How to Evaluate Worship Songs for Theological Soundness

# How to Evaluate Worship Songs for Theological Soundness

## Why This Matters

What we sing shapes what we believe. The ancient principle *lex orandi, lex credendi* ("the law of prayer is the law of belief") reminds us that our worship forms our theology. Poor theology in song will produce poor theology in life.

> "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." — Colossians 3:16

Notice Paul says our songs should teach and admonish. Songs are not merely emotional experiences—they are theological instruction.

## A Framework for Evaluation

### 1. Is It True?

The most fundamental question. Compare the lyrics to Scripture:

**Ask:**
- Does this accurately represent biblical teaching?
- Are the statements about God, humanity, salvation, etc. correct?
- Could this be misunderstood in harmful ways?

**Red Flags:**
- Prosperity gospel promises
- Man-centered theology
- Vague "god" language
- Modalism or other Trinitarian errors
- Works-righteousness

### 2. Is It Complete?

Many songs are technically true but incomplete in harmful ways.

**Ask:**
- Does this present only part of the gospel?
- Is there balance between God's love and holiness?
- Does it acknowledge human sin or only celebrate blessing?

**Examples:**
- Songs only about God's love without His justice
- Songs only about victory without acknowledging struggle
- Songs only about intimacy without transcendence

### 3. Is It Clear?

Vague lyrics allow people to project their own meaning.

**Ask:**
- Would a non-Christian understand who we're singing to?
- Are key terms defined biblically or left ambiguous?
- Is this Trinitarian (Father, Son, Spirit)?

**Problem areas:**
- Generic "you" that could be any god
- "Love" without defining whose love
- "Presence" without specifying who is present

### 4. Is It Weighty?

Some songs are theologically accurate but trivially so.

**Ask:**
- Does this say anything substantial?
- Is there depth worth repeating?
- Does this song justify the congregation's time?

**Consider:**
- Repetition should deepen, not bore
- Simple is good; simplistic is not
- Even children can learn profound truths

### 5. Is It Singable?

A doctrinally perfect song no one can sing fails its purpose.

**Ask:**
- Can average congregants sing this?
- Is the range reasonable?
- Are rhythms accessible?

## Common Problems to Watch For

### Problem 1: Prosperity Gospel Lyrics

**Watch for:** Promises of health, wealth, and blessing as entitlements of faith.

**Examples:** "Every blessing," "More than enough," "I am favored"

**Better:** Songs that acknowledge both blessing AND suffering in the Christian life.

### Problem 2: Word of Faith Theology

**Watch for:** Speaking things into existence, declaring reality.

**Examples:** "I declare," "Speak it," "Name it and claim it"

**Better:** Songs that submit to God's will rather than commanding outcomes.

### Problem 3: Vague Theism

**Watch for:** Songs that could be sung by any religion.

**Examples:** "Universe," "Higher power," generic "God"

**Better:** Specifically Christian, Trinitarian songs about Father, Son, and Spirit.

### Problem 4: Narcissistic Focus

**Watch for:** Songs primarily about me, my feelings, my experience.

**Examples:** "I feel," "I need," "Touch me," "Fill me"

**Better:** Songs about who God is and what He has done.

### Problem 5: Emotionalism Without Content

**Watch for:** Lyrics designed to create feelings without communicating truth.

**Examples:** Endless repetition of phrases like "more of you" without ever saying who "you" is.

**Better:** Songs that engage both heart AND mind.

## Practical Application

### For Worship Leaders

1. Read lyrics carefully before introducing songs
2. Research the source and theology of writers
3. Be willing to not use popular songs
4. Balance new songs with tested hymns
5. Edit or omit problematic verses when possible

### For Congregants

1. Pay attention to what you're singing
2. Respectfully question concerning lyrics
3. Supplement church singing with rich hymnody at home
4. Trust but verify—popularity doesn't equal soundness

### For Pastors

1. Exercise theological oversight of worship content
2. Equip worship leaders with theological training
3. Preach about worship to educate the congregation
4. Model thoughtful engagement with lyrics

## Conclusion

Not every song needs to be a systematic theology lecture. There is room for simple expressions of love and devotion. But overall, our song diet should be nutritious—rich in truth, clear in expression, and worthy of the God we worship.

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*"I will sing with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also." — 1 Corinthians 14:15*