The Contemporary Christian Music Debate by Steve Miller


The Contemporary Christian Music Debate
Title : The Contemporary Christian Music Debate
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : -
Language : English
Format Type : Kindle Edition
Number of Pages : 276
Publication : First published January 1, 1993

"The Dutch translation of The Contemporary Christian Music Debate has been of tremendous help to many church leaders in Holland who struggle with issues of modern styles and worship. The combination of solid research with a gentle manner has a way of opening otherwise closed minds." -- Arjan van den Bijgaart, Manager Ecovata PublishersAs a professor, I am constantly concerned with equipping my students with a scriptural perspective of cutting edge issues in today's youth culture. When it comes to music, I have yet to find a more balanced and thorough work on the subject. -- Dr. Bill Jones, president, Columbia International UniversityWhat’s the best worship style for my ministry? Traditional hymns? Country? Rock? Rap? Discover insights from the bible, missions, psychology, and the entertaining history of our hymns. Go beyond emotional appeals to 'the way we’ve always done it' and 'what the praise team likes.' Josh 'A well-documented, biblically based, and culturally relevant insight into the debate on contemporary Christian music. For every mom, dad, and pastor, this book is a must.' College president Robertson '…addresses a church-splitting and generation-splitting issue with thorough scholarship and irenic spirit. He persuades with a gentle approach that respects opposing viewpoints, and he charts practical ways for local churches to incorporate newer forms of music while maintaining harmony in a music ministry for all.' Contents1. The Christian Music ControversyPART CONTEMPORARY MUSIC UNDER FIRE2. Charges of Health Threats3. Charges of Moral Corruption4. Charges of Worldliness5. Charges of Poor Aesthetic Quality and a Cautioning Inner Witness6. Charges of Bad Associations, Questionable Motives, and Dangerous LeaningsPART A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE7. The Bible on Music8. Biblical Principles for Musicians and SponsorsPART A REVEALING JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY9. From Early Chants to Reformation Songs10. From Psalm Singing to Hymnody11. What We Can Learn from HistoryPART HARNESSING THE POWER OF CONTEMPORARY MUSIC12. The Need for an Alternative13. Communicating Musical Convictions to Your Children14. A Christian Alternative15. Taking it to the Church16. Taking it to the HOW FOUR GROWING CHURCHES USE CONTEMPORARY MUSICEND NOTES

The Contemporary Christian Music Debate Reviews

  • Jarmo Larsen

    Since there has been a debate in the Norwegian Christian newspaper "Dagen" regarding music, I thought it would be pertinent to delve into a book that addresses some of this discussion. This conversation has existed for some time since the founding of the church. Should we stick to traditional hymns, or can God use any form of music? Steve Miller advocates for the latter and defends his perspective in a robust historical, scientific, and, most importantly, biblical manner. This is an excellent book for anyone grappling with this question, which should be clear seen through a biblical lens, but traditions often interfere, hindering what God could've achieved if we understood, as Paul did, when he expressed his desire to be a Jew for the Jews and a Greek for the Greeks. Although I read a couple older books on this topic a few decades ago, I found it refreshing to engage with a more recent, although old work that also tackles this subject.

    The book certainly offers a nuanced perspective, and the author emphasizes that we should be discerning and not blindly accept all music labeled as Christian. It's wise to examine the motivations behind an artist's pursuit of music, even though that can sometimes be challenging to discern. However, Miller highlights how many Christian artists are passionate about spreading the gospel, and in these instances, music serves as a wonderful tool to reach young people.

  • Rick

    Well reasoned critique. .. [remember when this was a hot issue?]