Dr. Couch's guidelines for proper Christian music - hmmm, what do you think?

Sounds to me like this guy and the "av1611.org" guy would get along well. I liked this little gem:

"By the way, any group of elders who are allowing this kind of music in their church, are compromising and going along with the evil culture! You need to go and sell shoes!"

First of all, most of his points are subjective, leaving him room to criticze whatever he wants for no real good reason.

I see no problem with Christian music simply being entertainment. When I go to concerts, I am most certainly entertained. Other times, it's a worship atmosphere. It depends on the band. Some bands have that goal in mind, some are trying to pass on a message, and some are just writing songs from thier hearts, and their faith is part of that.

(1) Can I hum the tune after hearing it?

- That leaves out the majority of church music from the past 2000 years. Ever hear Orthodox chanting the Creeds or the Lord's Prayer? It can be beautiful, but I'm not leaving the service humming the tune.

(2) Can I understand the words?

- Again, I could not understand the Russian language. Likewise, I'm asking a lot of people when I ask them to understand "Here I raise my Ebeneezer" without some experience in the church.

(3) Do the words conform to sound biblical doctrine and truth?

- Fair enough, however provided your Bible is wide enough and God is big enough. I think the One who created the seas, flowers, and women would be quite pleased to know we are creating songs about them.

(4) Do the words, and the tune, honor the Lord rather than pander to the flesh and the physical?

- False Dichotomy! Ten yards.

(5) Does the song emphasize grace, salvation, eternity, etc.?

- Does Esther? Does Song of Solomon? Of course they do, but not to those looking for simple answers.

(6) Does it simply sound like a "love song" that has a romantic tinge to it, rather than proper spiritual love?

- Hey, I'm not a fan of "Jesus is my Boyfriend" songs either, but if you're going on sound alone, we're getting more into the psychology of music rather than the theology. Chances are the church music you love would have a much more secular feel to it 400 years ago. That our hymns can have the feel of folk music of a different era is no mistake.

(7) Is the song loud and blaring in order to bring on an emotional response?

- Stay far away from Handel's Messiah, "Oh For a Thousand Tongues," or Ode to Joy. Nothing can be said to bring an emotional response from me like the latter on an Early Easter Morning, played with horns in a packed cathedral or church.

(8) Is it a mantra with empty repetition (Praise God, praise God, praise God, praise God)?

- I have no idea how "Praise God" is empty, unless you're expecting something to happen because you keep saying it. Unrelated, but avoid the majority of Christian churches in the world if you have this attitude. The Lord's Prayer, the Apostles Creed, or the Nicene Creed will be recited or sung....and that's just in Calvinist Churches. The Liturgical one are worse ;)

(9) Can both old and young understand the song and be equally touched by it?

- Good idea. I hope good music transcends age -- and it's easy for people both young and old to get into their ruts and think their way is the best.

To 'entertain' is to capture one's attention.
Of course Christian music can - and should - be entertainment in that sense. I grew weary years ago of groups that would come and perform at a church and start out by saying "We didn't come here to entertain you tonight..."
I have two reactions:
First, I want to ask if they rehearsed. If they rehearsed, then they just lied.
Second - if they didn't rehearse and really don't want to entertain me, I'd love to let them know that they vere successful while I walk out the door.
Why are we afraid to have a good time?

Christian music needs to truely speak to the heart, mind and spirit not just set us on a high while listening it has to drive us to closer walk with God. Plus the person sing the song has to really live the life behind the song.