14. Mennonite hymns vs Christian rock music (Pop-Mennonite art exhibit)

Clashing Symbols 19x15, 2003, prisma bronze & raisen noir, carbon ink.
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Christian "contemporary" music is an ironic term, since it typically lags far behind progressive musical efforts in popular culture. American Christians consistently demonstrate a preference for the static over the dynamic. Christians take their cues from the mainstream in regard to what musical genres (i.e, bluegrass, southern gospel, rock) hold artistic merit. In our postmodern culture, stylistic expressions are developed and tested, almost exclusively, in secular venues first. Even more problematic than this cultural lag is how churches discard acappella congregational singing. Although Swiss Mennonites have traditionally not used musical instruments, most Mennonite congregations now rely heavily on musical instrumentation in worship services. This drawing juxtapose a couple singing in the traditional acappella manner with a gospel rock musician.

"Musical Instruments. They have never been sanctioned in the public services of the main body of the Mennonite Church. They are used by some branches of Mennonites. Some of the arguments against their use in this manner are: (1) their cost, (2) their origin (Gen. 4:21), (3) their destruction of congregational singing, (4) their interference with collective worship in song, (5) no New Testament sanction for their use. While Church leaders are practically unanimous that they shall not be allowed in public services, conditions at this writing are such that their prohibition is becoming increasingly difficult; for many homes have organs, graphophones, pianos, radios, and stringed instruments of many different varieties. The increasing use of musical instruments in the home tends to break down the scriptural rule against their use in worship. There is no New Testament sanction for the use of the instrument in worship, whether in home or church. - Mennonite Cyclopedic Dictionary, 1937
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This entertaining collection of videos explore Amish-Mennonite culture, faith, and art. The videos include artist Don Swartzentruber who walks us through his "Pop-Mennonite" art exhibit. Find information and an exhibit schedule at www.swartzentruber.com.
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