Though the use of mechanical instruments of music in worship are common in both the Catholic and Protestant communities of "Christendom, " most people do not realize that this function was unknown to the churches of the apostolic age. Rather, the practice was an innovation that came centuries after the establishment of Christ’s church, and such was wholly without New Testament authority. Noted scholar William Woodson discusses this digression in this month’s Feature article.

The article discusses the controversy surrounding the introduction of instrumental music in worship by David, as mentioned in the Old Testament. It explores different interpretations by Bible expositors and the implications for Christian worship today.

May one contend that while the “law” was abolished by the death of Christ, nonetheless, the Psalms remain; and the Psalms provide authority for worshipping God with instruments of music?

The phrase a cappella derives from a Latin expression that, via Italian, means “in the style of the church” or “as is done in the church.” It reflects the historical reality that instrumental music...

In the past we have published several articles dealing with the innovation of using mechanical instruments of music in Christian worship. These essays have generated a flood of critical responses. We have categorized these defensive arguments, and in this article we offer our rebuttal.

A sincere Christian wants to know: “Why don’t churches of Christ use instruments of music in their worship?” The issue comes down to the matter of authority. Take a look at this theme with us in this week’s Question and Answer.

Does clapping with singing aid our worship with inconsequential zest or is it an addition to what has been commanded in scripture?

Over the years, some of those who support the use of mechanical instruments of music have appealed to what is known as the psallo argument.

Does this passage authorize the use of mechanical instruments of music in worship to God? Many erroneously contend that it does. Study this important issue with us.

Jesus declared that “worship” must be consistent with revealed “truth” (John 4:24), namely God’s word (John 17:17). This includes the musical engagement of the church.

In response to a recent article in which we argued that instrumental music in Christian worship is without divine authority, a critic replied by suggesting that we practice many things in Christianity that are bereft of authority. One example he cited was the use of Bible translations. In this week’s Penpoints, we refute this baseless quibble.

A failure to understand the real distinction between the Old and New Covenants underlies a host of religious errors.

The Greek word psallo is found five times in the N.T. It is rendered by the English terms “sing” (Rom. 15:9; 1 Cor. 14:15; Jas. 5:13), and “make melody” (Eph. 5:19). In the era of classical Greek (...

Discover the significance of worship in the Bible, its historical context, and principles for true worship. Learn how to honor God through biblical practices.

Is the “silence of the Scripures” authoritative. The Bible itself states that it is.

What is “will-worship”? Why did Paul, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, condemn it? Study carefully this article.

All new things are not always better. Many of the “new” ways of interpreting the Bible are merely designed to keep you from truly understanding the Scriptures.

What is acceptable worship? This article is the second in a two-part series.

It is surely an oddity of modern liberalism within the body of Christ that some would appeal to the authority of Bible precedent to establish the premise that one needs no authority for what he practices in religion. This article addresses some of these current efforts.

What is acceptable worship? This article is the first in a two-part series.