Exploring The Sinful Nature Of Drums In Religion

are drums a sin

The use of drums in worship has been a contentious issue for many Christians. While some see them as a harmless addition to the church band, others view them as a distraction from true worship. Drums are often associated with rock music and its ungodly connotations, and some denominations forbid the use of any instruments during worship, citing the New Testament church as an example. However, this argument can be countered by the fact that the early church structured their worship similarly to temple worship, which included the use of percussion instruments.

The Bible does not explicitly mention drums, but it does refer to tambourines, timbrels, and tabrets being used in celebrations and festivals outside the sanctuary. Some Christians argue that the absence of drums in the New Testament means they should not be used in worship today. Others point out that this reasoning is flawed, as many other modern church elements, such as pews and hymnals, are also not mentioned in Scripture.

Ultimately, the debate over drums in church is a matter of personal conviction. Some believers may struggle to worship with drums due to their association with secular music and negative experiences, while others find that drums enhance their worship experience.

Characteristics Values
Drums are a member of the percussion group of musical instruments True
Drums are membranophones True
Drums are the world's oldest and most ubiquitous musical instruments True
The basic design of drums has remained virtually unchanged for thousands of years True
Drums are often used in music therapy True
Drums are used in religious ceremonies in many traditional cultures True
Drums are used as a means of communication over great distances True
Drums are viewed as a symbol of power True
Drums are associated with rock bands True
Drums are associated with rebellion True
Drums are associated with pagan religious ceremonies True
Drums are considered to be a sensual element in church music True

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Drums in church

The use of drums in church services has been a topic of debate for many years. Some people believe that drums bring a new level of energy and excitement to worship services, creating a more dynamic and engaging atmosphere. On the other hand, some argue that the use of drums is not in line with traditional forms of worship and can be distracting to some members of the congregation.

The Bible does not contain specific instructions or guidelines for the use of musical instruments in worship. However, it does include many references to music and worship in general. In the Old Testament, music and instruments were used in the temple and in religious ceremonies to praise God and to accompany sacrifices and offerings. For example, Psalm 150 encourages the use of various instruments, including cymbals and tambourines, in praising God.

In the New Testament, there are several references to music and singing in worship, such as Colossians 3:16 and Ephesians 5:19, which highlight the importance of singing and making music as a form of worship.

The debate over drums in worship is often a matter of personal preference and the decision to incorporate drums into worship services is left to each individual church and its leaders. While some see drums as a welcome addition to their worship experience, others may view them as a distraction or associate them with worldly compromise. Ultimately, the most important thing is that the use of drums or any other instrument is guided by principles of love, respect, and reverence for God and the congregation, with the intention of leading people to connect with God.

It is worth noting that the cultural and historical context of ancient times was different from today. In Biblical times, the main goal of worship was to connect to God through offerings and sacrifices, while today, the focus has shifted to connecting with God through songs, prayers, and preaching.

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Rock bands and worship

The use of rock bands in worship has been a contentious issue in Christianity, with some viewing it as a welcome development, while others see it as a compromise with the world. The argument against the use of rock bands in worship centres on the association of rock music with rebellion and ungodliness. The loud decibel level and predominant rhythm of rock music are also seen as hindrances to true worship, which Jesus said must be "in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24).

However, proponents of rock bands in worship argue that there is no biblical mandate against the use of musical instruments in worship. They point out that the early church structured their worship similarly to temple worship, which included the use of percussion instruments like tambourines (Exodus 15:20). Additionally, the Old Testament Psalms encourage praising the Lord with everything available to us (Psalms 81:2; 98:5; 150:4).

It is worth noting that the Bible does not explicitly mention drums or any other modern musical instrument. The absence of specific instruments in Scripture does not mean they are forbidden. The first believers may not have used drums or other instruments due to space restrictions, as most early churches met in homes.

Ultimately, the use of rock bands in worship is a matter of personal conviction. Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8 provide guidance on how to handle such "gray areas." Christians should do everything from faith with a clear conscience. If the presence of drums or rock bands hinders one's ability to worship, then it may be best to find a church that aligns with their convictions.

While the use of rock bands in worship is a divisive issue, it is important to remember that the focus of worship should always be on glorifying God and not on the instruments or musical style.

Some notable Christian worship bands and artists that incorporate a rock style include:

  • Hillsong United
  • Bellarive
  • Phil Wickham
  • Rock n Roll Worship Circus
  • August Burns Red
  • Demon Hunter
  • Norma Jean
  • Skillet
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Drums in the Bible

The Bible does not give specific instructions on the use of musical instruments in worship, but it does encourage the use of music and singing as a form of worship. In the Old Testament, music and instruments were used in the temple and in religious ceremonies to praise God and to accompany sacrifices and offerings.

Drums (or tambourines) are mentioned throughout the Old Testament. The Hebrew word 'Toph' is used to describe percussion instruments such as the tambourine, timbrel or tabret. Tambourines and timbrels are mentioned on many occasions throughout the Old Testament, and, other than cymbals, seem to be the only percussion instruments referred to.

  • "Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister took a tambourine (drum) in her hand, and all the women followed her, with tambourines and dancing." (Exodus 15:20)
  • "After that you will go to Gibeah of God, where there is a Philistine outpost. As you approach the town, you will meet a procession of prophets coming down from the high place with lyres, tambourines (drums), flutes and harps being played before them, and they will be prophesying." (1 Samuel 10:5,6)
  • "When the men were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and with tambourines (drums) and lutes." (1 Samuel 18:6)
  • "Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise Him with the harp and lyre, praise Him with the tambourine (drum) and dancing, praise Him with the strings and flute, praise Him with the clash of cymbals, praise Him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD." (Psalm 150:3-6)

In the New Testament, there are several references to music and singing in worship. Colossians 3:16 states, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” This passage highlights the importance of singing and making music as a form of worship.

The use of drums in church has been a topic of debate for many years. Some believe that drums bring a new level of energy and excitement to worship services, while others argue that the use of drums is not in line with traditional forms of worship and can be distracting to some members of the congregation. Ultimately, the decision about whether to incorporate drums into worship services is up to each individual church and its leaders.

Some denominations forbid the use of any instruments during musical worship, citing the fact that instruments are not recorded as being part of the New Testament church. However, others argue that the early church may not have used drums or other instruments due to space restrictions, as most early churches were small meetings in homes.

Drums are often viewed with suspicion or singled out as representative of worldly compromise. However, this thinking is misguided, as drums are no worse or better than other inanimate objects. Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8 are go-to passages that can be applied to the question about drums in church. Paul addresses the plethora of "gray areas" about which Christians may disagree, and concludes that we must do everything from faith with a clear conscience. If we cannot focus on the beauty of Christ with a drum set on stage, then that may not be the right local church for us.

It would be wrong to have drums in church if those drums are the focus of attention rather than the One to whom the songs are addressed. If the beat is so overpowering that it draws attention to itself, then drums may be detracting from rather than adding to the worship experience. But the same can be said of any instrument, including a piano or an organ.

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Drums in ancient cultures

Drums are one of the oldest musical instruments, with their origins stretching back to the ancient beginnings of human civilisation. Striking hollowed-out logs or objects produces a resonant sound, and this discovery, likely born out of experimentation and curiosity, marked a pivotal moment in the cultural evolution of early societies.

Archaeological findings offer insights into the earliest drums, with significant discoveries dating back to the Neolithic period in China around 5500 BC. These primitive drums were crafted from hollowed-out logs and covered with alligator skins, showcasing the resourcefulness and craftsmanship of ancient artisans. Similar percussion instruments have been found in various ancient cultures worldwide, including Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, and the indigenous tribes of the Americas.

Drums served multifaceted roles in ancient societies beyond their musical functions. They were integral to religious ceremonies, infusing rituals with spiritual energy and facilitating communion with the divine. In communal gatherings, drums acted as catalysts for collective expression, fostering solidarity and a sense of belonging among tribe members.

Additionally, drums played a crucial role in communication, serving as tools for conveying messages and coordinating activities within and between communities. The rhythmic patterns of drums transcended linguistic barriers, facilitating the exchange of information across vast distances.

In ancient civilisations like Greece and Rome, drums were prevalent and contributed to both cultural and military endeavours. In Ancient Greece, various drum-like instruments such as the krotala and sistrum accompanied music and religious rites. Meanwhile, in Rome, drums became integral to the military, with drummers known as tubicines or buccinatores marching alongside legionnaires, setting the pace of their advance, and conveying orders amidst the chaos of battle.

The use of drums continued to evolve through the Middle Ages and Renaissance, with the tabor and frame drum gaining prominence in Europe and the Islamic world, respectively. The snare drum, which emerged during this period, became indispensable in European armies for issuing commands, coordinating manoeuvres, and instilling discipline.

In summary, drums have had a profound impact on various aspects of cultural life throughout ancient times and continue to be a central element of musical and cultural expressions today.

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Drums in modern music

Drums have been used for thousands of years, and their basic design has remained virtually unchanged. They are the world's oldest and most ubiquitous musical instruments. In modern times, drums are a staple of orchestras, marching bands, and rock concerts. They are also used in music therapy and for aerobic exercise.

The drum kit, also called a drum set, is a collection of drums, cymbals, and sometimes other auxiliary percussion instruments played by one person. The drummer typically holds a pair of matching drumsticks or special wire or nylon brushes and uses their feet to operate the hi-hat and bass drum pedals. The standard kit usually consists of a snare drum, a bass drum, one or more tom-toms, and one or more cymbals. The drum kit is used in many types of popular and traditional music styles, including rock, pop, blues, and jazz.

The modern drum kit was developed in the vaudeville era of the 1920s in New Orleans. Drummers such as Baby Dodds, Zutty Singleton, and Ray Bauduc took the idea of marching rhythms and combined the bass drum, snare drum, and "traps" – a term used to refer to the percussion instruments associated with immigrant groups. They started incorporating these elements into ragtime, which had been popular for a few decades, creating an approach that evolved into a jazz drumming style.

In the 1950s and 1960s, a three-piece kit was common, consisting of a bass drum, a 14"-diameter snare drum, 12"–14" hi-hats, a single 12"-diameter hanging tom, and a suspended 14"–18" cymbal. In the 1960s, Ringo Starr of the Beatles used a sizzle cymbal as a second ride, particularly during guitar solos.

In the 1970s, electronic drums emerged, and they have since evolved significantly, becoming sophisticated instruments capable of diverse sounds. They have found a niche in electronic and pop music, offering precise sound control and seamless integration with digital systems.

In the 2000s, drums were also used as a way to engage in aerobic exercise, called cardio drumming.

In modern music, drums are an integral part of the rhythm section. They provide the backbone for the song, setting the basic time-feel and providing a rhythmic framework. Drum fills and other ornaments add interest and variety to the drum sound. Fills could include a sting at the end of a musical section or act as a drum showpiece.

In popular music and jazz, "drums" usually refer to a drum kit or a set of drums (with some cymbals), and "drummer" refers to the person who plays them.

Frequently asked questions

Using drums in church is not considered a sin, but some people associate drums with rock bands and view them as a distraction from true worship.

Some people believe that drums are too loud and overpowering, taking attention away from God. Drums are also associated with worldly influences and pagan religious ceremonies, which some Christians want to distance themselves from.

The Bible mentions the use of three types of instruments in the Sanctuary: the harp, lyre, and cymbal. However, it also describes the use of hand drums in festivals and celebrations outside the Sanctuary. Ultimately, the Bible does not explicitly forbid the use of drums in church.

Drums should be used as an aid to enhance the voice, not overpower it. If the drums become the focus of attention or a distraction, then they may detract from the worship experience.

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