The popular song “Holy Spirit” (2011) urges the worshipers to invite the Holy Spirit to come and fill the atmosphere. The lyrics might be interpreted to be a sung prayer of epiclesis as we call upon the Holy Spirit for a special work in worship. Yet not only the language is ambiguous as it seeks to fill the atmosphere but also the preceding lyrics “Holy Spirit, You are welcome here” are theologically problematic. Worship is initiated by God, who invites worshipers to the place, rather than being invited by worshipers. Such lyrics can instill in worshipers a mistaken theological notion that they possess the ability to manipulate God through their singing.
Scholars have highlighted the formative impact of the songs sung in worship on the faith, spirituality, and identity of worshipers (e.g., Witvliet (2003), Lemley (2021)). Debra and Ron Rienstra (2009) emphasize the instructive dimension of language, advocating for lyrics that convey sound theology. While worship songs often employ figurative language due to their poetic nature, a crucial question emerges: to what extent can we compromise lyrical content in pursuit of poetic expression?
To ascertain the theological implications of such songs, this paper will first theologically analyze the lyrics of the popular worship songs “Jesus, We Enthrone You” by Don Moen, “Holy Spirit” by Jesus Culture and “Turn it up” by Planetshakers, based on God’s attributes and human’s role in worship found in the Scripture. The paper will draw on James K.A. Smith’s idea regarding liturgical formation, emphasizing that Christian identity is shaped by imagination informed by aesthetic elements such as stories, images and metaphors. The imagination is shaped by worship, which is an embodied practice. By engaging with James K.A. Smith’s work, the paper will illustrate in what ways songs promoting questionable theology influence the spiritual formation of worshipers. Through these works, this paper will argue that worship songs should be clear and direct in meaning to positively form a Christian identity.