alexandermsmith
Puritan Board Junior
With all that's happening the question of singing- specifically whether or not to sing in public worship- has become prominent within the church. The Confession mentions singing as one of the elements of ordinary worship and the Directory for Public Worship describes it as a "duty". However the Larger Catechism in enumerating the duties required by the Second Commandment lists those parts of worship which are "particularly" required but does not mention singing. So I was wondering if this has ever been an area of discussion in the Reformed church: what is meant by "duty" (as opposed to "necessity")? What position does singing have in relation to the other elements of worship?
I'm thinking specifically of historical treatments of the issue, and of the use of the term "duty" in the standards, but am happy to hear others' views on the topic as well.
I'm thinking specifically of historical treatments of the issue, and of the use of the term "duty" in the standards, but am happy to hear others' views on the topic as well.