Thoughts On Gospel Music by the Late Dr. M. R. DeHann

M. R. DeHaan was a physician who later in life became a pastor – well known for his gravelly voice and impassioned Bible teaching. He is founder of the Radio Bible Class which was a half-hour radio show in the 1940’s. In the excerpt below, Dr.DeHann discusses his thoughts on the gospel music of his day.

I found his thoughts on the changes of church music interesting. Dr. Dehann addresses two concerns regarding gospel music during his day: The secularizing of gospel music by the world and the adopting of worldly music by the church.

The secularizing of gospel music by the world

One of the alarming signs of the times is the invasion by the world and popular music field into the realm of religious and sacred music. Recording companies have begun to use devotional songs – adapting them to the swing – beat and syncopation of the bar-room. One big time producer claims that secularizing sacred music is the greatest new groove since rock and roll. As a result of this type of music of recording music, Gospel music is now being sung in night clubs, taverns and dance halls across the land. All of this is a symptom of deterioration of the breakdown between sacred and secular.

The adopting of worldly music by the church

Even more serious than the use of Gospel music by the world, however, is the growing evil of using worldly music in our evangelical circles! Gospel music is designed to teach the Gospel (See Colossians 3:16). The jazzing of sacred music by gospel comedians is nauseating and regrettable. Why don’t we stick to the psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs of Ephesians 5:19? I know I shall be accused of being old-fashioned, moth-eaten, archaic sourpuss, but we still believe that the Gospel should be presented in song, as well as sermon, in a reverent and dignified way in harmony with the majesty and seriousness of its message. If the music in our churches has no real message in it, why sing it?

We cannot stop the world from using and debauching Gospel music; but we can stop the world’s music from being used in Christian churches.

Conclusion

As you can see by Dr. DeHann’s comments that he pulls no punches concerning his thoughts on Gospel music. It is obvious, Dr. DeHann faced similar concerns regarding church music as we do today. There maybe a lesson or two to learn for this voice from the past.

In summary, he discourages using musical styles that would be inappropriate for use in the church. And, he cautions against singing gospel music in a way that cheapens the message of the Gospel.

If you have a comment about Dr. DeHann’s views concerning gospel music leave it below.