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Church Music Two Ways // Abigale Bell

Hildegard Von Bingen makes me want to stand up and shout "You GO, girl!" She is my new role model, my hero. Her devotion in faith to take vows at only sixteen and stay true to them speaks to a determined will. This is further brought to light when she faces opposition from the church and continues to stand firm in her beliefs. In a world predominantly male, Hildegard's achievements are all the more incredible. 

A few thoughts on her views of music:

When reading Hildegard's letter about the disallowance of music in her convent, I was struck by her strongly held beliefs evidenced by her sharp criticism of the church. I was reminded of Augustine's musings about church music. I think Hildegard and Augustine each show unique perspectives. 

Hildegard made mention of the Biblical significants of song from Psalm 150. She stated her opinion that music as worship pleases God. 

"Thus they who without the weight of sure reason impose silence upon a church in the matter of songs is praise of God, and thereby unjustly deprive God of the honor of his praise on earth, will be deprived themselves of the participation in the angelic praises heard in Heaven, unless they make amends by true regret and humble penitence" (Hildegard Von Bingen, 48). 

Augustine takes a slightly different approach to music in that he considers its ministerial value to people. 

"Without committing myself to an irrevocable opinion, I am inclined to approve of the custom of singing in church, in order that by indulging the ears of weaker spirits may be inspired with feelings of devotion. Yet when I find the singing itself more moving than the truth which it conveys, I confess that this is a grievous sin, and at those times I would prefer not to hear the singer" (Augustine, 239). 

Both perspectives are valid in their own right. They are two sides of the same coin, giving us two different looks at church music. However, Hildegard's passionate words make Augustine's sound limp in comparison.  


Commented on Rachael's and Madalyn's posts.

Comments

  1. Brooke HutchesonMarch 27, 2021 at 2:17 PM

    I think Hildegard is very interesting since she was so young, when she followed God's calling for her life. I like how you compared Augustine and Hildegard. Hildegard viewed music as a background to the lyrics, but Augustine thought that the music overpowered the lyrics.

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    Replies
    1. Brooke HutchesonMarch 27, 2021 at 2:22 PM

      Both views are valid, but I agree more with Hildegard. Hildegard knew that music can be just as important as the lyrics of the song to God.

      Delete
  2. Leanne ElizabethMarch 28, 2021 at 1:16 PM

    You are absolutely right in calling her a role model. She should be an inspiration to us all to stand firm in our beliefs. I also like that you added a comparison to Augustine.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Madalyn DillardMarch 28, 2021 at 4:28 PM

    I agree with both Augustine and Hildegard in a way. Music can be used for so many purposes it is almost like a weapon. We, as Christians, should be careful to not lose sight as to what we are using the music for.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Addison ZandaMarch 29, 2021 at 10:52 PM

    Music is used in so many different ways and scenarios in today's time. I like to use it for sadness. BUT, if music is your calling for God then you should pursue it and that's what she did. Quite an inspiration for a lot of people as we should also be firm in our faith and not lose track for what God has in store for us.

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