---
title: "The Power of Music Misused | Worship in Spirit and in Truth"
description: "The Power of Music Misused — section 16 of Worship in Spirit and in Truth by Pastor Owen Anderson. Read the original text online with Scripture references and section navigation."
canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/worship/worship-in-spirit-and-in-truth/the-power-of-music-misused/"
author: "Owen Anderson"
source: "https://ctkrp.org/assets/papers/worship-in-spirit-and-in-truth.pdf#page=24"
---

# The Power of Music Misused | Worship in Spirit and in Truth

John Calvin, in his reflections on music, acknowledged its profound influence on human emotions and morals. He wrote:

"There is scarcely in the world anything which is more able to turn or bend this way and that the morals of men, as Plato prudently considered it. And in fact, we find by experience that it has a sacred and almost incredible power to move hearts in one way or another."

Calvin observed that music has a unique ability to penetrate the heart and influence behavior, often more deeply than mere words. He compared the combination of melody and corrupt lyrics to poison poured into the heart, saying:

"Every bad word (as St. Paul has said) perverts good manners, but when the melody is with it, it pierces the heart much more strongly, and enters into it; in a like manner as through a funnel, the wine is poured into the vessel; so also the venom and the corruption is distilled to the depths of the heart by the melody."

He noted that in his time, many people were captivated by "dishonest and shameless songs," which he described as "mortal and Satanic poison." Calvin warned that without proper regulation, music could become a tool for vice rather than virtue. Thus, he emphasized the need to guide music toward God-honoring purposes, ensuring it uplifts the soul rather than corrupts it.

Calvin also underscored the importance of singing with understanding, distinguishing human worship from the mindless sounds of birds. He explained:

"Spiritual songs cannot be well sung save from the heart. But the heart requires the intelligence. And in that (says St. Augustine) lies the difference between the singing of men and that of the birds. For a linnet, a nightingale, a parrot may sing well; but it will be without understanding. But the unique gift of man is to sing knowing that which he sings."

True worship requires both the intellect and the heart. Singing, Calvin argued, must come from a place of understanding, affection, and memory. For this reason, he praised the Psalms, calling them "divine and celestial hymns," perfectly suited for worship. He urged Christians to replace the "vain, frivolous, stupid, and vile" songs of the world with the inspired psalms of Scripture.

On the matter of melody, Calvin insisted it be "moderated in the manner we have adopted to carry the weight and majesty appropriate to the subject." Music in worship should reflect the dignity and reverence owed to God, avoiding excessive ornamentation or frivolity. While God did not give us the specific melodies he wanted used, Calvin correctly points to the kinds of melodies we should fit to each Psalm.

Calvin was not teaching his own view any more than Augustine was, or Paul was. Calvin was Reforming, he was turning the heart of the church back to God’s Word. This is what makes a Reformed Christian of whatever denomination. This is a person who says that the Word of God is the highest authority for the church and governs the worship of the church.

Original source: [Worship in Spirit and in Truth, Owen Anderson (2025)](https://ctkrp.org/assets/papers/worship-in-spirit-and-in-truth.pdf#page=24)

## Related reading

- [Calvin and the Reformation: Returning to Pure Worship](https://ctkrp.org/worship/worship-in-spirit-and-in-truth/calvin-and-the-reformation-returning-to-pure-worship/)
- [King Saul and King David](https://ctkrp.org/worship/worship-in-spirit-and-in-truth/king-saul-and-king-david/)

Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/worship/worship-in-spirit-and-in-truth/the-power-of-music-misused/