Todd Clippard

Topic(s):  Bible Study, Worship

I have no problem with contemporary scripture.  The problem is that most modern translations are generally not true to the Book.  Notable exceptions would be the NASB, NKJV, and the new ESV, although I think there are some difficulties in the NASB (e.g. Rom 12:1) and ESV (e.g. Rom 10:10) that need to be corrected.

I have no problem with contemporary language, so long as it is not irreverent or flippant (I don't want to hear anyone referring to my Savior as "J.C.")  I am just a country preacher, and I preach and teach in the vernacular of the people here in most cases.   My preaching is often sprinkled with country terms like "double-dog dare", "Adam's housecat", etc.  However, I do use more discretion when delivering more formal oratory. 

I have no problem with contemporary music.  All songs were "new songs" at one time.  Most of the new songbooks in the brotherhood contain a goodly number of contemporary songs.  However, I don't think a case can be made for contemporary music being used exclusively by the early church, esp since the church was commanded to teach and admonish one another through psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.  Just because a song is new doesn't make it good, and just because a song is old doesn't make it bad.

We need to be careful about painting folks with too broad of a brush.