Abstract:
The purpose of this research has been to examine the religious function of music in relation to the Baptist tradition. The role and function of music at Pretoria Central Baptist Church was the focus of the investigation. The following is the hypothesis of the study: against the background of a difficult music history the role and function of music used at Pretoria Central is organized to conform with biblical perspectives. Music now forms an important component of worship services and other religious meetings in the Church. The focus of musical activities is to enhance the congregants communion with God as well as to enrich the worshippers appreciation of communal and divine experience in religious activities. This hypothesis has been motivated by biblical and Pretoria Central perspectives. The structure of this study is divided into three parts. In the first division the actuality of the study is discussed. The reasons leading to the choice of subject are stated. The problem is formulated by giving the problem statement and problem solution. Other points that are raised in this part include objectives, research method, hypothesis and chapter divisions and orthographical remarks. In the second part, reflection on the bible is conducted, resulting in a biblical perspective on the function of music in both the Old and New Testaments. The function of music falls into two groups. These are secular and religious. A brief sketch of the Psalms is given. Musical instruments are also examined in a cursory manner. The third section consists of music at Pretoria Central. A short reconstruction of the history of music in the predecessor of the Church is presented. The place of music in the worship service is situated in the order of service. Various types of music that are employed in the worship service and religious meetings are highlighted. Also of importance to the study are the functions of music in the Church. The numerous functions include music addressed to God in exaltation and lament, edification of believers, evangelism, contextualisation, therapeutic uses, weddings, funerals, fellowship meetings and dance. Musical instruments and the ministry of music in the Church are considered. Yet another aspect of music concerns the theology behind music. Resemblances and differences between the biblical perspective and Pretoria Central are alluded to. The study assists in demonstrating the importance of music in worship by discussing the various functions. Music enhances communion with God as well as enriching the worshippers appreciation of communal and divine experience in religious activities.
