thbslawson
Puritan Board Freshman
Greetings. I do not wish to debate exclusive psalmody in this post. I'm settled in my own mind, and begrudge no one who is convinced from Scripture otherwise. But I do have have what I believe to be legitimate questions for those that hold to it.
One of the common arguments from the EP position is that we are commanded to worship God as he has dictated (basically, the regulative principle) and that extends to the very contents of our songs that we sing. Therefore, if the song is not scripture itself (not merely scriptural) then it is not permissible in public worship.
So why would this principle not apply to public prayers also? In churches that hold to EP, elders regularly offer extemporaneous "uninspired" prayers to God. On what Biblical basis would you say that it is okay for an elder to offer up an uninspired prayer in corporate worship?
Following on the heals of that then, why would it be wrong for one to sing his uninspired prayer? Could one not justify the singing of some hymns on the basis that it is merely a prayer in sung form?
Perhaps I'm being a bit too pragmatic. Again, please forgive me if this question sounds debate-ish. I seriously do not wish to repeat what's already be covered many times. I sincerely want to know how one would explain what seems to be an inconsistent application of a particular principle. I will answer posts not with arguments against your position, but with questions for clarification.
Thank you.
One of the common arguments from the EP position is that we are commanded to worship God as he has dictated (basically, the regulative principle) and that extends to the very contents of our songs that we sing. Therefore, if the song is not scripture itself (not merely scriptural) then it is not permissible in public worship.
So why would this principle not apply to public prayers also? In churches that hold to EP, elders regularly offer extemporaneous "uninspired" prayers to God. On what Biblical basis would you say that it is okay for an elder to offer up an uninspired prayer in corporate worship?
Following on the heals of that then, why would it be wrong for one to sing his uninspired prayer? Could one not justify the singing of some hymns on the basis that it is merely a prayer in sung form?
Perhaps I'm being a bit too pragmatic. Again, please forgive me if this question sounds debate-ish. I seriously do not wish to repeat what's already be covered many times. I sincerely want to know how one would explain what seems to be an inconsistent application of a particular principle. I will answer posts not with arguments against your position, but with questions for clarification.
Thank you.