reason, but circumvents it, so that one is encouraged to act on emotion.  音乐不会首先进入人的理性,而是绕过理性,以让人受到鼓舞依照情感行动。

Godly music encourages the worship of God.敬虔的音乐激励对神的敬拜。

Ungodly music encourages the worship of the creation. 悖逆的音乐激励对受造之物的敬拜。

Popular music is powerful counsel.   流行音乐是强有力的辅导。

It appeals to one’s affections, feelings, tastes, and desires; it seeks to shape the whole person – to affect and direct one’s worship.   它可以唤起人的情感,品味,欲望,试图塑造全人----去影响和引导人的敬拜。

Music has a profound affect on society. 音乐对社会有着深远的影响。

Traditionally, parents and children listened to the same music. 曾几何时,父母和儿女听同样的音乐。

This had a unifying effect on the culture. 这对文化产生一种凝聚力。

However, in 1954, rock and roll music debuted, which had a profound effect upon young people. 但到了 1954 年,摇滚乐的横空出世对年轻人产生巨大的影响。

For the first time, children and parents now listened to different music. 当时,儿女和父母第一次听不同的音乐。

This sowed the seeds of family division and rebellion. 这埋下了家庭分裂和悖逆的种子。

William Congreve wrote, “music has charms to soothe a savage breast.”   威廉·康格雷夫写道:“音乐有着抚慰粗野胸怀的魅力。”

But music also has power to release the savage in the beast.  但是音乐也有释放野兽般残暴力量的势力。

 

The Worldview Inherent in Music

音乐内在的世界观

Beautiful music teaches something about good and evil, mankind, virtue, and noble character.  美好的音乐旨在传授善恶观、人类美德和高尚情操。

It gives people a window into the eternal, and shows something of the purpose of their lives.   它给人们打开了一扇通往永恒的窗,并展示给人们生活的价值。  

 

Music as Worship  音乐是一种敬拜

Music was invented by God as a form of worship.音乐是神发明的一种敬拜方式。

Thus, all music should worship God.  因此,所有的音乐都应该敬拜神。

However, modern music often worships man.然而,现代音乐往往只敬拜人。

Consider an issue in the life of the church.  想想教会生活。

Churches are often divided on proper worship music.教会常常为着什么才是对的敬拜音乐而分裂。

Here is a good test concerning worship music: How many times do you count “I,” “me,” or “we” in the song?  这里是一个关于敬拜音乐的一个好问题:在一首歌里你能数到多少次“我”或“我们”?

If our worship music tends to be about our own experience, then it tends to loose focus on God. 如果我们的敬拜音乐常常是关于自己的感受,那么它对神的关注总是会变得松懈。

Worship music should be Christ-centered. 敬拜音乐应该以基督为中心。

There can be some reference to oneself, but the question is, “Does that reference tend to take attention away from Christ?”可能有一些提到自己,但问题是“那些提到自己的部分是不是将注意力从基督那里移走了?”

Worship music is created when the tongue and worshipping heart are connected.  当口唱心和的时候,敬拜音乐就被创作出来。

Thus, God is only glorified by music, when it comes from a worshipping heart.  因此,唯有当音乐来自一颗敬拜神的心时,神才会得荣耀。

This means that it is not the quality of the music which matters (although we should always strive to give God our best), but it is the heart behind the music.  这意味着重要的不是音乐的质量(尽管我们应当总是努力地将自己最好的献给神),但关键是音乐背后的心。

 

Student Assignment  学生作业

 

 


Research  研究内容


Student  学生


1.

Exodus 出埃及记 15:1-18


 


2.


Exodus 出埃及记 32:18


 


3.


1 Samuel 撒母耳记上 2:1-10


 


4.


Psalm 诗篇 98:1-9


 


5.


Ecclesiastes 传道书 7:5


 


6.


Ezekiel 以西结书 33:32


 


7.


Daniel 但以理书 3:5


 


8.


Luke 路加福音 1:46-55


 


9.


Revelation 启示录 18:22


 


 

Review Questions  复习样题

1.From the class notes, “A Christian Analysis of Music,” explain the idea that music has within it a worldview. 根据讲义《透过基督信仰分析音乐》 ,阐释音乐中的世界观。

 

🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵

Worship Music  敬拜音乐

Introduction 导论

Worship is described as the place where heaven and earth meet.人们说敬拜犹如一个天地的交汇处。

During worship, God is glorified on earth, as he is in heaven (Matthew 马太福音 6:10).  在敬拜中,神在地上得荣耀,如同在天。

 

The Invention of Music  音乐的发明

The first musician, Jubal, “was the father of all who play the harp and flute.”第一位音乐家犹八是一切弹琴吹箫之人的祖师 (Genesis 创世记 4:21).

Since that time some used music for man’s glory, and others for God’s glory.  那个时候的人有奏乐赞美人的,也有歌唱荣耀神的。

However, the concept of music is certainly God’s idea. 但是,音乐必定是神的创造。

He invented music to bring glory to himself.  祂发明了音乐荣耀自己。

 

The World’s Music  世俗音乐

John Calvin (1509-1564) spent much of his time ministering in Geneva, Switzerland.  约翰·加尔文大部分时间都在瑞士日内瓦传教。

Geneva was a crossroads for trade, and thus, brought much depraved entertainment with its transient residents.

日内瓦是一个贸易枢纽,那里的旅居居民的娱乐活动十分放纵。

John Calvin noted the abuse of music on the streets, and in the taverns.  约翰·加尔文注意到了街上和酒馆里对音乐的滥用。

Music only gave “…foolish delight by which it seduces men from better employments and occupies them in vanity.”   音乐不过是让人“不务正业,用空虚填充人们生活的愚昧快感”。

Calvin’s phrase “foolish delight” might best describe most modern music. 加尔文的这句“愚昧的快感”可能是对最现代的音乐最好的形容。

It delights for a moment, but leaves the fool more foolish. 它快乐一时,却让愚昧人更愚昧。

Much secular music incites the heart into war with God. 很多世俗音乐引诱人的心灵与神争战。

Calvin observed, “When melody goes with [music], every bad word penetrates more deeply into the heart…”   加尔文观察到, “当旋律与音乐相配合时,每一句脏话都能更深入人心…”

Music functions like a venom of corruption that is funneled into the very bottom of the heart by melody.音乐的作用就像一种腐败的毒液,通过旋律流入心灵的最深处。

Calving further noted, “Songs composed only for sweetness and delight of the ear are unbecoming to the majesty of the church, and displease God.”  加尔文进一步指出,“只为悦耳动听而创作的歌曲与教会的威严是不相称的,也是不讨神喜悦的。”

Calvin’s point is that Christians do not want to fill the church with merely sweet and delightful music, music which appeals to the lust of the flesh. 加尔文的重点是基督徒不想要充满教会的音乐仅仅是悦耳动听、体贴人肉体的情欲。

 

Definitions  定义

Before we continue our discussion, we will define two terms:在开始音乐的讨论之前,我们应该定义两个词汇:

1.Musical form (the musicality)  音乐形式(音韵)

2.Musical content (the lyrics)  音乐内容(歌词)

Musical form refers to the sound of the music, its musical quality, its pitch, and mood.  音乐形式指的是音乐的音色、音质、音高和情调。

A song’s rhythm is a crucial factor in evaluating its musical value for worship. 音乐的节拍是评价敬拜音乐的关键要素。

Musical content refers to the lyrics. 音乐内容指的是歌词。

What is the song’s message?  这首歌传达了什么信息?

The form of the music is its message. 音乐的形式便是它的内容。

One might think of musicality as the road which allows the lyrics to invade the heart. 可以把音韵看作让歌词入侵心灵的歌词。

Consider God’s two means of revelation:  想想神的两种启示:

1.General revelation – the creation  普遍启示——受造界

2.Special revelation – Scripture  特殊启示——圣经

General revelation might be thought of as the form of God’s communication.  普遍启示如同神的交流形式。

Special revelation might be the content of God’s communication.特殊启示如同神交流的内容。

This means that general revelation is the background against which special revelation is set.  普遍启示如同突出特殊启示的背景。

In the same way, musical form is the background against which its content is set.  同样,音乐的形式是音乐内容的背景。

When we evaluate worship music (or any music), we consider both its form and its content.  当我们评价敬拜音乐(或任何音乐) 时,既要考虑形式,也要考虑内容。

Is the form God-honoring?  音乐形式荣耀神吗?

Is the message true to God’s Word?  音乐中的信息忠于神的道吗?

Thus, it is possible that a song contains a truthful message, but its form is not in accord with that truth (such as rap music).  因此,有的歌曲可能歌词内容纯正,但形式却不符合真理 (比如说唱音乐)。

On the other hand, a song may have an elegant and majestic form, while its content is not in accord with sound biblical doctrine (Example: _____).  另一方面,一首歌曲可能形式优美或庄严,但它的内容不符合纯正圣经教义(例如: 《你是唯一》)。

Thus, form and content must be God-honoring for a song to be suitable for use in worship.因此,歌曲的形式和内容必须都是敬拜神的,才适合在敬拜中使用。

It is also important that the form does not overpower the content.另一个重要的事是形式不应该压过内容。

Thus, the form should magnify the content.  因此,形式应该放大内容。

 

Student Exercise  学生练习

Do you feel that the song 有一天 is suitable for church worship?你觉得《有一天》这首歌适合用于教会敬拜吗?

Explain your answer.  请解释。

 

God Desires Praise  神喜爱赞美

God desires his people to sing praises to him.神喜爱他的百姓唱歌赞美他。

There are many examples throughout Scripture.整本圣经中有许多这样的例子。

 

Examples of Music as Praise to God


圣经中赞美神的音乐


 


1. Moses sang a song of praise after the Exodus.


出埃及以后,摩西唱了一首赞歌。


Exodus 出埃及记 15:1-21


2. Deborah sang after the victory over Sisera.


底波拉打败西西拉以后歌唱。


Judges 士师记 5


3. King David played the harp, and wrote many of the Psalms.  大卫王弹琴,又写许多诗篇。


1 Samuel 撒母耳记上16:14-23


 

Examples of Music as Praise to God


圣经中赞美神的音乐


 


4. Jesus sang Psalms 116, 117, 118 (known as the “Hallel”) with his disciples at the Last Supper.


耶稣和他的门徒在最后的晚餐上唱了诗篇 116,117,118(以“哈列”闻名)。


Matthew 马太福音 26:30


While in jail, Paul and Silas sang a hymn of praise to God.  保罗和西拉在监里唱诗赞美神。


Acts 使徒行传 16:25


Revelation 14:2, 3, tells us that there singing in heaven, as the heavenly choir joins in praise to God. 启示录 14:2, 3, 告诉我们,在天堂里歌唱,天上的唱诗班加入了赞美神的行列。


 


 

Praising God is the reason we were created. 我们被造是为了赞美神。

Being in God’s image, means that our praise brings the most glory to God, far above that of the angels.  我们以神的形象存在,意味着我们的赞美给神带来最大的荣耀,远大过天使的赞美。

Thus, when we praise God, our spirit finds comfort and joy.

因此,当我们赞美神的时候,我们的心灵就会感到安慰和喜乐。

God’s goal, in calling us to belong to him, is that we might be “for the praise of his glory (Ephesians 以弗所书 1:6, 12, 14).  神呼召我们归与他的目的,是要我们“使他的荣耀得着称赞”。

“A song of praise is like a mirror we hold up to God, reflecting his glory back to himself.”  赞美之歌就像一面我们举向神的镜子,将他的荣耀反射到他自己身上。

While the angels praise God in song, the Christian is uniquely suited to glorify God with song. 虽然天使们用歌声赞美神,但基督徒对于用歌声来荣耀神有着独特的合宜之处。

In fact, each Christian, as a vessel of the Holy Spirit, must cry out in song. 事实上,每个基督徒都是圣灵的器皿,必须以歌声呼喊。

That Spirit cannot be contained. 那灵令人含忍不住。

 

Jesus Sings  耶稣唱诗

Even though seldom mentioned, Jesus sang, and continues to sing:虽然圣经很少提及耶稣唱歌,但是确有记载表明耶稣的唱诗:

1. Matthew 26:30 (Mark 14:26) speaks of Jesus singing with his disciples at the Last Supper. 马太福音 26:30 (马可福音 14:26) 提到耶稣和他的门徒在最后的晚餐上唱歌。

2. Romans 15:9 speaks of Jesus singing and playing an instrument.罗马书 15:9 讲到耶稣唱歌和演奏乐器。

3. Hebrews 2:12 pictures Jesus singing in praise.希伯来书 2:12 描述了耶稣歌唱赞美的画面。

Jesus sings the Psalms, because the Psalms are the Bible’s song book, giving expression to the Christian’s emotions. 耶稣用诗篇歌唱,因为诗篇是圣经中的诗歌本,对基督徒的情感予以抒发。

The Psalms capture the full spectrum of the believer’s experience, helping the believer to articulate his inner life.诗篇捕捉到信徒全部的经历,帮助信徒将内在生命发出声音。

 

The Modern Focus on Worship Music现代对敬拜音乐的关注

The modern church seems more focused on the question of appropriate worship music, than at any other time in its history.现代教会似乎比历史上任何时候都更在乎什么样的敬拜音乐是合宜的。

In fact, the question of music rarely comes up in the epistles.事实上,音乐的问题很少出现在书信中。

Thus, it does not seem to have been a major problem to early Christians, who likely all agreed on proper worship music.  因此,对初代基督徒来说,音乐似乎并不是一个大问题,他们对敬拜音乐很可能是一致认同的。

However, today worship music often causes deep divides in the church.然而,今天的敬拜音乐常常导致教会内严重的分歧。

Likely, because the modern world has crafted so many types of music, the question has become more pressing.可能是因为现代世界创造了繁杂的音乐类型,这个问题就变得紧迫。

It is not surprising that musical style is now one of the greatest causes of division in churches.  音乐风格是教会分裂的最大原因之一,这并不令人惊讶。

Since Christian music now includes every genre, it is no wonder that Christians are often confused about whether particular music is suitable for worship.  由于基督教音乐现在包括了所有的音乐流派,难怪基督徒经常会困惑哪些音乐是适合敬拜的。

There is a danger that, in this discussion, we so focus on the correct form of worship, that we make the worship itself into the object of our worship.  在这个讨论中,有一种危险是过于专注敬拜的正确形式,而使敬拜本身成为我们敬拜的对象。

In other words, we do not want to worship worship, but we want to be sure that our worship is directed toward God, for him alone to hear.换句话说,我们不想敬拜“敬拜”,但我们要确定我们的敬拜是面对神的,是单单为了让他听见。

Modern people often choose their church based on whether they like the music.  现代人经常根据音乐来选择教会。

This means that as long as they have a good feeling from the music, they think this is an uplifting and “spiritual” church.  意思是只要他们感觉那里的音乐不错,就会觉得这是一个鼓舞人心的“属灵的”教会。

In fact, fewer Christians focus on the preaching.事实上,基督徒注重讲道的人更少。

They wait for the preaching to be finished, so that they can sing more praise songs.  他们等待证道结束,这样他们就可以接着唱赞美诗。

The worship music sets the stage for the congregation to receive the preaching. 敬拜音乐为会众领受证道奠定基础。

Thus, one might think of the worship music as tilling the soil of the heart, so that the seed of God’s Word can take root within it. 因此,可以把敬拜音乐看作是耕耘心灵之土,让神话语的种子在里面扎根。

 

Three Crucial Elements in Worship Music  敬拜音乐的三个关键





Notes with the Diagram  图表注解

In order for music to worship God in spirit and in truth, three elements must be present:  为了在音乐中用心灵和诚实敬拜神,必须满足三个要素:

1. The heart: worship in each of those singing 心灵:每个人歌唱时的敬拜之心

(A priest focuses on worship.)  祭司职分侧重于敬拜。

2. The song: music which is suitable to worship God, both in its musicality, and in its content 歌曲:适合用来敬拜神的音乐,在音韵和内容上都是如此

(A prophet refers to truth, text, and meaning.)先知职分包括真理、经文和意义。

3. A congregation gathered for worship, in which each participant raises his voice in praise  齐声高唱一起敬拜的会众

(A king displays power.) 君王职分中表现出能力。

So, in summary, for worship to take place, there must be the heart, the song, and the voices proclaiming that song.  所以,总结来说,敬拜一定要有心灵、歌曲和声音一起高歌。

All three are necessary to bring worship to God through music.这三者对于借着音乐敬拜神来说是缺一不可的。

The following analysis is presented according to these three categories. 以下分析便是按照心灵、歌曲和会众三个要素进行的。

Consider the way in which evil mimics God’s designs:想想邪恶是如何模仿神的设计的:

 

 

Worship  敬拜


Evil  邪恶


1. The heart  心灵


The flesh  肉体


2. The song (the text)  歌曲(传递信息)


The devil  魔鬼


3. The congregation  会众


The world  世界


The heart was designed to worship God; the flesh makes it worship man (or the creation, generally).心灵应该敬拜神;肉体使得它敬拜人(或者广义上说受造物)。

The song (the text) is designed to give truthful content to praise for God; the devil fills man with lies.  歌曲(传递的信息)应该要把真理带到对神的赞美中;魔鬼却用谎言充满人。

The devil gives man a false song.  魔鬼给了人错误的歌曲。

The congregation was meant to gather for praise; the world gathers to turn men to evil, the collective voice of the flesh.  会众应该聚在一起赞美;世界把人聚在一起作恶,把肉体的声音集合在一起。

The Christian must daily pray that the Lord would put a new song in his heart (Psalm 诗篇 98:1), that the Christian would continually turn from: 基督徒必须每天祈求神在他心里放一首新歌,让基督徒不断地转离:

1.The false worship of the flesh 肉体的错误敬拜

2.Satan’s lies 撒旦的谎言

3.The world’s congregation 世俗的会众

So, that the Christian would daily fill his heart with a song of praise.  所以,基督徒要每天用赞美的歌填满他的心。

 

Worship According to Scripture

合乎圣经的敬拜

Psalm 111 tells us the type of praise that God desires:

诗篇 111 告诉我们神想要的敬拜是:

1.Praise from the heart  发自心灵的赞美

2.Praise from the entire congregation  全体会众的赞美

 

The Heart: Worshipping Through Music

心灵:借着音乐敬拜

Many Christians wrongly believe that if their church’s praise music creates a certain good feeling within people, then that is good praise music. 许多基督徒错误地相信如果他们教会的赞美音乐能在人们心中创造某种美好的感觉,就是好的赞美音乐。

This is a wrong way to see the praise experience.这是对赞美的错误看法。

Worship is a response of the heart.  敬拜发自人的肺腑心肠。

Thus, worship music must encourage the heart to worship God.因此,敬拜音乐必须带给人敬拜神的鼓舞。

Not all music, through both its form or content, encourages the heart to worship God.  不是所有音乐的形式和内容都能鼓舞人的心敬拜神。

Many Christians feel that praise music is created in the church.

许多基督徒感觉赞美音乐是在教会里创作的。

That music then fills the congregation, sparking praise in those attending.  音乐之声在会众中间响起,创造了那些参与者的赞美。

This is incorrect.  这是不正确的。

Praise is not created from the outside in, but from the inside out.赞美不是由外而内的,而是由内而外的。

Praise is generated within the congregation’s hearts.赞美是从会众的心中流露出来的。

That praise overflows into song.  人的心中满了赞美,就流溢出了诗歌。

Thus, praise music flows from within Christians. 因此,赞美的音乐是从基督徒里面流淌出来的。

Thus, praise music should flow spontaneously from a heart bursting with love for God and others.因此,赞美之声应该从一颗爱神爱人的心里自然而然地发出。

So, a Christian should not be commanded to sing.所以,一个基督徒不应该被要求去唱歌。

Song should flow naturally from him, even if he has little musical talent, from the world’s perspective.  就算一个人从世俗的角度来看五音不全,他的歌声也应该自然流露。

Christians should always strive for excellence in all that they do. 基督徒应该在凡事上竭诚为主。

However, they must never judge the quality of their praise against the world’s standards.但是,基督徒绝不应该用世俗的标准评判他人的赞美。

God is more pleased with a willing heart, than with superlative talent.  比起精湛的声乐,神更喜爱乐意摆上的心。

Christians should be content if their abilities are modest, that God can do great things, even with those who are mediocre in the world’s eyes (1 Corinthians 哥林多前书 1:27-31). 就算基督徒的能力有限,也当知足。就算有的信徒是世界看不上的,神仍能够借着他们成就大事。

Thus, the church should not recruit outside musicians for a special performance (and should not clap for those leading the worship).  因此,教会不应该为了一场特别的表演招募外邦音乐人(也不该为那些带领敬拜的人鼓掌)。

The musicians already in the congregation are adequate to bring God the praise he desires from this body of believers.  会众里的音乐人已经各就各位,要从信徒身体中带给神祂所喜悦的赞美。

Even if those believers lack particular musical talent, whatever music they produce is pleasing in God’s eyes.  即使那些信徒缺乏音乐才能,他们所演奏所歌唱的在神的眼中仍然是可喜爱的。

Often those with the most talent are quick to rely upon themselves, and to forget their need for God. 往往那些最有才能的人很快地依靠他们自己,忘记了他们对神的需要。

While those with the least talent, are uniquely positioned to most glorify God by learning to rely upon him. 而那些才能最浅薄的,却借着依靠神,而被放在一个最荣耀神的独特位置上。

So, the church does not need the best musicians leading worship, only those who are faithful, and who rely upon God moment by moment for the ability to serve him faithfully. 因此,教会不需要最好的音乐人带领敬拜,唯独需要那些敬虔的人,他们每时每刻地为自己的能力依靠神、忠心服侍祂。

 

The Song: The Form and Content of Worship Music歌曲:敬拜音乐的形式与内容

“We know by experience that music has a secret and almost incredible power to move hearts.” (Martin Luther)  经验告诉我们,音乐有着打动人心的力量,我们说不上来但这股力量让我们觉得不可思议。 (马丁·路德)

John Calvin agreed with Luther (1483-1546) in asserting that Christians need to be especially diligent in regulating what type of music is permitted in worship.  约翰·加尔文同意路德的观点,他坚定地说基督徒需要特别勤勉地规范在敬拜中允许使用哪类音乐。

What is appropriate to sing in the house of God must be “neither light nor frivolous,” wrote Calvin, but it must “have weight and majesty.” 加尔文写道,适合在神之家演唱的歌曲必须“既不轻佻,也不浮华”,必须“有分量有威严.”

There was a place for a style of “music which one makes to entertain men at table and in their houses.”有一种风格的音乐是“在家里用餐时的背景音乐”。

But, Calvin argued that there was a great difference between entertaining music “and the psalms which are sung in the Church in the presence of God and his angels.” 但是,加尔文认为,用于娱乐的音乐和“在神和天使面前,在教会里唱的赞美诗”之间有“巨大的区别.”

Not all music is capable of bearing the weight of the majesty of God himself.  不是所有的音乐都能承载神的威严。

Some characteristics of worship music:  敬拜音乐的特征:

1.To be suitable for worship, the music must reflect the character of God.  适合敬拜的音乐必须体现神的性情。

2. Worship music should teach sound doctrine.敬拜音乐必须教导纯正教义。

(Even if one does not pay careful attention to the lyrics, they still have an effect). 就算一个人不在意歌词,它们仍旧产生着影响。

3. Worship music is designed to encourage Christians to engage in spiritual battle (the battle for men’s hearts).敬拜音乐是为了鼓励基督徒参与属灵的争战(人心的争战)。

Acts 使徒行传 16:24-26: Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose.禁卒领了这样的命,就把他们下在内监里,两脚上了木狗。约在半夜,保罗和西拉,祷告唱诗赞美神,众囚犯也侧耳而听。忽然地大震动,甚至监牢的地基都摇动了。监门立刻全开,众囚犯的锁链也都松开了。

Notice that Paul and Silas prayed and sang while in prison, with a tremendous effect upon all present.请注意保罗和西拉在狱中祷告唱诗,对在场的每个人都影响巨大。

4. Worship music unifies Christians, so that they feel a part of one voice on earth.  敬拜音乐使基督徒合一,因而他们都发自世上同一个声音。

5. Worship music is meant to bring healing to lives which are suffering.敬拜音乐用来给遭受苦难的生命带来医治。

Worship through song must amplify our worship, through hearing and responding to God’s Word.用歌唱来敬拜神的时候,必须通过聆听和回应神的话来放大我们的敬拜。

Thus, music is designed to highlight, and draw out, the truths of Scripture.  因此,音乐的目的是强调和引出圣经的真理。

If the song worship is only an emotional experience, then the Word of God will be neglected, because it might not provide the same experience.  如果敬拜只是一种情感体验,那么神的话语就会被忽视,因为它可能不能提供同样的体验。

The Word of God is to be the focal point of the Christian’s worship.神的话语是基督徒敬拜的焦点。

What we do when we come into the presence of the living God through worship, is regulated by God himself, in his Word alone.  当我们在永活的神面前敬拜时,我们所做的事,都是神亲自在他的话语中规定的。

Anything else is idolatry.   除此以外都是拜偶像。

Psalm 诗篇  96:1: Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. 你们要向耶和华唱新歌。全地都要向耶和华歌唱。

This Psalm commands believers to “sing a new song.”这篇诗篇吩咐信徒“唱新歌”。

Thus, Christians must put away songs that appeal to the flesh, and embrace those which exalt God’s character.  因此,作为基督徒,我们必须抛开那些体贴肉体的歌曲,拥抱那些高举神性情的歌曲。

Often Christians seek to sing a “borrowed” song unto the Lord.

基督徒经常向主唱“借来的”歌。

This means that they seek to imitate the songs of men, thinking that this will make the Christian message more appealing to the world.这意味着他们模仿世人的歌曲,认为这会使基督的真道更吸引世界。

However, this dishonors God.  然而,这是对神的羞辱。

Whenever the church imitates the world, such as in musicality and lyrics, it weakens its witness to the world. 教会无论何时效仿世界,包括在音韵和歌词上,就削弱了向世界作出的见证。

Additionally, the world loses respect for the church, because its message appears to be hollow. 另外,世界失去对教会的尊重,因为它的道显得空洞。

Thus, imitating the world does not make the church more attractive to the world, but rather less attractive.  因此,效仿世界不会让教会变得对世界具有吸引力,而是更加没有吸引力。

 

The Spectrum of Worship Music

敬拜音乐的范围



Worship music can be separated into that which is Christ-centered, and that which is man-centered.敬拜音乐可以分为以基督为中心的和以人为中心的。
Christ-centered music focuses on the greatness and mercy of Jesus. 以基督为中心的音乐专注于耶稣的大而可畏和仁慈良善。
Christ-centered music may also mention the Christian’s experience, but always in a way that draws out sound doctrine. 以基督为中心的音乐可能也提到基督徒的经历,但是为了引出纯正的教义。
Amazing Grace is a good example.《奇异恩典》就是一个很好的例子。
On the other side of the spectrum, is music which seeks to create a worship experience, or which entertains.在另一边的敬拜音乐是为了创造敬拜体验或娱乐。
The music on the right side tends to be man-centered, and thus, does not worship God at all.  右边的音乐以人为中心,因此,并不是完全敬拜神。
Amos 阿摩司书 5:23: Away with the noise of your songs!
    I will not listen to the music of your harps. 要使你们歌唱的声音远离我。因为我不听你们弹琴的响声。
Man-centered music focuses on man’s experience of God, and man’s emotional state in his faith.以人为本的音乐关注的是人对神的经历,以及人在信仰中的情感。
Man-centered music is a one-dimensional focus on joy and happiness, victory and triumph.以人为本的音乐单维度地关注于快乐和幸福、得胜和凯旋。
The most Scripture-focused worship music is Psalms set to music.最专注于圣经的敬拜音乐是为诗篇配上音乐。
John Calvin believed that the Psalms alone should be sung in worship.约翰·加尔文认为,在敬拜时只应该唱诗篇。
(Although, he also permitted the singing of the Ten Commandments.)不过,他也允许唱《十诫》。
According to Calvin, how could there be any greater music than the Psalms?  根据加尔文的说法,还有比诗篇更伟大的音乐吗?
The greatness of signing the Psalms is that believers have used these for worship for 3,000 years.演唱诗篇的伟大之处在于,信徒们已经用它来敬拜三千年了。
There is something powerful and moving about singing the same hymns that believers sang at King David’s time, and throughout the history of the church.  在大卫王时代和教会历史上,信徒们也唱着这些赞美诗,它们坚定有力而又感人至深。
Also consider that the Psalms are certainly sung in heaven.还要想在天上肯定要唱诗篇。
So, as the Christian sings the Psalms, he connects to believers throughout time, and into eternity.  所以,当基督徒唱赞美诗的时候,他就与历世历代的信徒们在永恒里连接在了一起。
The Lutherans were a little more permissive with worship music than the Calvinists.  路德宗对敬拜音乐比加尔文宗稍宽容一些。
Martin Luther, allowed many of the Reformation hymns (such as Luther’s, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God) to be sung, if they recount the essentials of the gospel.马丁路德,允许许多改革宗赞美诗 (如马丁·路德的《我们的神是坚固堡垒》) 被唱出来,如果他们讲述了福音的要点。
 
Handel’s Messiah  亨德尔的《弥赛亚》
In August, 1741, George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) claimed that he had a vision from God, in which he saw a musical score.  1741 年八月, 乔治·弗里德里克·亨德尔说从来自上帝的异象中他看到了乐谱。
(We might consider this to be illumination from the Holy Spirit.) 我们可以认为这是圣灵的光照。
The score told the story of the gospel of Jesus Christ.乐谱讲述了耶稣基督的福音。
For the next twenty-two days, Handel feverishly wrote down his vision.在接下来的二十二天里,亨德尔兴奋地写下他在异象里看到的乐谱。
When he was finished, Handel had created one of the greatest musical masterpieces.当他完成这个作品时,亨德尔创造了最伟大的音乐杰作之一。
He called it simply, Messiah.   他给这个作品取名为——《弥赛亚》
Handel soon performed his work for London churches as an evangelistic piece. 亨德尔很快地将这个作品用于伦敦教会的传道事工中。
His hope was to use this music to spread the gospel.他的愿望是用这一乐曲传福音。
Before long churches were packed just to hear his concerts.  很快,教堂里挤满了人,都是为了听他的音乐会。
Additionally, thousands were saved as a result.  此外,数千人因此得救。
For years afterward, Handel traveled from city to city performing Messiah.  多年以后,亨德尔到各个城市演奏《弥赛亚》.
He refused to accept any payment for his performances. 他不收演出报酬。
 
Student Exercise  学生练习
According to the model presented in these class notes, explain how you would evaluate if Handel’s Messiah is rightly considered worship music? 根据在课件中的内容,阐述你觉得亨德尔的《弥赛亚》可以用于敬拜吗?
Just because Handel’s Messiah was performed in a church, does not necessarily make it worship music.
只是因为亨德尔的《弥赛亚》在教会中演奏,不一定可以用作敬拜音乐。
Two other elements must be in place:还有两个元素要有:
1. Hearts willing to worship God乐意敬拜神的心
2. A congregation raising its voices together in worship在敬拜中齐声高唱的会众
Without these two elements, a performance of any music, no matter how majestic, is not worshipful.任何音乐演奏少了这两个因素,无论多么庄严,也不是敬拜时该用的音乐。
 
The Spectrum of Worship Music
敬拜音乐的范围
But, some argue that the form of the music, and even its content, do not matter.  但有些人会说,音乐的形式,甚至内容都不重要。
The key is the worshipful heart.  关键在于敬拜的心。
While, generally speaking, we do focus on heart motive as crucial for all aspects of the Christian life, the choice of one’s music does reveal crucial truths about the heart.
虽然,一般来说,我们确实把内心的动机作为基督徒生活中一切事的关键,但一个人对音乐的选择确实揭示了内心中的关键真理。
The heart that truly loves God, and others, would not want to sing man-centered music, as supposed worship of God.   真正爱神爱人的心不会想要唱以人为本的音乐作为对神的一种敬拜。
Everything ultimately glorifies God (even the wicked for the day of judgment), but not everything worships God (See Proverbs 16:4; Romans 9:22, 23). 一切的事终究是为了荣耀神(哪怕是恶人遭受审判的日子),但不是一切的事都是在敬拜神 (见箴言 16:4;罗马书 9:22, 23)。
 
Christian Music Not Used in Worship
不用于敬拜的基督教音乐
Some may ask the question, “If worship music is to only be Psalms and hymns, what about other Christian music which is not used in worship?”  有人可能会问: “如果敬拜音乐只是诗篇和圣诗,那么其它不用于敬拜的基督教音乐呢?”
There may be other songs to which Christians like to listen, which, while inappropriate for worship, still edify and encourage.  基督徒也许还有其它喜欢听的歌,虽然不适合敬拜,但仍能带给人启发和鼓舞。
Christians should be able to listen to, and sing, other forms of music.基督徒应该能够聆听和歌唱其它的音乐。
However, we must remember that we continually worship.
然而,我们必须记住,我们要坚持敬拜。
There is never a time that our heart is not worshipping.
我们的心从来没有不敬拜的时候。
This can make us vulnerable to be tempted to false belief through man-centered music (even that which is considered Christian).  若掉以轻心,容易落入人本音乐中的假信仰之中(就算它们也是基督教音乐)。
 
The Song: The Form and Content of Worship Music
歌曲:敬拜音乐的形式与内容
Some Christians set up a false dichotomy.有些基督徒建立了错误的二分法。
They assert that preaching is for building the mind.他们一口咬定讲道是为了建造思想。
Praise music is for building the spirit.  音乐是用来建造心灵。
This is a false separation.  这是一种错误的划分。
Singing good theology makes that theology more firmly rooted in the heart. 当好的神学歌唱出来的时候会在人的心中更加稳固。
Thus, singing is a means that God uses to make his Word more pressing, and more powerful, to us. 
因此,神使用歌唱让祂的道在我们中间更紧迫、更大有能力。
Worship music serves and magnifies the Word of God.
敬拜音乐是为了神的道服务的,是为了放大神的道。
After participating in worship music, our desire for God’s Word should be greater.  在音乐敬拜之后,我们对神的道应该要有更深的渴慕。
If worship music distracts from the Word of God, then it is music of the flesh.  如果敬拜音乐使人不专注神的道,那就是属肉体的。
 
The Danger of Emotionalism  情感主义的危险
Ezekiel 以西结书 33:32: Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice.  他们看你如善于奏乐,声音幽雅之人所唱的雅歌,他们听你的话却不去行。
Notice that Israel made God’s Word into nothing more than a love song, sung with a beautiful voice.
注意,以色列只是把神的话当成了一首情歌,用幽雅的声音吟唱。
In other words, what should have brought them to repentance and faith, they only listened to in a sensual way.换句话说,应该带给他们悔改和信靠的,他们只用感官去听。
Some wrongly feel that good worship music takes them into the presence of God.有些人错误地认为好的敬拜音乐能把他们带到神的面前。
They also feel that the music gives them an assurance of God’s love.他们也觉得音乐给了他们神之爱的确据。
The purpose of worship music should never be to merely create a feeling in people.  敬拜音乐的目的从来不应该是单单创造人们的感觉。
Our assurance of God’s love does not depend on our feelings. 我们对神之爱的确据并不依赖于我们的感觉。
It depends on the finished work of Christ. 这取决于基督已成就的工作。
My feelings cannot take me either any closer to God, or any further from him.  我的感觉不能让我更亲近神,也不能让我离他更远。
If I trust in Christ, then I am already in God’s presence by faith, “seated with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6). 我若信基督,就因信已经在神面前, “与基督耶稣一同坐在天上” (以弗所书 2:6)。
So, I must look to him if I want assurance, not to my feelings, which fluctuate.  所以,如果想要得到确据,就要去仰望祂,而不是去找波动的感觉。
Stimulating worship music may feel like a “sugar high.” 刺激的敬拜音乐就像“高糖”产品。
However, the Christian should be fed the meat of doctrine in worship music so that repentance, faith, and obedience are built up. 然而,基督徒应该在敬拜音乐中得到教义之干粮的喂养,让悔改、信心和顺服得到建造。
 
The Danger of Emotionalism  情感主义的危险
“I looked at Christ, and the dove of peace flew into my heart. I looked at the dove, and it flew away.” (Charles Spurgeon)  仰望基督的时候,平安的鸽子就落在我的心上。但倘若仰望鸽子,它就飞走了。 (司布真)
What did Spurgeon mean by this?  司布真说的这句话是什么意思?
If we focus on Jesus, there will be peace.如果我们定睛仰望主耶稣,就会有平安。
If we just seek peace, it will never take place.如果我们只追求平安,平安永远不会到来。
The same is true with regard to any aspect of life.生活的每个方面都是如此。
If we seek Jesus, we will find joy.  如果我们寻求主耶稣,我们就会喜乐满怀。
If we seek joy, in itself, we never find it.如果我们追求的是喜乐本身,就永远找不到它。
 
Musical Instruments in Worship  敬拜的乐器
Until the 12th Century, the church did not use musical instruments in worship.  直到 12 世纪,教会才开始使用乐器敬拜。
Early ecumenical councils were against the use of instruments in worship. 早期的大公议会反对在礼拜中使用乐器。
Both John Calvin and John Knox (c. 1514-1572) were against using musical instruments in worship.约翰·加尔文和约翰·诺克斯反对在敬拜中使用乐器。
However, instruments may be used in non-worship music. 但是,在非敬拜的音乐中可以使用乐器。
For example, Psalm 150 speaks of the:  例如,诗篇 150 提到:
1. Trumpet 角
2. Harp 琴
3. Lute 瑟
4. Timbrel 鼓
5. Strings 丝弦的乐器
6. Pipe 箫
7. Cymbals 钹
Instruments should facilitate worship, but neither dominate it, nor distract from it. 乐器应该促进敬拜,不该统治敬拜,或是干扰敬拜。
I have noticed that piano playing during worship will sometimes include small stylistic notes inserted to ornament the music. 我注意到在敬拜期间的钢琴演奏中有时会加上小的花样音符,以给音乐作装饰。
Such ornamentation may distract from the worship, and even begins to sound more like entertainment. 这类装饰可能会干扰敬拜,甚至开始听上去更像是娱乐。
Of all musical instruments, I feel that drums are to the most dangerous in worship. 在所有的乐器中,我觉得鼓是最危险的敬拜乐器。
Drums tends to dominate the music, creating a pulsing rhythm, which easily appeals to the flesh.  鼓往往主导音乐,创造一种脉动的节奏,很容易体贴人的肉体。
A drum beat easily excites the passions of the flesh. 鼓的节拍很容易刺激肉体的情欲。
In Scripture, I do not see any mention of drums in the worship of God.在经文中,我没有看到在敬拜神的时候提及鼓。
Worship music is not for the entertainment of the congregation.敬拜音乐不是为了娱乐会众。
It is firstly for the worship of God, and secondly for the building up of the saints.  它首先要敬拜神,其次建造圣徒。
 
The Congregation: Voices Gathered for Worship
会众:敬拜时齐声高唱
Consider churches throughout the world praising God each Sunday morning. 思想世界各地的教会在每个星期日的早晨赞美神。
Those churches are like a chorus of praise filling the entire creation, so that every corner of the earth is filled with praise for God. 那些教会就像唱诗班一样填满整个受造界,所以地上的每个角落都充满对神的赞美。
Then consider that those churches are unified with the angels and saints in heaven, which also praise God in song. 那些教会与天上的使者和圣徒合一地用歌声赞美神。
Thus, as one sings praises to God in corporate worship one is unified with believers both on the earth and in heaven. 因此,在公众敬拜中向神唱诗,乃是与天上地上的信徒合一。
This unity becomes a single song of praise to God. 这种合一成了向神歌唱的赞歌。
Consider 1 Peter 2:4, 5: As you come to him, the living Stone--rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him-- you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.  请思考彼得前书 2:4, 5: 主乃活石。固然是被人所弃的,却是被神所拣选所宝贵的。你们来到主面前,也就像活石,被建造成为灵宫,作圣洁的祭司,借着耶稣基督奉献神所悦纳的灵祭。
God uses worship music as part of this process of building his people into a spiritual house. 神使用敬拜音乐建造祂百姓成为灵宫。
We gather on Sunday to express worship that should have been taking place all week long: 我们在星期日聚在一起,来表达本应持续一星期的敬拜:
1. Being broken 破碎  2. Confessing  认罪  3. Growing  成长  4. Listening  聆听   5. Offering to the Lord  向主奉献  6. Praying  祷告  7. Being silent  静默    8. Singing  唱歌    9. Speaking  说话
To think of church time as worship time, without connecting it to on-going worship of being living sacrifices for Christ (Romans 罗马书 12:1), is to miss the entire point of worship.  只把教会的时间当作敬拜的时间,而不把它与每日献上为基督而活的敬拜联系起来,就会失去敬拜的全部意义。
In other words, corporate worship is an outgrowth of how the Christian worships all week long.  换句话说,团体敬拜是基督徒一周敬拜的结果。
Thus, the entire week, God has been breaking us, rebuilding us, growing us, and putting a new song in our hearts. 因此,一整周里,神破碎我们、重建我们、使我们成长,在我们心里放一首新歌。
When we gather for Sunday worship, we come together as those having lived in, and experienced, the living Christ throughout the week. 当我们为了周日的敬拜聚在一起,乃是作为在一周里在活着的基督里活着并经历祂的人而聚在一起。
A modern trend in many churches is to create a worship team, or a dedicated choir.  在许多教会有一个流行趋势,就是建立一个敬拜团队,或专门的唱诗班。
The objective is to train a particular group of believers to produce the most beautiful music.目的是训练一群特别的信徒,使他们作出最优美的音乐。
This is not a scriptural concept.  这不是圣经的理念。
The worship should be from the entire congregation, all believers lifting their voices to praise Jesus.敬拜应该是全会众的信徒一起高声赞美主耶稣。
Thus, the church should not just train a select group for singing, but should continually train the entire congregation.因此,教会不应只训练一群人唱歌,还应坚持训练整个会众。
There should never be a sense of “performing” praise music in the church.  在教会中不应该有“表演”赞美音乐的感觉。
This easily makes the praise into a form for entertainment, which is never God’s desire.这很容易把赞美变成一种娱乐,神的心意从不是这样。
So, a Christian should never stand to perform in front of the congregation. 所以,基督徒不应该站在会众面前表演音乐。
A Christian may lead the congregation in song, but never with a sense of drawing attention to himself.  基督徒应该带着会众一起歌唱,而不把人们的注意力带向他或她自己。
It is also important to note that some larger churches hire a worship pastor, whose job is to create a worship experience in the congregation.  值得注意的是,一些大教会会聘请一名敬拜牧师,他的工作是在会众中创造敬拜的经历。
Such a role is dangerous, as the worship pastor may soon learn how to manipulate people’s emotions using music. 这样的角色是危险的,因为牧师可能很快就会学会如何利用音乐来操纵人们的情绪。
Sometimes the emotion and experience become more important than actually worshipping Jesus.有时候,情感和经历就变得比敬拜耶稣更重要。
I also do not see the specific position of worship pastor in Scripture.我也没有看到经文中有某种敬拜牧师的职分。
If there is a worship leader or worship pastor, that person should try, as much as possible, to be “invisible” with regard to the worship. 如果有一个带领敬拜的人或是带领敬拜的牧师,他应该尽可能地在敬拜中让人看不见。
No Christian should ever draw attention to himself with regard to the worship of God. 基督徒从不应该在敬拜神的时候为自己博得关注。
(Christians should not draw attention to themselves in any aspect of life.)  基督徒也不应该在生活的各个方面为自己博得关注。
Ephesians 以弗所书 5:19: Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,  当用诗章,颂词,灵歌,彼此对说,口唱心和的赞美主。
Colossians 歌罗西书 3:16: Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.当用各样的智慧,把基督的道理,丰丰富富的存在心里,用诗章,颂词,灵歌,彼此教导,互相劝戒,心被恩感歌颂神。
In singing, Christians teach one another.  通过歌唱,基督徒彼此教导。
The Christian’s singing should be entirely based on the Word of God.基督徒的歌唱应该完全建立在神的话语上。
 
Worship Music as a Form of Healing
敬拜音乐是一种医治
Sometimes, a Christian is overcome with grief.有时,一个基督徒会痛苦万分。
That grief can be so profound, that it is difficult to hear the Word of God. 他的悲伤是那么沉重,他难以听见神的道。
Sometimes, reading the Word of God may seem mechanical to one who is suffering.  有时候,读神的话语对一个受苦的人来说似乎是机械的。
Singing the Word of God makes it fresh and new to the soul.唱神的话语使我们的灵魂感到新鲜。
Thus, often worship music penetrates the heart, in a way that brings healing.  因此,敬拜音乐常常以一种能带来医治的方式穿透心灵。
Thus, Christians singing in unison counsel one another.因此,基督徒们齐声歌唱,互相劝诫。
So, singing hymns with other Christians can be a powerful form of counseling. 因此,和别的基督徒唱诗可以成为一种有力的辅导。
In the book, The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat (1985), Oliver Sacks (1933-2015) recounts the story of a man who was catatonic.奥利弗·萨克斯在 1985 年出版的《错把太太当帽子的人》一书中,讲述了一个患有紧张症的男人的故事。
He did not respond to outside stimulus, except for one, worship music.  他对任何外界刺激都没有反应,除了敬拜音乐。
When he heard church hymns, suddenly he was lucid.当他听到教堂的赞美诗时,他会突然清醒。
Thus, the music drew him out of his misery. 就这样,音乐把他从痛苦中拉了出来。
As music helps the believer to fellowship with Christ, and to more fully appropriate God’s Word, it will have this effect. 音乐帮助信徒与基督相交,让他们更充分地理解神的道,就发挥了它的作用。
Additionally, when Christians sing together, it is difficult for them to feel animosity toward one another.此外,当基督徒一起唱歌时,他们很难对彼此产生敌意。
Believers feel more deeply connected, when they raise their voices together to praise God.当信徒们一起高声赞美神时,他们感觉彼此之间的联系更加紧密。
Additionally, one’s love for God is not complete until one expresses it. 另外,对神的爱只有在表达出来的时候才完整。
Thus, singing out to God solidifies one’s love for him. 因此,向神歌唱时坚固对祂的爱。
Romans 罗马书 10:9: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 你若口里认耶稣为主,心里信神叫他从死里复活,就必得救。
Openly confessing faith in Jesus solidifies it in one’s heart.
口里对耶稣的认信坚固了人的心。
In a similar way, singing out one’s love for God, and thankfulness to God, makes this more definite in one’s heart. 同样,把对神的爱和感恩唱出来,使之在人的心里更加确定。
Consider Psalm 34:3-5: Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. 请思考诗篇 34:3-5: 你们和我当称耶和华为大,一同高举他的名。我曾寻求耶和华,他就应允我,救我脱离了一切的恐惧。凡仰望他的,便有光荣。他们的脸,必不蒙羞。
One sees that the faces of those who exalt God’s name are radiant. 那些高举神名的人,他们的脸面有着荣光。
 
Worship Music as a Form of Healing
敬拜音乐是一种医治
Romans 罗马书 10:9: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 你若口里认耶稣为主,心里信神叫他从死里复活,就必得救。
Openly confessing faith in Jesus solidifies it in one’s heart口里对耶稣的认信坚固了人的心。
In a similar way, singing out one’s love for God, and thankfulness to God, makes this more definite in one’s heart. 同样,把对神的爱和感恩唱出来,使之在人的心里更加确定。
Consider Psalm 34:3-5: Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. 请思考诗篇 34:3-5: 你们和我当称耶和华为大,一同高举他的名。我曾寻求耶和华,他就应允我,救我脱离了一切的恐惧。凡仰望他的,便有光荣。他们的脸,必不蒙羞。
One sees that the faces of those who exalt God’s name are radiant. 那些高举神名的人,他们的脸面有着荣光。
 
An Glimpse of Heaven 天堂一瞥
When worship music is present (heart, song, and congregation), this gives the Christian an advanced look at heaven.在(心灵、歌曲、会众)音乐敬拜中,基督徒预先看到了天堂的情景。
In heaven, all believers, throughout all of time, raise their voices in praise (Revelation 启示录 14:3).  在天上,历世历代的信徒齐声赞美。
(Imagine standing next to Abraham, Moses, David, Peter, and Paul as we praise God with one voice.)  想象一下和亚伯拉罕、摩西、大卫、彼得和保罗站在一起口唱心和地赞美神。
Thus, true worship music transcends time, causing the Christian to feel as though he has entered eternity, that he has received a glimpse of heaven.  因此,真正的敬拜音乐穿越时间,让信徒感觉到进入了永恒,让他犹如看见了天堂。
A Personal Note  个人旁注
When I pastored the SRF church, I did not emphasize worship music.我牧会 SRF 教会的时候,我不强调音乐敬拜。
In fact, some Sundays our church did not even sing.有的主日,我们教会甚至不唱歌。
I put my attention on preaching and counseling (along with some other aspects of church life).我关注的是讲道和辅导(和教会生活的一些其它方面)。
Thus, for many years, when I gathered with other Christians for worship, I did not enjoy singing, and often just waited for the music to end, so that the preaching could start.因此,许多年里,当我和别的信徒一起敬拜的时候,我并不享受唱歌的环节,我总是等到音乐结束,等待讲道的来临。
However, I missed something significant.然而,我错过了一些重要的东西。
A change came about a year ago.  大约一年前我开始改变。
My wife bought a Christian music CD for our child.我的妻子给孩子买了一张基督教音乐的唱片。
The songs are simple, each a single verse set to music. 歌曲非常简单,每首歌反复唱一节经文。
Our child enjoys listening to this CD in the car. 我们的孩子喜欢在车里听这张唱片。
When I first heard the CD, I wanted to turn it off. 我第一次听的时候就想关掉它。
It seemed too simple. 它似乎太简单。
However, as I listened day after day, I discovered that that music was quite beautiful.  可是后来我日复一日地听,发现那些音乐真美。
The musical tone perfectly fits the content of each verse.音乐的曲调和音乐的内容完美地契合。
I soon found myself singing the songs throughout the day, and remembering the verses.  我发现自己会不经意地哼唱起来,还记住了经文。
Even our child often sings the songs.  连我们的孩子也常常唱那些歌。
Now, I treasure this CD, and look forward to listening whenever I have an opportunity.  现在,我珍藏着这张唱片,一有机会就想听一听。
The Lord worked in my heart to help me to now appreciate, and even love, singing as part of Christian worship.  主在我的心里做工,帮助我欣赏和喜爱音乐,在信徒聚在一起敬拜的时候跟着歌唱。
The church we currently attend uses the old hymns in worship.我们所在的教会使用古典圣诗敬拜。
I have grown to cherish many of these hymns such as:我的成长让我珍爱许多圣诗,比如:
Hymn  诗歌

Composer  作曲

Date  时间

1. When I Survey the Wonderous Cross  奇妙十架

Isaac Watts  华兹

1707

 

2. Amazing Grace  奇异恩典

John Newton  约翰·牛顿

1779

3. What a Friend We Have in Jesus

    耶稣恩友

Joseph Scriven  史克来芬

1855

4. It Is Well  我心灵得安宁

Horacio Spafford

贺理提奥‧史帕福

1873

5. Great Is Thy Faithfulness

    你信实何广大

Thomas Chisholm

托马斯·奇泽姆

 

1923

As I carefully read through the hymns, I discover that they are a wealth of good theology.  仔细阅读这些诗歌就会发现它们真是神学瑰宝。
The lyrics are exquisitely crafted, and the music is meticulously designed.  歌词精雕细琢,曲调缜密优美。
I now love these old hymns, and consider it a privilege and a blessing to sing them with other believers.  我现在喜爱这些古典圣诗,和别的信徒一起唱的时候是一种特权和祝福。
Thus, the Lord has done profound work in me, to treasure worship music, and to see it as a vital element to growth in faith.  因此,主在我里面做了大工,让我把敬拜音乐看为宝贵,是信心长进的重要的一部分。
 
Review Questions  复习样题
1. From the class notes, “Worship Music,” explain the section, “Definitions,” in detail.  根据讲义《敬拜音乐》阐述“定义”部分。
2. From the class notes, “Worship Music,” explain the section, “The Modern Focus on Worship Music,” in detail.
根据讲义《敬拜音乐》,阐释“现代对敬拜音乐的关注”。
3. From the class notes, “Worship Music,” explain the following diagram in detail:  根据课件《敬拜音乐》阐述下表:


4. From the class notes, “Worship Music,” explain the section, “The Spectrum of Worship Music,” in detail.  根据讲义《敬拜音乐》,阐释“敬拜音乐的范围”。
5. From the class notes, “Worship Music,” explain the section, “The Danger of Emotionalism,” in detail.根据讲义《敬拜音乐》,阐释“情感主义的危险”。
6. From the class notes, “Worship Music,” explain the section, “Worship Music as a Form of Healing,” in detail.根据讲义《敬拜音乐》,阐释“敬拜音乐是一种医治”。


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