Greek Music Theory vs. the Bible

The great philosophers of Ancient Greece have been studied in depth and are known throughout society. Famous Greek philosophers and writers, such as Plato and Pythagoras, formulated theories on musical philosophy — it’s purpose, use, dangers, power, and importance in society. Greek philosophy of music heavily influenced early European society’s view and development of music, it only partially supports Biblical views and principles of music and worship. Pythagoras introduces the theory that music is more than just entertainment with his notion of Music of the Spheres but fails to align with the biblical view of stars and planets as mere creation. Plato, drawing on Pythagoras’ ideas, explains that music has the power to influence people and thus should only have good music. Even though the Bible agrees with this notion, it does not specify as to what degree music influences people and what ultimately defines “good” music. Lastly, Augustine provides his argument that music provides a means in numerical beauty that brings us closer to God, or even god-like. The Bible supports using music as a means to worship and praise God, bringing closeness in the relationship, but not in the sense of making one more perfect and like God. Ultimately there proves to be some conflict in the roles and importance of music in society between these theories and the Bible. Even so, these theories helped develop and increase the popularity of music in early European society and in the early church