Drums in Worship: Sacred Music vs. Bedlam of Noise

Drums are not appropriate for the solemn worship of God because they create a bedlam of noise that confuses the senses and masks the true moving of the Holy SpiritPaM 176.5. While music is a divine gift designed to gladden the heart and fixed God's words in the memory, the specific use of drums in religious services is associated with "uncouth" demonstrations that will take place just before the close of probationVSS 407.2+1.

The Impact of Drums on Worship

Using drums in a religious setting can have a negative impact on the spiritual experience of the congregation:

• Confusion of the Senses: The noise produced by drums and similar loud instruments can confuse the senses of rational beings to the point that they cannot be trusted to make right decisionsBDOC 4.5+1.

• Theatrical Display: Such music often resembles a concert in a theater rather than a sacred song service, providing no strength to the message being borneEv 501.1.

• Masking the Word: In some movements, the volume of instruments like the big bass drum is so loud that it is impossible to hear a word from the congregation or even to hear yourself thinkMRQI 13.1.

• Excitement vs. True Worship: This type of music creates a strain of excitement and "fanaticism" that is often incorrectly labeled as the moving of the Holy SpiritPaM 176.5+2.

Sacred Music vs. Worldly Style

The Lord desires music that is soft, holy, and characterized by melody in the heartBDOC 4.5.

• True Worship: Sacred music should be performed with a sanctified heart to make a serious, solemn impressionBDOC 4.5+1.

• Stage vs. Sanctuary: Education in music that is suited for the stage or the "Salvation Army method" is not appropriate for the solemn worship of GodMRQI 13.1+1.

• Worldly Elements: Bringing in the "instruments and appendages of demon worship" or adopting the "livery of Paganism" is a desecration of the house of GodPTUK September 26, 1895, page 614.5+1.

• Spiritual Songs: We are encouraged to use psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to admonish one another and make melody to the Lord Colossians 3:16+1.

Historical and Prophetic Context

Scripture and history provide warnings regarding the misuse of musical instruments:

• Ancient Schools: In the schools of the prophets, students were taught sacred music and the use of various instruments like the harp, psaltery, and pipe to draw minds toward God 1 Samuel 10:5PBE 83.3.

• Military Association: Drums are frequently associated with military drill and the training of soldiers rather than the peaceful atmosphere of the sanctuaryYI December 22, 1886, par. 1.

• A Warning for the End Times: The use of drums, dancing, and shouting in worship is specifically identified as a demonstration that will occur just before the end of time to deceive soulsPaM 176.5+1.

• Judgment on False Joy: The Bible warns that there is a time when the "mirth of tabrets ceaseth" and the "noise of them that rejoice endeth" for those who have transgressed the laws of God Isaiah 24:8.

While we are not to oppose the use of musical instruments when they are skillfully handled to lead the congregation in the praise of God, they must always be used in a way that magnifies Jesus and allows the minister and the instruments to be lost sight ofPaM 191.3+1. The human heart, when given up to Christ, becomes the most sacred harp of all, sending forth music that is truly acceptable to HimRY 150.1.