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It was my privilege to know and work with the late John Atherton at First Baptist Church, Selma, Ala. John delighted in classic hymns and stately choral music. One day a zealous member accosted him about the absence of so-called “praise music” and said, “John, our church needs to learn to praise God!” John went home dejected and told his wife, Louise, the story.
“What does he think the church has been doing for 2,000 years?” she asked.
Louise was insightful.
The church has been praising God since the resurrection of Jesus, though we praise him in many ways. Some Christians enjoy Southern gospel music. Though I don’t do this as much now, “The Imperials” were my favorite group when I was a young person. Some praise God with classical music, such as Bach’s “Jesu, Joy Of Man’s Desiring” or Handel’s “Messiah.” I conducted a funeral recently and the family asked to conclude the service with a recording of “How Great Thou Art” by Elvis Presley. The co