Jon Gary Williams
Articles / Resources
0232
Will J. Cullum vs Elder Burrus (Christian Church)
December 4, 1913
Decatur, Alabama
(By W. T. Boaz)
Held at Decatur, Alabama, November 4-5 in Christian Church building where Burrus was Pastor.
Burrus affirmed: the use of instrumental music in the worship in the Church of Christ is acceptable, according to New Testament scriptures.
Both men beginning debaters but men of ability. Bro. Cullum met arguments with ease. Burrus had an "ill-at-ease feeling." Burrus argued that man was an inventive genius; that musical instruments were invented by man; and in this connection he used the Parable of the "talents" for the purpose of showing that while man had invented instrumental music, if he did not use this power to the glory of God in his worship, he was burying his talents. Bro. Cullum showed that the man who buried his talent was to be cast into outer darkness that, according to the position of Burrus those who did not use instrumental music in the worship were unprofitable servants and would be lost. This was more than Burrus was expecting.
Bro. Cullum quoted Revelation 22:17 pressing the point that we should not add to God's revelation. Burrus said Revelation contained instrumental music and that Cullum did not accept the same in the worship, and that he was guilty of taking form the words of the book of that prophecy. Bro. Cullum showed that if that be true, those who failed to use instrumental music in the worship would have their part out of the book of life, hence lost, which Burrus had claimed all the time was untrue.
Burrus made usual arguments: music in tabernacle, synagogue, and heaven - read from Psalms. Jesus heard music in synagogues. Cullum: music not commanded, not of faith, caused divisions. Bro. Cullum: a man of clear and quick thought. Handled opponent.
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