Some time ago I was in a church where the music was abrasively loud. I know, I know – “If it is too loud, I am too old.” That could be true but that is a topic for another blog.
While trying to nonchalantly protect my ears – so it wasn’t obvious to everyone around me that I was “too old”, it suddenly occurred to me that in nature you rarely find loud noises. A sudden explosion of thunder can jar you and make you jump but it isn’t abrasive or painful to the ears.
I have stood in awe before the power of Niagara Falls. The earth shook beneath my feet and the roar of the falls reverberated through my entire body and soul. Yet, there was no desire to protect my ears. A huge, majestic almost frightening sound filled the air but it was not ear shattering or abrasive.
As I thought about this more I realized the same is true of color. In nature most colors are muted. Yes, there are the brilliant reds, golds and oranges of fall leaves. Yes, there are gorgeous sunsets filled with dazzling, indescribable colors. Yes, I have seen birds with exotic plumage that causes you to stand back in reverence for the artist that “painted” these creatures. Yet you rarely, if ever, see anything natural that compares with our “day glo” hot pinks and other exaggerated colors.
But, despite man’s efforts to “enhance” colors, amplify volume and “improve” upon nature, I can’t think of anything man has created that can match the splendor of a sunset or the subtle, sweet song of a bird or the beauty of a spectacular landscape.
So what does all this mean? I have no real conclusions at this point in time. Currently these are merely observations. I would be interested in hearing what you think this indicates. Maybe you disagree with me. Maybe you think plastic or silk roses are more lovely than the real thing or that man has created something of surpassing beauty. Maybe you think I am just too old and they oughta crank the music in church till your ears bleed. I’d be interested in your thoughts on it (unless you think I am too old. In which case keep it to yourself you young whippersnapper.)
So what do you think?
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Jeremiah 51:55
The Lord will destroy Babylon; he will silence her harsh, noisy cacophony.
Well you know what I think! I carry earplugs with me to church and to the gym.
I agree that you can easily overdo the volume on the music, and it can also take away from the worship experience in some cases. A good sound engineer will note this and keep it in check. Now about colors, I’ve never given that much thought. Has man created some beautiful colors, yes, has he out done God, NO!
Hey Duane:
A good sound engineer – what a gift from God and one often so unappreciated. I’ve been in services where the music is so full that it fills the room and you can feel it as well as hear it, yet, you can talk to someone next to you without shouting and the sound is not accosting your ears. It is easy to think it is really loud because of the feel – actually feel it thumping your chest sometimes – but in reality there is a magic element (magic to me because I don’t know how they do it) that keeps it from being irritating but still gives the full feel of the music. It is a beautiful, but rare, thing. 🙂
I do the same, Jana!
Wow, was I glad to read this. This confirms a growing desire in me to tell worship leaders to “turn it down”!
I can’t figure the purpose of really loud worhip music. I realize the Bible says “make a loud noise, rejoice, and sing praise”, but who is to define loud? I listen to loud music in my car sometimes, but to me that seems different somehow. In church I’m plugging my ears for the last five years.
My guess is that is attracts the younger crowd. I’m semi-ancient.