Worship?

Recently a friend sent me an article from Relevant Magazine about Sigur Ros. (Before I go any further, I would like to state that I am a fan of Relevant Magazine and thank them for the iPad they are sending me.) In the article titled "The Spiritual Side of Sigur Ros Jonsi," some compared the Icelandic bands music to "the sound of heaven or the music of God." From their a Christian leader began to speak of how he views Sigur Ros's music as worship.

Along with the article came a request from my friend for my thoughts on the article and music of Sigur Ros. As my mind wondered through the article and my own relationship with the bands music, there was a collision between "The Spiritual Side of Sigur Ros Jonsi," and the truest definition of worship.

As far as the musical style, I enjoy Sigur Ros. I agree with those who say that the music is beautiful and I find it quite soothing and at times emotional. For me, I like it because it is "interesting" and it often evokes creativity when I need it the most.

However, I cannot translate it to worship. Those who make such declarations that the music is some how worship or even heavenly must make these declarations apart from the New Testament. I point first to John 4:23-24 where Jesus tells us that true worship must be "in Spirit and in Truth." While music can be a vehicle for worship, it is not worship. Music is neither Spirit or Truth, and we need both.

Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship. (Emphasis mine)

Or as another translation reads, "This is truly the way to worship him."

Worship has to start with our submission to God. From what I understand the gentlemen of Sigur Ros have not submitted their lives to God. We must be careful not identify "styles" of music which we connect with as worship which connects us to God. Worship is altogether separate from our external circumstances and internal stirrings. It is dangerous to mistake emotional movement for spiritual experience.

Even now as I am listening to Sigur Ros, I am enjoying it. But the music cannot connect me to God.

As far the truth part of worship I point to two sources, Jesus and Scripture. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life... (emphasis mine) So the truth of worship is found in acknowledging Jesus as Savior, King, Lord, and God. The Bible points us to the truth of Christ. Without the truth of Christ, there is no worship.

When it's all said and done, I think we must remember that the experience of art — whether music, painting, writing, or any other form — does not constitute an experience with God. We can be moved apart from the Spirit of God. Beauty does not equate to Godly and emotion does not equate the Spirits moving, stirring, or leading. Let us not get so caught up in the vehicle of worship that we forget the one worship is focused upon — Jesus Christ.