Theology in Music

Where has theology gone? The great hymns of yester years where filled with great theology. But the Christian music that is being published and sung today lacks the theological depths of the songs of yester years. Yes, there are songs being published and sung today that contain theological themes in their lyrics. But there are more songs that seem to be lacking the theological substance that is needed to affirm believers in the faith.

Songs are a great method for teaching theology, especially to children. I have several close friends who home school their children. One couple was teaching one of the great hymns of the faith to their children. In the older version of the hymn contains the phrase "wretched worm." The couple's oldest child boldly stated, "I am not a worm!"

Can you imagine the parents response to their child's claim? They couple was presented with a great opportunity to teaching the theology behind the song. The Psalmist in Psalm 22:6 writes, "But I am a worm and not a man, a reproach of men and despised by the people" (NASB, 1995 update). In Isaiah 41:14 Jacob is even called a worm. If these two men are considered worms, what must we consider ourselves to be? Are you feeling a little wormy?

There is a place for the modern-day praise and worship music in our church services, as long as the music is theologically sound. But we must not forget the great hymns of the faith either for their lyrics contain great words of truth that need to be sung today.

One of my favorite praise chorus that we often sing at church is:

"Amazing Love--You are My King"

I'm forgiven because you were forsaken

I'm accepted, You were condemned

I'm alive and well

Your spirit is within me

Because you died and rose again

I'm forgiven because you were forsaken

I'm accepted, you were condemned

I'm alive and well

Your spirit is within me

Because you died and rose again

Amazing love, how can it be?

That you, my king. would die for me

Amazing love, I know its true

Its my joy to honor you

Amazing love, how can it be?

That my king would die for me

Amazing love, I know its true

Its my joy to honor you

In all I do I honor you

I'm forgiven because you were forsaken

I'm accepted, you were condemned

I'm alive and well your spirit is within me

Because you died and rose again

Amazing love, how can it be?

That you, my king would die for me

Amazing love, I know its true

Its my joy to honor you

Amazing love, how can it be?

That you, my king, would die for me

Amazing love, I know its true

Its my joy to honor you

In all I do I honor you

You are my king, You are my king

Jesus, You are my king

Jesus, You are my king

Amazing love, how can it be?

That you, my king, would die for me

Amazing love, I know its true

Its my joy to honor you

Amazing love, how can it be?

That you, my king would die for me

Amazing love, I know its true

Its my joy to honor you

In all I do I honor you

In all I do I honor you

The praise chorus is quite simple, yet rather profound theologically when one ponders upon the words looking at the theology behind the chorus. This particular praise chorus reminds me of the hymn written by Charles Wesley,

"And Can It Be?"

And can it be that I should gain

An int’rest in the Savior’s blood?

Died He for me, who caused His pain?

For me, who Him to death pursued?

Amazing love! how can it be

That Thou, my God shouldst die for me?

He left His Father’s throne above,

So free, so infinite His grace!

Emptied Himself of all but love,

And bled for Adam’s helpless race!

’Tis mercy all, immense and free,

For, O my God, it found out me.

Long my imprisoned spirit lay

Fast bound in sin and nature’s night.

Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray:

I woke—the dungeon flamed with light!

My chains fell off, my heart was free,

I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

No condemnation now I dread:

Jesus, and all in Him, is mine!

Alive in Him, my living Head,

And clothed in righteousness divine,

Bold I approach th’eternal throne,

And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

Chorus:

Amazing love! how can it be

That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me!

It is important that we as believers remember the great hymns of the faith. But it is more crucial that we as believers evaluate the music that we listen to to make sure that it is theologically sound and biblical.