Philosophy Of Music In African-american Worship

Music in black churches an is exuberant celebration of Jesus Christ and realization of the power of the Spirit. It is necessarily shaped by the unique experience of black Christians and emphasizes themes-such as the need for liberation in Christ-important to this experience. Music has always been a necessary thread in the fabric out of which the human spirit was created. From ancient times to the present day, music has filled the gaps made by humanity's attempt to express the inexpressible. As Debussy observed, music "reaches the naked flesh of feeling. " This is especially true when considering the religious pilgrimage of the human race. Worship forms and practices have been designed to assist in humankind's quest to find meaning and purpose. And music has been part and parcel of deity worship from the dawn of civilization. The Judeo-Christian heritage attests to the importance of musical expression. It would be impossible to imagine the people of God without a song. Evidence is …