Thread by @MedleyTrey

Here's something that we don't talk about enough in churches. Music is very evocative and emotive. As such it is very easy to be used manipulatively.

In college, I had more than one conversation with music majors about how certain chord progressions can make you feel (1/7)

Some create a euphoric endorphin rush. Others will move you to tears. Not a single play of it, but when put into certain types of progression and layered well, yes. This is why certain songs always have that feeling. That's not inherently a bad thing

However, there is also a well established technique that loud repetitive sounds make one more susceptible to suggestion.

Other than a complex progression and layering of chords, an easier way to elicit an emotional response is to play the same chords over and over

When coupled with a repeated phrase and laid on top of a driving, repetitive drum beat, this can induce an almost trance-like state (especially if that's what you're already seeking out). In such a state, we are less critical of the doctrine we sing

I am not saying all modern worship music is wrong (many of these techniques have been used for centuries).

Nor am I saying we should reject emotional worship (figures as diverse as Edwards and Tillich have suggested we need to worship God with our whole self, including emotions)

I am saying, we need to be careful with this. Do not uncritically use music because it has the right "feel." Be aware of when you might be manipulated unwittingly.

At it's best music helps us to get in touch with part of ourselves, otherwise inaccessible, and express it to God

At it's worst, it's manipulative for some sort of gain. Both minsters and worshipers need to be aware