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Pilgrim said:
janean and others,

This idea that Luther and others borrowed "bar tunes" for their sacred music belongs on the "Snopes" website as an urban myth. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> There isn't a shred of truth to this charge, which is used by those who would try and justify nearly any form of music for worship. One of the most informative articles on musicology for the church can be found here: Congregational Singing and the Ministry of the Word.

Hi, Pilgrim. Please accept my apologies for fostering a falsehood among the brothers and sisters here at the message board. I did some checkin' (beyond what is on this article) and I agree that my understanding of Luther's use of "bar tunes" was wrong. Please forgive me.

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Immediately after the section where the above quote is taken, Dr. Payton discusses the matter of "style". It would definitely be worth everyone's time to read that entire article and then take some time to re-evaluate their relative positions on this matter of music.

Per your suggestion, Pilgrim, I read this article and found it to be quite edifying. However, it has not changed my position in regard to worship music. In Biblical worship music, the melody (or tune or style, etc.) is not necessarily what matters, I believe. It is the use of the Word of God (or similar praises/Biblical theology) that is what matters. PLEASE NOTE, HOWEVER: I am in agreement with the author (and with Martin Luther) that I would be VERY uncomfortable with Biblical lyrics being brought together with a clearly profane piece of music. This, however, does not preclude, in my mind, the use of Rock, Rap, etc. music with appropriately Biblical lyrics.

Thanks for your input, Pilgrim. I ALWAYS appreciate your contributions to the discussion!

In Christ,
Ted