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Melody or Mannerism?

How often have I gotten so caught up in the musicality of worship that I miss the meaning of what I'm singing? I can't count the amount of times, which is mildly concerning considering how Augustine considers such behavior to be a sin. To quote him in his Confessions, "However when it happens to me that I am moved more greatly by the song than by what is sung, I confess that I am sinning and deserve punishment, and then I would rather not hear the singer". I agree with Augustine's statement that such behavior should be marked as sin, as it is more important to focus on what is being sung than it is to relish the music. This is where I disagree with Augustine, however, as I believe that the musicality of worship can be enjoyed to an extent, as long as the person enjoying the music understands the meaning of what they are singing and sings to God with true intent. 


I commented on Lily and Haley's posts.

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