Why Do You Sing Chants, Psalms, and Traditional Music?

In modern society, worship has become increasingly individualistic. Worship expert Robert Webber notes that many churches emphasize personal experience over corporate action. He explains that early American Christians mistakenly believed “those who were converted needed less structure and were less dependent on others for worship.”

However, structure enables freedom. Just as musicians require music theory to create, Christians benefit from communal practices that help them “stimulate one another to good works” (Hebrews 10:24).

The Corporate Dimension of Worship

Contemporary churches often prioritize the individual — what “I” gain or contribute. Biblical worship, by contrast, is fundamentally corporate, uniting the congregation as one voice to God. This corporate identity transcends time itself.

Authentic worship encompasses the Church throughout history. By incorporating music spanning from the second century onward, congregations connect with departed saints and the universal Church. The music selections should reflect this timeless identity rather than limiting themselves to contemporary composition.

Historical Perspective on Sacred Music

Two millennia of church music precedes the current era, so it’s reasonable that most worship music derives from earlier periods. Historically, the Church composed music distinct from secular styles, recognizing that worship purposes differ from entertainment or evangelism.

The Church once set cultural standards — even Mozart emulated Bach. Sacred music was crafted to reflect approaching God’s throne, selecting the finest compositions across ages rather than trivial or incongruous pieces. While contemporary expressions need not sound dated, they must align with worship’s true purposes: doxology and praise.