Exclusive psalmody
Exclusive psalmody is the particular worship practice of several small Protestant denominations worldwide which use a metrical version of the Book of Psalms from the Bible as the only manual of songs that may be sung in their services. Denominations practising exclusive psalmody include the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America and the Presbyterian Church of Eastern Australia.
The practice of Exclusive psalmody is founded on a strict (sometimes called 'Puritan') interpretation of the regulative principle of worship. The Exclusive Psalmodists contend that since God has given Christians a collection of 150 worship songs and provides scriptural examples of them being sung, God requires these songs to be used in public worship and forbids others to be sung (2 Chronicles 5:13, 2 Chronicles 20:21, 2 Chronicles 29:30, Ezra 3:11, Exodus 15:1).
Whilst exclusive psalmody was once a distinctive of most Presbyterian, Calvinist and Reformed churches, it is now a minority position. Since the 19th century, interpretation of the regulative principle has shifted and there is now a consensus amongst many Christians, even conservatives, who subscribe to it that it permits the use of songs other than the Psalms, provided that the lyrics are compatible with the Bible. This allows the use of numerous hymns and modern worship songs.
[edit] Denominations
- Australian Free Church
- Associated Presbyterian Churches
- Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Australia
- Free Church of Scotland (Continuing)
- Free Presbyterian Church of Malawi
- Free Reformed Churches of North America
- Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland
- Gereformeerde Gemeenten
- Gereformeerde Gemeenten in Nederland
- Gereja Jemaat Protestan di Indonesia
- Heritage Reformed Congregations
- Netherlands Reformed Congregations
- Nigeria Reformed Church
- Old Order Amish
- Oud Gereformeerde Gemeenten in Nederland
- Presbyterian Church of Eastern Australia
- Presbyterian Reformed Church
- Reformed Presbyterian Church of Australia
- Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ireland
- Reformed Presbyterian Church of Malawi
- Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland
- Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America
- Restored Reformed Church (Hersteld Hervormde Kerk)
- Southern Presbyterian Church
- Strict Baptists
- Westminster Presbyterian Church in the United States
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Exclusive Psalmody: A Biblical Defense, An argument For Exclusive Psalmody by Brian Schwertley
- Automatic Psalm Player All 150 psalms on automatic player so you can listen while browsing web
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