Even music can display a character of masculiniy or femininity. As I observe many of the differences in the contemporary movement compared to the Gaither movement compared to the confessional/liturgical movement it seems that there is litte that speaks to the masculine property of beingness outside of some few selections beyond the liturgical. To be masculine it would be steady, consistent, strong, and intellectually intense as well as emotionally stout (as well as intensely demanding - suck it up and go to gallows!).

It is not just the words, but the way it is sung and played. When I hear "A mighty fortress is our God" I long for the piano player to beat the hell out of the keys as if madd! When I hear "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty" I want only the constant shout of proud men. When I hear the chanting of the monks I want to sink deeply into their persevering lull of a bass hum calling the mind into war with that snake.

This is not to the negation of feminine music for which I am glad only I feel always in worship that I must be either a woman or a teenager. Truly, I wish the voice of our men would be strong and hard while the melodies of our women would be tender and moving.

I think I shall write more on music and worship later since it is such a touchy issue.