Expert: Joe Norman - 1/11/2009

Question
I read your answer in response to a question about the use of instruments in worship. I noticed that you referred to the status of the absence of instruments in the Greek Orthodox Church.
My question is, have you been to an Orthodox Church or done an objective study of its teachings or practices?
I do appreciate how you answered the question in a humble and non judgemental way.
I am a member of the Orthodox Church in America - oca.org. I was also brought up in the church of Christ and attended Mars Hill in Florence, Al.
Some Greek churches in this country do use an organ, it varies from parish to parish. It is not an innovation that is liked by other Orthodox churches, but it is not a test of fellowship. You would never see an instrument in Greece, or any of the other Orthox churches in this country. I have also attended Greek churches that did not have an instrument.
As for the use of choirs, they aide in the worship, but congregational singing should be present as the choir sings. Again that is something you will see as a variant among the Greeks in the U.S.
There is book called Journey of Fear and Sorrow, it is the account of a church of Christ minister who converted to Orthodoxy.
You also mentioned that we are very simialr to the Roman Church. I do not fault you for that assessment, because on the surface from a protestant point of view I can see where that assumption can be made. However, there are vast and very significant differences between the two. You will probably find stronger anti-R.C sentiment amongst the Orthodox than you do among the Restoration fellowships.
Actually I see that there is more simialrity between the churches of Christ and Orthodoxy than I do with Romans.

pray for me a sinner
James

Answer
Hi James,

I do appreciate you choosing to ask me questions regarding the Orthodox church and their music practices. I have not been to an Orthodox Church and the only real study I have done has been more historical. I do have a friend who is Orthodox though. He told me recently that true Orthodox Churches  do not use musical instruments in worship. He also shared some of the differences between them and the Roman Catholic church.

I have also seen several Greek Orthodox worship services on cable television. I see much more similarity to the R.C.'s when I observe their worship practice. When one looks at the history of music in Christian worship, it becomes very clear that a'cappella was the only acceptable type for about 1000 years. The split between the Greek Orthodox and the R.C.'s was in large part over the R.C. authorizing musical instruments in worship.

I first started studying music history when I was twelve because my piano teacher required all her students to study music history and music theory. I also studied Music History in college as a music education major and so there was no bias. It was a secular college. I have also read several books by Bible scholars on the history of music in Christian worship.

I do find it odd that anyone could have been a part of the church of Christ and then convert to the Orthodox church. We are striving to be as much like the church that was established by the apostles in the first century as possible. I personally do not see similarity at all between the church of Christ and the Orthodox church.

The Orthodox church really looks more like the Catholic church to me. I know there are doctrinal differences, but not very many. My friend who is Orthodox believes that the wine and the bread of the Lord's Supper literally changes into the actual blood and flesh of Jesus when he puts it in his mouth. He also believes that only someone who is able to believe the gospel should be water baptized. He is against infant baptism.

I am not familiar with the church you attended in Florence AL. because I have never lived in that state. I would be interested in reading the book you told me about and appreciate you for telling me about it. I do not agree with your assessment of the use of choirs. They actually hinder and discourage the people in the congregation in singing to God. They feel the need to listen to the choir which is made up of talented and skilled singers rather than attempt to sing along. It becomes very difficult to keep people from becoming an audience to be entertained rather than the family of believers singing to teach, uplift, and edify each other.

I am more than happy to answer any questions you might have on any subject and if you even have a follow-up question for me, I will do my best to respond quickly and thoroughly. I appreciate you for your thoughts and question. May God bless you.

Christ's humble servant, Joe Norman