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Ex Nihilo · #13 (**permalink**) 06-27-2008, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joshua

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ex Nihilo

Quote:

Originally Posted by joshua

The non EPer's #1 Objection was a total let down (respectfully).

He also stated (paraphrased): "I would not object to singing only the Psalms."

But, wouldn't that go against his claim to hold to the RPW? Because, if he believes that the singing of uninspired Psalms is authorized, then it follows he believes it's commanded; thus, he should be adamantly against the exclusive singing of the Psalms, since it doesn't (according to his understanding of the RPW) include that which he apparently believes is commanded (uninspired hymns).

But couldn't it be the case that God commands the singing of songs, generally, and that, within this commanded category, uninspired songs are authorized? But, at the same time, God's command to sing songs could be fulfilled by singing only inspired psalms. Not to argue the substance of this, but I think it isn't inconsistent with the RPW.

Maybe, but God does command the singing of specific songs, calling them spiritual psalms, hymns, and songs. So, either this means Psalms (from the Psalter), Hymns (Watts, et al), and Songs (Shout to the Lord), or Paul is categorizing the Psalms and/or using the infamous Triadic expression. The non EPer would hold to the former, thus they should reject the latter. Maybe I'm just missing it. I'm ready for the Revs. Webb and Winzer EP Debate!

This makes sense, too. I guess I am just assuming that even if the non-EP position is correct, the inspired psalter still contains all three types of songs. The argument that Paul is only referring to those categories within the psalms makes sense and may be the correct interpretation of the passage -- I really don't know. But if it isn't, it would not be inconsistent with the RPW to say that hymns and spiritual songs could be either inspired or not inspired. Non-EP could still be incorrect exegesis of Ephesians 5:19, of course. It's just unclear to me the issue must be so dichotomized -- that hymns and spiritual songs must be either all inspired or all uninspired.