David Thoreau was a leader in a movement called New England Transcendentalism, which advocated a rebellion against the established order of society. He had no profession, he never married, he lived alone, he never went to church, he never voted, he refused to pay taxes, he ate no flesh, he drank no wine, he never used tobacco, and, even though he was a student of nature, he never used an animal trap or a gun, In 1845 he sought solitude on Walden Pond, located about two miles from Concord, Mass., and during a period of two years he composed hundreds of pages of his journal and the first draft of 'Walden; or Life in the Woods' (1854). Today he is idolized by free-thinkers and avant-garde philosophers who espouse freedom from the restraints of society. Perhaps his most well known quotation is, "If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away" (Walden XVIII-Conclusion).
This quote has often been used to excuse the aberrant behavior of individuals whose life style is somewhat askew of societal norms. In fact, it has even been used to excuse criminal behavior, although I am sure that Thoreau never intended it so. The question is, can this attitude be legitimately applied in the area of religion? Can church policy and doctrine be subject to an individual listening to a different drum beat? Is Bible truth negotiable to individual interpretation? Will God's people be listening to different drummers in the area of fundamental church doctrine? We are told that new truth will continue to be unfolded, but that this new truth will not contradict what has gone before. Who determines the validity of this new truth, and what is to prevent over-zealous reformers from fragmenting the church body?
One of the most controversial aspects of this reform movement is that of worship music. The modern genre of rock music has invaded the church under the aegis of 'Christian rock', which to some is an oxymoron and to others a source of inspiration. Can we judge the music without judging the performers or those who enjoy it? Can the choice of church music be a matter of individual taste? Is this an area where different drummers are allowed?
No doubt Satan will attempt to introduce confusion and distraction into our churches. We must beware of listening to every wind of doctrine, every cunningly devised fable, every different drummer. We have been told that God's people will march toward the kingdom in step with the drumbeat of the heavenly orchestra. The question is, what drumbeat do you hear? Who's your drummer?
