“When we use music to praise God, it can strengthen our faith, it can give hope to us and to other people as well.”
This was the statement of Bro. Eli Soriano, the Members Church of God International (MCGI) Overall Servant, during the A Song of Praise Music Festival Grand Finals held on October 13, 2015.
Bro. Eli, the multi-awarded host of radio, television and web program, Ang Dating Daan (The Old Path), shared before the audience at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum the origin of praise songs.
“When God is creating the world, angels such as seraphs and cherubs sang … [which means] the art of singing is older than the universe itself,” Bro. Eli revealed in the Bible. The singing, according to him, was the product of the aesthetic pleasure felt by the angels — who witnessed the beauty of the planet.
Bro. Eli Soriano shares scientific and biblical insights about the origin of music (Photo: Photoville International).
Astronomers today attest to this biblical truth, declaring that “the earth is the most beautiful planet in the solar system and some galaxies.”
Bro. Eli then explained the powerful benefits of music to humans, which he said “relieves some feeling of anxiety.” He cited a biblical example how King Saul’s troubled soul was refreshed whenever David would play the harp. In 1 Samuel 16:23, we can read about King Saul, the first king of Israel who was troubled because of the sins that he had committed against God.
The phenomenal televangelist also added that music has a therapeutic effect even to plants and animals. Giving emphasis to the most powerful thing it can do to us humans, Bro. Eli then concluded, “If music can do something to humans, causing to arouse feelings, sexual feelings, sensual feelings, and even aesthetic feelings, more so when it comes to spirituality.”
A music-lover himself, the international evangelist recounted moments when he is in tears whenever a song — especially a praise song — is being played. To this, he stressed that “a song is an expression of the deeper feelings of the heart.”
In this edition of ASOP Music Festival, Christian Malinias’ “Kung Pag-Ibig Mo’y Ulan” bested all monthly finalists. His prize-winning song came with a cash prize of P500,000 and a trophy.
Bro. Eli expressed gratitude to the composers, especially to the judges for their continuous support to ASOP. He then encouraged all the participating composers to write more songs for the glory of God.
The winning moment: ASOP 2015’s Song of The Year composer, Christian Malinias and interpreter, Leah Patricio (Photo: Photoville International).
ASOP Music Festival is now four years old on UNTV Channel 37. Before its foray on television, this unique songwriting competition has been a bi-annual Church songwriting activity at MCGI.
(Written by Julie Anne Sabando)
