If it’s OK, I want to ask a question regarding worship and those who have speaking disabilities (or something similar to that). When we (at our congregation) teach about not using mechanical instruments of music in worship to God, a brother usually brings up the fact that there are disabled people who may not be able to worship as we do. I believe he was talking about those who can’t sing VOCALLY (or some with similar disabilities), but still understand the need to worship. The brother says we shouldn’t leave them out, and I believe his point is that the disabled may understand the words sung in worship by other signals (which the average person may consider an addition or something unauthorized when he himself worships) besides VOCAL. Just want to see if you would comment on this. Thanks.
Obviously, Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 refer to the vocal music of singing (i.e., would not include other vocal sounds such as humming, whistling, etc.), which is comprised of audible words. The purpose, in part, is that by those audible words Christians in worship are “speaking to one another” (Ephesians 5:19) and “teaching and admonishing” (Colossians 3:16). Certainly, instrumental music is both an addition to what is authorized for worshipful music and it is incapable to “speaking” as well as “teaching and admonishing.”
No one of whom I am aware believes that God requires of anyone what he or she may be physically or mentally incapable of doing. For instance, when a person is sick and unable to attend a worship assembly, others might conclude that such a person is so-called “providentially hindered” and thereby excused for his or her absence. (I’m not sure that “providentially hindered” is an accurate label, but I concur with the sentiment.)
A person who is unable to speak, then, would be excused from singing audible words, which would result in “speaking to one another” and “teaching and admonishing.” However, the earnest desire to worship God in each of the five activities of worship depicted in the New Testament is commendable.
Sometimes in the first century through the present, more than one language group may be present in an assembly. In these instances when persons present do not know the language of the speaker, an interpreter is required (1 Corinthians 14). It was not and is not uncommon for more than one language group to be present in a worship assembly. For instance, there may be a deaf contingent in an assembly, which in order for those persons to understand the preaching, someone must use sign language. A deaf, mute person would naturally respond in kind through sign language if able to do that. Other people who are knowledgeable of sign language could see and receive the “teaching and admonishing” that others would receive audibly. Sign language does not change the nature of worshipful music in the assembly for those who are able to sing aloud.
In any case, whether audible or inaudible, whether vocal singing or sign language singing, “teaching one another” and “teaching and admonishing” results. That is not the case with instrumental music.
