Wednesday, July 28, 2010

In Remembrance Of J.S. Bach: July 28, 1750

Pastor Peters, a fabulous Lutheran pastor and writer in Clarksville, Tennessee, shares words of wisdom about our culture, especially the culture of the American church in our day.

Soli Deo Gloria... It was not a slogan for Bach. It was his lifeblood. If we would honor Bach and glory in the fact that such musical genius, rich spiritual life, and dedication to his craft were formed in a Lutheran piety steeped in Word, Sacrament, and worthy music... then let us work to make sure that we are working to implement these in our parish life today... Whether the music comes from the 17th or 18th centuries or the 21st century, it needs to be our best, it needs to speak the Word and serve as musical handmaid to that Word, and it needs to glorify God and not entertain the human heart... or our remembrance of Bach will be like the uncovering of a footnote in history instead of a light that shines throughout the generations....

The entire article linked above is well worth the time invested.

OS concurs wholeheartedly. The music of Bach is a gift of divine grace to our weary world. Here's hoping OS's readership will take a moment to listen to a bit of Bach's music, and give thanks.

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