February 23, 2007
A Master's Performance
Concert pianist Randall Atcheson was part of the writer’s conference I recently attended. Mr. Atcheson “became the only student in the history of The Julliard School ever allowed to pursue, and receive, simultaneous degrees in piano and organ performance.” He has performed at Carnegie Hall and is on the International roster of Steinway Artists. Conducting the music for our General Sessions, I was taken back when Mr. Atcheson told us not only would we be singing hymns, but we would be singing all the verses! What, no praise songs? Actually, we did have a blended worship service. In control of a master’s hands, the hymns were revitalized and intensified. While some in the audience lifted holy hands in praise to these beloved favorites, I struggled to sing past the lump in my throat.
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Gail;
I love the concept of absolute reality. I have always understood that Jesus Christ stood at the pinnacle of that reality. No amount of denial or fantasizing could change that absolute. But I stand a bit surprised today, after several years of intent Bible research regarding the troubles at your church, to discover Jesus teaching us a good deal of subjective reality.
Now I am not talking about the same kind of subjective reality that says, “All religions lead to heaven.” But in reality, the mirror each one of us sees through dimly is often quite different from everyone else’s. Those mirrors are the perspectives built from a lifetime of experiences. Those perspectives are how we relate to the circumstances, events, and people around us.
The Bible is very clear about leaving one another alone in the areas that our perspectives differ. I sincerely believe this is why Peter tells those who are elders that their duty is that of being an example, not a boss. We can not determine what is right or wrong for another in any issue that the Word of God itself does not clearly determine. And the Word of God certainly has not determined that traditional hymns of worship are now wrong. Yet very many of our church leaders are determining just that. Instead of realizing that to many people the emotional impact and encouragement of this music is a great reality, they are willing to only acknowledge their own reality of praise choruses.
It is a shame that the leaders of a religion defined by a holy book that calls for acknowledgement of others so insist that others acknowledge their own reality. But in the final sum of it, we all see dimly as through a mirror. And the Lord has a whole lot of forgiving He will do. I hope, I hope, I pray.
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