Dr. Eurydice V. Osterman
// Author, Lecturer & ProfessorDR. EURYDICE V. OSTERMAN is an author, lecturer, and Professor of Music at Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama. Her book “What God Says About Music” (1998) is available from Awsahm Music. Dr. Eurydice V. Osterman also authored a chapter called “Rock Music And Culture” in Dr. Samuele Bacchiocchi’s book “The Christian & Rock Music: A Study On Biblical Principles Of Music” (2000) available from Biblical Perspectives. Dr. Osterman has published several articles in Notes, a publication of the International Adventist Musicians Association, including “Christian Music: Secular Or Sacred” (1993), and “Praise Him With Timbrel And Dance?” (1995).
Website: www.awsahmmusic.com
Photo: Eurydice V. Osterman
Interview:
The spiritual significance of music is rooted in the great controversy between Jesus Christ and Satan. As time draws to an end, the divide becomes more evident because the character and message of music reflect the attributes of its creator. For example, that which is of God will be spiritual and will bear the fruits of His Spirit: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” [Galatians 5:22-23, KJV]. It will also “refine the taste, sanctify the judgment, elevate, purify, and ennoble the soul” (White: TKH, 250), and will promote spiritual growth, a prerequisite for Heaven. Conversely, that which is not spiritual will have the opposite effect, and will reflect the attributes of the character of Satan. The degradation of his music is a direct reflection of the state of the world that 2 Timothy 3:1-5 predicted would exist in the last days: “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” [2 Timothy 3:2-5, KJV] Thus, the admonition: “whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” [Philippians 4:8, KJV]. This is the essence of the significance of spiritual music; a character that will be suitable for Heaven. There is no middle ground.
“That which is spiritual will “refine the taste, sanctify the judgment, elevate, purify, and ennoble the soul.”
– Dr. Eurydice V. Osterman, author of “What God Says About Music”
