Philosophy Of Music In The Charismatic Tradition

Unique to music in the charismatic worship is what is known as "singing in the Spirit. " This form of music is characterized by a spontaneous response to the work of the Spirit in the worship service. It is based on a theology that emphasizes the dynamic and ongoing presence of the Spirit among believers. A perusal of the songbooks and hymnals published by Pentecostal denominations (including such groups as the Assemblies of God, the Pentecostal Holiness Church, some branches of the Church of God, and other smaller Pentecostal churches) since about 1915 shows them to be repositories of interdenominational hymnody, albeit hymnody of the gospel song variety. Yet there is a small percentage of music which is distinct and unique to Pentecostals. It is called "singing in the Spirit. " Theological and Musical Background Theologically, the modern-day Pentecostal movement has a Wesleyan ancestry. Pentecostals trace their doctrinal heritage through the Wesleys to Anglicanism. Standing outsi…