The Contemporary Christian Music Debate: Worldly Compromise or Agent of Renewal? by Steve Miller


The Contemporary Christian Music Debate: Worldly Compromise or Agent of Renewal?
Title : The Contemporary Christian Music Debate: Worldly Compromise or Agent of Renewal?
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 0842312307
ISBN-10 : 9780842312301
Format Type : Paperback
Number of Pages : 261
Publication : First published January 1, 1993

What'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 McDowell: '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 McQuilkin: '...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.'

The Contemporary Christian Music Debate: Worldly Compromise or Agent of Renewal? 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?]