CALVINIST QUOTE OF THE DAY. And surely, if the singing be tempered to that gravity which is fitting in the sight of God and the angels, it both lends dignity and grace to sacred actions and has the greatest value in kindling our hearts to a true zeal and eagerness to pray. Yet we should be very careful that our ears be not more attentive to the melody than our minds to the spiritual meaning of the words.
John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion

Calvin put the words to one of my great concerns. It often seems as if the line between performance and worship is blurred in the church. The ovations come from the loudest music with the biggest ending. Singers emulate the mannerims of pop and rock performers. Musicians and writers use contemporary formats under the argument that more people will listen if it sounds like radio rather than church.

I think there is a lot of good modern music that is worshipful. But the danger should be realized, rather than dismissed, and precautions should be taken.