ADVENTIST CARNIVALS !

IN regard to different types of music, can we always choose I the type we think we prefer, and be assured that we have made the "right" choice? Perhaps some other questions might help answer this. Is conscience always a safe guide, or can it sometimes be seared, as it were, with a hot iron (see 1 Timothy 4:2)? How are our preferences formed? Are they based upon God's will as declared in His Word?

How could it happen, we ask, that rock-like, carnival-type, dance-like music could be accepted and preferred, it seemed almost suddenly, by the many Adventist congregations and ministers who are involved in Celebration-type services? If we assume that it happened suddenly, we are mistaken! Carnival-type worldly music was not introduced into our churches in full bloom all at once! Had it been, the devil would have feared for its very survival!

The truth is that Adventists were not far behind the other churches in making changes in their musical preferences. A number of decades ago Satan tempted Adventists to introduce into their worship services the "gospel western" music that was being used by the worldly churches. After a modest beginning in Adventism, western gospel was popularized through a singing, guitar-playing trio from England who toured our camp meetings in the early 60s.

To some church members, at that time this was a very shocking development. But to the worldly minded, who had been forming their preferences by feeding their minds on television programs et cetera, it was a welcome event.

In the 1950s television became available. While through the years theaters had been shunned by many Seventh-day Adventists, television brought the theater and worldly music into the homes of many of our church members. As did the Israelites in the Vale of Shittim, viewers grew accustomed to beholding idolatry and lewdness. Their minds became familiar with the vile thoughts and vile music one witnesses and hears on the TV screen. Has not this also surely contributed to and accelerated the worldly preferences formed by Adventists? Shame on us!

Returning to the history of Seventh-day Adventist music, soon after its camp meeting introduction, western-style gospel music was accepted by most of our churches. Thus this worldly music, borrowed from the churches of Babylon-danceable music began to shape Adventist musical preferences. Many singing, guitar-playing groups quickly appeared all through our ranks. Records and tapes galore, sold by the hundreds in Adventist Book Centers, were more and more effectively shaping the preferences of mothers and fathers and the youth in Israel, through music that was clearly condemned by Inspiration. (The new music displaced conservative music so rapidly that soon one could scarcely buy a tape or record of old-fashioned Adventist recordings at our Book Centers.)

Speaking of one of these typical western-style singing groups, some years ago, the following letter to the editor was printed in the Adventist Review.

During a recent evangelistic series, a certain singing group participated, presenting songs, new and old, in its unique style.

One evening my husband and I sat behind a group of people who ' were obviously not church members. It was very apparent they were responding to the music, with noticeable body swaying and toe tapping, particularly during the livelier numbers. Prior to my conversion as an adult, the beat I was hearing was the sort of thing to which I and others would swing and sway on dance floors, and I too, was responding that night. I and the non-church members weren't alone; there were others, including a woman usher standing close by, who were responding in the same way....

To us, this issue about music is a concern. I'd be hard pressed to explain the difference between the music presented by this group and that of some of the popular contemporary groups. The words may be different, but the beat is certainly there.

If we use and justify this method to draw crowds and appeal to nonmembers, it appears we have come to the place where we are much more concerned with quantity, not quality.

Though there was an outcry (such as this letter) from the faithful, from startled conservative Adventists, the liberal worldly group who were the largest and strongest and very vocal, liked it, embraced it, and won!

When western music was still rather new in Adventism, in the church we attended, the youth division, with guitars in hand, were invited to favor the adults with special music. It was danceable music, and the youth were toe-tapping, body-swaying et cetera. Obviously, they were enjoying themselves immensely. Afterward, as the adults separated for their class study, an older lady said to us, "I wonder how long it will take us to get used to that kind of music?" We felt constrained to answer her by asking a question of our own, "Oh, are we supposed to become accustomed to it?"

About two decades ago, advocates of the modern music wishing to defend their attitude, circulated a story in Adventism that the tune for Martin Luther's majestic hymn, "A Mighty Fortress," was originally composed as a German beer cellar song. We researched this carefully with a number of the highest authorities on church music in the United States, and their personal research showed that this beer cellar claim was absolutely without foundation.

Still following the example of the worldly churches, some years later, light rock became acceptable in some of our churches and church-sponsored schools. A little later, though it is almost unbelievable, in some Adventist circles harder gospel rock with religious words, of course, was being "enjoyed" by some of our young people. The musical forms of Seventh-day Adventist grew bolder and bolder and more and more tended to lean toward rock-like styles until now it is being brazenly played in Celebration churches, some are even performing the wicked "rap" music in religious services. In some churches, there seemed to be no stopping place. Some have come all the way musically in following the churches of Babylon.

Alas! Had not the way been well prepared for a rather sudden acceptance not unlike the Indiana-type of wild music? Especially among the young people whose preference for western and rock gospel music was being formed as it was played for years in their Sabbath School divisions, in our schools, at junior and teen camps, et cetra.

Some Adventist churches have for years used electronic bass guitars connected to a system of amplifiers and speakers to get the effect of "drums" in their church, western, gospel music- and it was played loudly! About twenty years ago we worshiped in an Adventist church were devotees of modern music introduced a drum effect into our divine services by installing on the platform in the sanctuary a common round, galvanized iron washtub turned upside down. A string was attached to the bottom of the upturned tub, the other end of which was attached to a long stick. String tension was varied by moving the stick, which was placed against the rim of the washtub. By snapping the string a sound like a veritable drum was produced. Yes, this happened in God's sanctuary during Sabbath services-twenty years ago!

We personally witnessed this demonstration more than once and even then our minds naturally went to the statement in Selected Messages, book 2, relative to "drums" in our worship services `just before the close of probation." Since that time, some of our people have graduated from the washtub to the use of real drums!

We certainly do not wish to infer by these assertions that all Adventist music has gone by way of the "wrong" trends. There has always been, and still is, much music in Adventism that is of most excellent quality, such music as is recommended through the inspired Word of God for use in our services.

While there are still many in our ranks who detest the modern danceable church music (this is undoubtedly true in some churches of the world also), there is a large segment that have grown up with it and do not even know enough about truly sacred music to recognize it when they hear it. They prefer that type of music which appeals to the lower nature, the physical nature, yes, even the sensual nature. This type of person may also have little relish for the deep study of the Word of God and the Spirit of Prophecy.

They [young men and young women who profess to believe the truth] have a keen ear for music, and Satan knows what organs to excite to animate, engross, and charm the mind so that Christ is not desired [preferred]. Testimonies, vol. 1, 497

One of the editors in the Adventist Review of November 1, 1990 calls for livelier church services in order to hold the youth and others in the church who have preferences for lively programs. In the early days of our church, we had a similar problem, when some parents provided for, or allowed livelier music to sacred songs, for the latter were "not congenial to their taste." Ellen White deplored the situation as follows:

Eternal things have little weight with the youth. Angels of God are in tears as they write in the roll the words and acts of professed Christians. Angels are hovering around yonder dwelling. The young are there assembled; there is the sound of vocal and instrumental music. Christians are gathered there, but what is that you hear? It is a song, a frivolous ditty, fit for the dance hall. Behold the pure angels gather their light closer around them, and darkness envelops those in that dwelling. The angels are moving from the scene. Sadness is upon their countenances. Behold, they are weeping. This I saw repeated a number of times all through the ranks of Sabbathkeepers, and especially in ____. Music has occupied the hours which should have been devoted to prayer. Music is the idol which many professed Sabbathkeeping Christians worship. Satan has no objection to music if he can make that a channel through which to gain access to the minds of the youth. Anything will suit his purpose that will divert the mind from God and engage the time which should be devoted to His service. He works through the means which will exert the strongest influence to hold the largest numbers in a pleasing infatuation, while they are paralyzed by his power. When turned to good account, music is a blessing; but it is often made one of Satan's most attractive agencies to ensnare souls. When abused, it leads the unconsecrated to pride, vanity, and folly. When allowed to take the place of devotion and prayer, it is a terrible curse. Young persons assemble to sing, and, although professed Christians, frequently dishonor God and their faith by their frivolous conversation and their choice of music. Sacred music is not congenial to their taste. I was directed to the plain teachings of God's Word, which have been passed by unnoticed. In the judgment all these words of inspiration will condemn those who have not heeded them. Testimonies, vol. 1505-506

In that day also the youth preferred to play and sing "frivolous ditties fit for the dance hall." Thus music was "made to be one of Satan's most attractive agencies to ensnare souls." According to this quotation a danceable type of music should not even be played and sung in a Seventh-day Adventist "dwelling" let alone in church services or religious meetings! Ellen White said that their personal preference notwithstanding, would not prevent them from being condemned in the judgment. They had "let go unnoticed" and had not heeded, the plain teachings of God's Word (including His Testimonies) that were available to them. They will be without excuse! And today, we have church leaders proposing "livelier" music for our youth! What next?

Speaking of another social gathering, Ellen White wrote:

A view of one such company was presented to me, where were assembled those who profess to believe the truth. One was seated at the instrument of music, and such songs were poured forth as made the watching angels weep. There was mirth, there was coarse laughter, there was abundance of enthusiasm, and a kind of inspiration; but the joy was such as Satan only is able to create. This is an enthusiasm and infatuation of which all who love God will be ashamed. It prepares the participants for unholy thought and action. Counsels to Parents, Teachers and Students, 339

Please note that through the use of worldly music, Satan can "create," "mirth," "laughter," "enthusiasm," "inspiration," and "joy! " All the while Satan is creating in these young people a preference, and "infatuation" for a type of music of which they will someday "be ashamed."

We would ask, Will the older folk who approve of, sponsor, and make apologies for, this type of music be less accountable in the judgment than will the youth who participate in it? Will they stand speechless before the Judge of all the earth when He asks, "Where is your beautiful flock of young people?"

Surely, furnishing such worldly amusements for the youth is not the proper way to keep them in the church! This may cause them to retain their membership and their attendance in the church on earth, but will their names be retained in the lamb's book of life when it is time for the judgment to convene in heaven?

Is our choice between sedate church music or rock music a choice to be made between "right" or "wrong?" Or is it merely a matter of preference as it is suggested in the Adventist Review, November 1, 1990? Once again we will answer this by asking questions: How have the preferences of some of our members in Adventism been formed? Through a study of God's Word and a putting of it into practice? We think not!

There is room for preference only within the boundaries of "right." "Right" is based upon the inspired Word. "Right" becomes our preference only by beholding "right" and its Author Jesus Christ! For it is an everlasting principle that "by beholding we become changed."

Should we not raise our voices in loud protest to these invasions of worldliness and fanaticism into our midst? We need to not only "sigh and cry," but to protest! We need to awaken church members to the fact that we are living in a crisis hour- "just before the close of probation! " We need to plead with our "beloved brethren" who have become enmeshed in the Celebration excesses, to halt their rush toward destruction, take inventory, and start on the road back to musical sanity; toward the use of music which honors God and not Satan; music that has nothing in common with the vice dens of New Orleans, or with the western swing of Nashville, Tennessee, or the prevalent rock and rap music that is spreading like wild-fire around the world!

May God's people develop a preference for those things that lead the mind to heavenly themes and away from all that is low and sensual. May our preferences be based upon the following divine counsel:

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

WHEN an American is converted to Adventism today, he gives up a part of his culture, such as Sundaykeeping, attending theaters, eating pork et cetera. When American Indians accept Adventism do we bring them into the church together with their pagan rain dances which they offer to their raingods? Some use psychedelic drugs (peyote) in their pagan rituals as they try to appease their gods. How about isolated Pacific places where head-hunting and cannibalism were the natural culture, did our church in years past for reasons of church growth or for any other reason accept their cultural behaviors- their preferences-as a part of Adventism? We never have. Nor should we!

Concerning Seventh-day Adventist black and Hispanic cultures, the editor of the Adventist Review, November 1, 1990, infers that wherever they live in the world, that their church services resemble Celebration-style worship, and that because of this they are prospering (attendance-wise), and that if "anglo churches" do not "do something dramatic quite soon," they will continue to lose "their members, particularly young people." In the opinion of the editor, this is for the reason that typical anglo (white) churches are not as "lively" as are the named ethnic churches.

While we feel certain that our ethnic brethren and sisters do not deserve to be painted with the Celebration brush, en masse, yet we recently saw an officially sponsored videotape during Sabbath School, showing various Seventh-day Adventist congregations in Africa. In all the various churches shown, their music was so raucous, so danceable, so loud, and the people were acting just as the music dictated dancing in the aisles. The entire video seemed to be one big carnival-like display! When that tape was finished, we felt as if the sanctuary had been desecrated. It was actually shocking! Much like worldly native African dances one might see and hear on a TV newsclip.

A year ago a traveling black singing group invited themselves to our church in Idaho for an evening program. We found to our dismay that they used Celebration-type songs. If these are examples of ethnic groups around the world, the Adventist Review editor might be correct.

But this was not true years ago! In past years we have worshiped with our beloved black brethren and sisters in their churches and we found none of the Celebration-type wiggling and wild music. The audience and musicians were somber, sedate, and exceptionally reverent. True, they punctuated the air with many "amens," and "yea brother" et cetera, as one of us preached at their worship hour, but that was honoring to God and the message out of His Word, not a personal display.

We also remember attending General Conference sessions where Central American (Hispanic) groups gave musical numbers. It was all very beautiful, reverent and free from bodily gymnastics and pelvic swinging such as is seen in rock-like performances. If some of them have adopted the unsavory Celebration antics in more recent years, let us pray for them and not encourage them into extending further into Celebrationism! We do not share the editor's views re: his suggested remedy for the "anglo" churches. The true conversion of the members is the true remedy.

When conversions are made to Adventism, should not the different nationalities of the world be taught that they are no longer to retain any ungodly cultural methods and ways? Should we not show them a better way how to worship God with majesty and dignity? Or are we following the example of the Roman church before us in this regard?

We would ask, Should Adventists follow the practice of the church of Rome which has for centuries absorbed pagan rituals from African and Mayan cultures et cetera into their church liturgy? The Roman church found it to be more favorable to church growth if they brought in together with their new converts, some of their pagan culture. Their church growth was greatly facilitated by this method.

In the time of Constantine, it was thus that pagan Sundaykeeping was brought into the Christian church. Pagan converts flocked into the church when they learned that they were not expected to change their preference for their holy day from Sunday to the seventh-day Sabbath.

Has not Adventism in the more distant past taught new converts from pagan cultures to give up their heathen forms of worship? Should we now, in more recent years just before the close of probation"-allow such heathen cultural practices to flourish?

When young persons join our church, are they supposed to give up rock music and all the dancing and other activities that go with this modern American subculture? If we cannot hold our youth unless we bring contemporary worldly culture into the churches with them, we might ask: Are worldly-minded Seventh-day Adventist young people, who refuse to give up their worldly habits, the type of church members God is seeking? Or does He wish to change the preferences of the youth that they may worship Him in spirit and in truth? And be fitted for the heavenly music and the church worship services in the heavenly land? The culture of heaven is what we wish to learn, to practice, and to prefer.

Some of the apologists for the Celebration "dancing" activities justify their physical gyrations by referring to the various mentions in the Old Testament, such as to the dancing of Miriam and David et cetera. Neither we, nor the apologists for religious dancing, lived back there in Bible times, so none of us can accurately evaluate such dancing as was done. We do not propose to enter the quagmire of argument about such things.

Dancing is also spoken of in the Bible in connection with great wickedness. Such as when the Israelites danced about the golden calf; many of them were punished with death. The dancing at Baal-Peor was also punished by the Lord. On Mt. Carmel the priests of Baal danced as they in vain supplicated their gods, but Elijah offered a simple prayer to the God of heaven, and his prayer was answered.

All of us can read of the divine disapproval of the dancing in post-1844 and the 1900 Indiana episode which we have discussed elsewhere. We have been told by the Lord's servant that the fifth carnival episode (yet future while she was alive) would also meet with God's disapproval.

We find no scriptural record that dancing was ever prescribed for the liturgical worship service in either the Old or New Testament records. Neither was dancing and loud music in any form a part of the liturgy of our pioneers who founded our church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Nor have we found any counsel indicating that worship dancing will be found in the new earth.

We do find that saints lame and crippled in this life will be able for sheer joy to "leap as an hart" (Isaiah 35:6) when their bodies are made new. It could very well be that some of the "dancing" recorded in the Old Testament was the celebration of sheer joy for a particular blessing received and not at all a regular part of divine worship. But we are perfectly willing to leave the matter of Bible "dancing" until redemption, when we can learn more of the true history of the past.

We do know that the same Spirit that prompted the prophets of the Bible to write the Scriptures, prompted the counsels that have been written by our modern prophet to His remnant people. The Holy Spirit never contradicts itself. In her writings we learn that boisterous dancing and loud raucous music have no place in our church services! Regardless of what might be the preferences of the congregation, the new modern American subculture of rock or rap music cannot possibly be used in our church services with the blessing of the Lord! We must remember, however, that these same instruments, properly played could be used to glorify and praise God, but instruments, used in fashion as in a rock band, could give glory only to Satan! Let us be willing to permit God's Word to guide us away from worldly culture, and into the culture of heaven.

APOLOGISTS for the Celebration style of worship claim that Adventist worship services have become drab and dead (especially for the youth), and we need change-which translated means-a change to Celebration style. Some people are eager for a change-but what are their guidelines? Certainly, making a change in our worship services is perfectly proper, provided we are guided by inspired principles that are in agreement with God's plans for Adventist worship.

All will agree that church services need not and should not be dead or lifeless and dull. Artificial changes, however, will not actually remedy one's spiritual life. Lively music does not guarantee that lively, vibrant, healthy Christians are singing. In the book Evangelism God gives counsel that presents the true change we need:

Music is acceptable to God only when the heart is sanctified and made soft and holy by its facilities. But many who delight in a music know nothing of making melody in their hearts to the Lord. Their heart is gone "after their idols." Evangelism, 512

Music That Offends God. -Display is not religion nor sanctification. There is nothing more offensive in God's sight than a display of instrumental music when those taking part are not consecrated, are not making melody in their hearts to the Lord. The offering most sweet and acceptable in God's sight is a heart made humble by self-denial, by lifting the cross and following Jesus.

We have no time now to spend in seeking those things that only please the senses. Close heart searching is needed. With tears and heartbroken confession we need to draw nigh to God that He may draw nigh to us. Ibid., 510

The Lord has revealed to me that when the heart is cleansed and sanctified, and the members of the church are partakers of the divine nature, a power will go forth from the church, who believe the truth, that will cause melody in the heart. Men and women will not then depend upon their instrumental music but on the power and grace of God, which will give fullness of joy. There is a work to be done in clearing away the rubbish which has been brought into the church. Ibid., 521

The real change our people need is conversion; a willingness to take up our cross daily and follow Jesus. Such an experience as this would liven up all our church services!

Projecting the words of choruses and songs onto a screen as is done in Celebration churches that all may read them is certainly not objectional, per se, as long as the words, as well as the musical accompaniment follow divine guidelines.

Those who make singing a part of divine worship should select hymns with music appropriate to the occasion, not funeral notes, but cheerful, yet solemn melodies. Evangelism, 508

Small classes held midweek (referred to by other churches as "cells") can also be very beneficial. But this depends upon how they are conducted. If Bible studies or books printed by the worldly churches for their "cells" are used by our people, small classes could yield untold harm. But if the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy are used as the basis for these classes, great good could result.

All solutions to personal problems that may come under discussion, should be based upon the Word of God, and not upon "I think this;" or "I think that"-or even upon the opinions of worldly psychiatrists. Unless we use inspiration as our guide, the wisdom of the world may lead us astray. God has provided in His Word answers to all perplexities that face us. Let us seek His counsel on our knees with our Bibles open before us.

There are no objections to proper changes, based upon God's Word, being made in our worship services to add interest and variety. But when changes, such as those mentioned above, are brought in as a surreptitious plan to use them as stepping stones to introduce Celebration-style worship into a church, this makes for a loss of confidence in the sponsors. And this approach has been used in attempts to foster Celebration.

Should a change in our worship-style, tend to make us more worldly or more Christlike? Only guidelines for changes that will cause us to grow into the image of our dear Saviour should be used.

The North Pacific Union Conference Gleaner on November 5, 1990, published a letter containing guidelines written by Don Reiber, a retired minister. His many years of pastoral experience qualifies him to speak to this topic:

Don Jacobsen's recent Gleaner article calling for tolerance regarding the changes taking place in our church was most appropriate. Change can be unsettling, even threatening, but it can hardly be avoided. We might appropriately ask, "Should we s seek to avoid it?" I think not. Why? Because stagnation and complacency are spawned by the absence of change. The wise course would seem to be to guide it rather than fight it.

The following principles seem appropriate guidelines:

1. In our worship service we need to make a distinction between the sacred and the profane-or secular, to use a more modern term. Haggai 2:12-13 points out that the secular is not sanctified by coming into contact with that which is holy, but that which is holy is contaminated by contact with the secular.

One area-and there are others-in which this principle ought to serve as a guide is music. Rock music is secular in its origin and appeal. Adding Christian terminology to it does not render it sacred or acceptable for worship.

2. There is a difference between religious entertainment and worship. Entertainment is not the goal of worship nor necessarily a crucial ingredient of it. That is not to say that worship cannot be entertaining. But it must be more than that. Religious entertainment may leave you "feeling good," but worship ought to leave you feeling like "doing good." There is a significant difference between the two.

3. Hearts conditioned by the continuous entertainment available on TV are not likely to be entertained by a call to take up the personal cross Jesus said each of His followers must daily carry. Calls to come out and be separate, calls to bring forth fruits meet for repentance might well have a low entertainment value to such a heart and be regarded as boring.

Increased attendance is not the prime criterion for evaluating the success of worship services. Transformed lives that stand in bold relief against the background of secular society are. Paul warns in 2 Timothy 4:3-4 that human nature will enthusiastically respond to religious services which assure them of God's love and acceptance, but allows them to do that which is right in their own eyes.

Elder Reiber has said it all. We need make no further comment.

THERE is much concern in our churches that so many of our young people seem to have little interest in spiritual things and claim to be bored with our traditional worship services. Soon after " taking their baptismal vows, many tend to leave the church. Some adults are attempting to discover the reason for this.

In the Australian Record for March 17, 1990, a church youth leader blames the defections and unrest of the youth on various factors including the sedateness of the sacred music in our worship services:

Consider the combination of the organ, piano and hymn singing in most churches each week. How many of the hymns were written this century? How many young people would choose that type of music regularly?

He infers that, for the sake of the youth, a change should be made to livelier music. One wonders if such youth or older persons who are bored with sacred music and who prefer "lively" or rock music, would be pleased if they should somehow hear the angels sing. Surely they could not expect to hear modern rock music from heaven!

Medical science offers some light on the subject of musicrock music in particular. In the September 22, 1989 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), there appeared a "Special Communication" on "Adolescents and Their Music" which discusses in great depth the social effects of music on the youth, and the part music plays in causing their alienation from their elders.

Music long has been recognized as a powerful communicative force that affects attitude, mood, emotions, and behavior. Anthropologist A. P Merriam in his book The Anthropology of Music says, "The importance of music, as judged by the sheer ubiquity of its presence is enormous ... there is probably no other human cultural activity which is so all pervasive and which reaches into, shapes and often controls so much of human behavior."

Behavioral scientists are recognizing the part music has in forming human character and behavior. And they acknowledge in the JAMA article that "Identification with rock music, particularly those styles that are rejected by adults, functions to separate adolescents from adult society."

Scientists conclude that rock music is the most prominent cause of the generation gap! Please note they do not say the alienation is caused by the requirements of parents and/or churches but that it is rock music itself that has produced the gap. This is very revealing. If we should conclude that sedate church music has caused the alienation of our Seventh-day Adventist youth, we might be putting the cart before the horse!

The Journal of the American Medical Association music article in its synopsis in effect concludes just the opposite, namely, "adolescent alienation" is closely associated with their "total immersion into a rock subculture." Besides raucous music, rock features also the "swiveling of the hips [and] the frankly sexual antics" of the performers. Consider what a harmful and worldly influence all of this can have upon the social and spiritual attitudes of our youth!

The JAMA research article would tend to indicate that the cure that the Australian youth leader would suggest for the alienation of the youth is actually the real cause of their alienation in the first place. Rock music could tend only to aggravate the situation.

Regardless of age, any who partake of a daily diet of television and worldly entertainment, which may include rock music, are not going to find Sabbath School and church worship services featuring sacred music, with the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy as the basis for earnest deep study, to be interesting. Of course it would be boring, for spiritual things are only spiritually discerned. These worldlings will have, through their attachment to worldly music, et cetera, alienated themselves from the enjoyment of the true worship of God, until such time as they will surrender to God and allow Him to change their worldly hearts.

Should we be surprised if such worldly-minded persons "walk out of the back door" of our churches? Then, of course, if we open up our churches to the worldly entertainment which they prefer, might we not anticipate that some of these would readily walk in through the front door again? And even bring with them some of their non-Adventist rock-loving friends? They might all find such "worship" services to be entertaining.

Therefore, to furnish rock-like music in our churches is certainly no solution to the real dilemma. Rock music in any setting, and with any words, could only further alienate the youth from real truth and spirituality.

If a church requires no death to self, no cross, we can expect many worldlings to be added to the church roster as long as there is plenty of entertainment. The Spirit of Prophecy indicates that,

The religion of self makes easy conversions. Scripture is perverted, God dethroned, and self deified.... This is the new, broad way substituted as an improvement on the strait gate and the narrow way.... The importance of the truth is lost to view while human opinions rise to vast importance. Thus the experience is cheapened.... Religion is used as a means for carrying out selfish purposes. Manuscript Release 1341, 271

Is it any wonder that Celebration churches claim so many "easy conversions"? A truly converted young person who is dead to self and sin, will be attracted to good sacred music, the Word of God, and the Testimonies of His Spirit. He will love righteousness and hate iniquity.

The alienation of the youth from their elders may be narrowing somewhat, for the reason that more adults, including parents, are beginning to prefer some forms of rock music, having themselves grown up listening to rock music. It is not merely youth who are attending carnival-like services. Many adults, including older adults, appear to relish the superficial celebration entertainment. Perhaps our Adventist homes should take a larger share of the blame for making it possible for the youth to become so well acquainted with rock-like music on TV, videos, et cetera.

Is it reasonable to expect to cure an infection by inoculating the patient with large doses of the very same virulent germs that produced the infection? We would challenge our church administrators to face these issues squarely in the light of their awesome responsibility toward the spiritual nurture of our youth, and to face the fact that the fostering of rock music in our churches rather than being the cure for alienation of our youth, is verily the cause!

Rather than providing less sacred music and less divine instruction Scripture tells us that our youth need more divine counsel. God's Word is the true cure for alienation.

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to Thy Word. Psalms 119:9

CONTENTS