Dr. Terry York
// Author, Conference Leader & LecturerDR. TERRY YORK is an author, conference leader, lecturer, scholar, and Associate Professor of Christian Ministry and Church Music at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. His book “Rehearsing The Soul: 52 Devotions For The Church Choir” (1999), “Observing The Rests: 52 Personal Devotions For The Choir Member” (2003), “God In Time: New Hymns” (2005), and “The Voice Of Our Congregation: Seeking And Celebrating God’s Song For Us” (2005) are all available from Abingdon Press, and “America’s Worship Wars” (2003) is available from Hendrickson Publishers. Dr. Terry York has written many choral anthem texts, and several articles on church music, hymnology, and worship.
Website: www.textandtune.com
Photo: Dr. Terry York / Baylor University
Interview:
The spiritual significance of music has to do with music’s depth of engagement. The musician and the listener open themselves to expressing or receiving music from a place deep within that is otherwise closed and guarded. I believe this is why so many songs are about love and many others seek to call us to some sort of action. It is why a wordless piece of music has a descriptive title. For instance, why did Beethoven choose “Moonlight Sonata”?
Music takes the prayers of our hearts from the depths of contemplation to the heights of expression when both or either are beyond the reach of words. Is this not the work of the Holy Spirit? “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.” [Romans 8:26, New Revised Standard Version]. Further, when we consider the spiritual significance of music we must consider the relationship between imagination, creativity, and faith. Notes written down are nothing more than ink on paper. Notes sounded are nothing more than shimmering air. Yet, the composer imagines and creates; two acts of faith that something might come of the idea and the ink. The performer imagines and creates; two acts of faith that something might come from causing the air to vibrate according to the suggestions of the ink. The listener hears and imagines; two acts of faith that something might come from considering the combinations of pitch and silence. These acts of faith are spiritual endeavors.
There is a trinity of spiritual significance here. The Creator gives us air, sound waves, intellect, voice, skill, and creativity. The Redeemer gives us hope, faith, and healing. The Spirit opens our hearts and guides our perception and processing of what we hear from without and within. Herein lies the spiritual significance of music. Thanks be to God.
“Music takes the prayers of our hearts from the depths of contemplation to the heights of expression.”
– Dr. Terry York, co-author of “The Voice Of Our Congregation: Seeking And Celebrating God’s Song For Us”
