ICE Statement of Principles

Affirming …

• That music is a universal phenomenon, but not a universal language; i.e. our response to music is learned and not intrinsic,
• That music systems differ in structure, function, use, and even the concept of what is music,
• That if foreign music is used for evangelism or in the church it may strongly stamp Christianity as being a foreign religion,
• That in using the culturally appropriate music system we are tapping into a system of communication that is already recognized, appreciated and understood…

We, the members of ICE, will strive toward encouraging the use of heart musics, the musical systems that a person learns as a child or youth and that most fully express his or her emotions. A person’s heart music may be rural, urban, or include several different music systems.

Our encouragement of heart music will include:

• Showing appreciation for the various forms of heart music found in our region.
• Participating in singing/playing local heart music whenever appropriate
• Studying local heart musics
• Suggesting alternatives to hymn translation
• Encouraging culturally appropriate music styles in the life of the local church. Biblical criteria will be suggested to local believers who can then discuss and select appropriate styles.

Download an Adobe Acrobat PDF titled "What is Your Heart Music - Questionaire" here!