The Church Organ: Some Historical Perspective

It’s interesting, from time to time, to read what our forebears thought of various and sundry things. Following are some quotations by famed Christians concerning the use of the organ in worship:

Martin Luther: “The organ in the worship service is a sign of Baal.”

Thomas Aquinas: “Our church does not use musical instruments, as harps and psalteries, to praise God withal, that she may not seem to Judaize.”

John Calvin: “Musical Instruments in celebrating the praises of God would be no more suitable than the burning of incense, the lighting of lamps, and the restoration of the other shadows of the law.“

John Wesley: “I have no objection to instruments of music in our chapels, provided they are neither heard nor seen.”

Charles Spurgeon: “We might as well pray by machinery as sing by it” and “Israel was at school, and used childish things to help her learn; but in these days when Jesus gives us spiritual food, one can make melody without strings and pipes… we do not need them. That would hinder rather than help our praise. Sing unto Him. This is the sweetest and best music. No instrument like the human voice.”