You Love Classical Music But Just Don't Know It

I found this clip on Thabiti's blog. Twenty minutes is really long for watching a clip on your computer (you might want to close your door first if you're at work). But Thabiti said it was worth watching. And it is.

I'm not a classical music buff. I'm definitely in the second category he mentions–I listen to it pretty regularly (especially at work) and enjoy it, but I'm no aficionado. Still, there are several reasons to watch the video.

1. This man is a great teacher. He uses illustrations well, connects with his audience, and imparts more than just information. I'm sure it helps that he's probably given this talk a zillion times.

2. They listen, in part, because he is passionate and excited to be talking about what he loves. Preachers, pay attention.

3. He is optimistic, not in a schmaltzy way (ok, a little of that at times), but mostly in a contagious, energetic way. He believes classic musical is wonderful and people will love it if they only can understand it. What if we believed the gospel was wonderful and amazing and thrilling and people just need to "get it? Of course, the difference is, it takes a miracle of regeneration to fully accept the gospel where it takes no such miracle to like Chopin  (although maybe close to that in some people!). But the point still holds: we have a treasure to unveil in Christ, if only others could see what we see.

4. Maybe there are things we can do in worship–creeds, liturgies, long prayers, prayers of confession, responsive readings, theologically rich songs, old hymns, a stirring organ postlude, even some "high" forms of music–that would be possible, even welcomed and edifying, if we made an effort to instruct our people on why we are doing what we're doing. I believe there is a place for both "folk" and "fine" elements in worship, but in most churches these days the "fine" is harder to incorporate because people don't understand it or like it immediately. Twenty-five minutes of singing three chord songs is easily accessible, while some hymns, some liturgical elements, and some forms of music will seem uninspiring at first. We need to help our people see why we do a prayer of confession and assurance of pardon. People need instruction regarding worship and doxology, just like they need instruction if they are to understand and appreciate the riches of the Bible and theology.

Maybe Christians love good meaty theology and love thoughtful, historically rich worship but they just don't know it yet?