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Originally Posted by panta dokimazete  Well, first off, let's distinguish between prescription and command.
Actually, let's first define a hermeneutical approach:
1. The NT has greater prescriptive authority than the OT for the NT church.
2. However, unless abrogated by the NT, the OT prescription stands as normative.
Now, I use prescriptive in the context that affirms and expresses requirement (command) and regulation (guidance). (Think in terms of a medical prescription "Take 3 times a day or as needed for pain...")
So, in context of Prescriptive Psalmody, the Scriptures determine what is required and then what can be exegeted as appropriate in terms of regulation.
So, with that said, I have stated before that it is clear in the NT that the commanded worship element is music, with singing as the required expression of the command and instruments as an allowable and regulatable circumstance for use as vocal praise accompaniment.
I'll touch on new songs in a different post, since I missed addressing it before submitting the post.  Quote: |
2. In a context outside the EP/NI discussions, would you still use the same term? Aren't you running the risk of adding something that wasn't there before, bringing in a new idea?
| In terms of othrodoxy and orthopraxy, I don't see this as new, just reforming and refining. Quote: |
3. (Here's my point) Is not the term "prescriptive" a bit too strong a term?
| Not so much, if understood in the terms outlined above. |
OK, I think I understand. The difference between "command" and "prescriptive" is the added element of "regulation" to the latter term. And "regulation" takes on a fuller meaning according to the context; i.e., it isn't just another word for "command". Some things are required because of command, and some things are required though not directly commanded to facilitate what is commanded.
E.g., "Fill the hall" requires having a hall to fill, though there's nothing in that command about acquiring a hall. Getting a hall is a requirement, though not in the command. You could call it an implied command maybe, but "requirement" is more accurate.
As to hermeneutical principles, I take it that you are referring to the NT, which is complete, illumining the OT, which also is complete. Therefore, if there is a command or a requirement in the OT it is illumined by the NT.
Under this understanding of your delineation of "command" and "regulation", and if I understand you hermeneutal principles, I'd say that I have to agree with your statement:
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... that it is clear in the NT that the commanded worship element is music, with singing as the required expression of the command and instruments as an allowable and regulatable circumstance for use as vocal praise accompaniment.
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