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Question Title Posted By Question Date
Music insturments used in Liturgy Dcn. Pat Thursday, February 10, 2005

Question:

In reading Psalm 150, it would seem that just about any musical instrument should be used to praise our God. Let me quote from previous response on this topic in reference to guitars and drums, "One thing that these documents are absolutely clear on is that musical instruments that are associated with the secular culture are absolutely barred from the Liturgy."

Somehow, I think that something got lost in the translation. How the music is played - rather than what instrument is being played - would be the determining factor as to whether it is appropriate for liturgy or not.

Do we not, as Catholics, encourage people from all cultures to bring what talent they have to the Lord? Do we not, as Catholics embrace all people and all cultures? Was the answer to the original post not clearly thought through?
Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek

Dear Pat,

Before I answer your question I want to remind everyone that this is not a debate forum.  I just mention this since this topic is frequently debated elsewhere.

Yes, any musical instrument can and should be used to glorify God.  However the Psalms and Scripture were never meant to be guidelines for the modern Liturgy, that is what the Missal and other documents are for.  As I said in my previous reply, Rome has decided that instruments associated with the profane are not to be admitted into the Sacred Liturgy.  That does not mean that you cannot use drums and guitars in your own private or public non-liturgical worship.

Yes, the Catholic Church embraces all people and cultures, all are called to salvation in the Church, however profane or sacrilegious elements of any culture or any incorrect teaching must not be admitted to the Church.  This includes profane elements of our own culture, and musical instruments that are so closely associated with the profane that they cannot be separated.

Mr. Slavek
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