Product Description
Christian Songs, Billboard magazines weekly contemporary Christian chart, debuted in 2003. This easy piano collection, arranged by prolific Christian music arranger Carol Tornquist for the intermediate level pianist, features the best hits from that chart. Lyrics, helpful fingering, and chord symbols are included. Titles: Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) (Chris Tomlin)
* Blessed Be Your Name (Matt Redman)
* Cry Out to Jesus (Third Day)
* East to West (Casting Crowns)
* Free to Be Me (Francesca Battistelli)
* Give Me Your Eyes (Brandon Heath)
* He Reigns (Newsboys)
* Holy Is the Lord (Chris Tomlin)
* How Great Is Our God (Chris Tomlin)
* I Am (Mark Schultz)
* Im Not Who I Was (Brandon Heath)
* Jesus Messiah (Chris Tomlin)
* More (Matthew West)
* The Motions (Matthew West)
* My Savior, My God (Aaron Shust)
* Strong Tower (Kutless)
* There Will Be a Day (Jeremy Camp)
* Undo (Rush of Fools)
* Who Am I (Casting Crowns)
* Word of God Speak (MercyMe)
* You Are My King. (Newsboys). ... Read more

Product Description
The most complete set of reference and printed material available on Christian worship.These books provide a detailed view of Christian worship and the importance it has played in the development of the Church. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

completes my set
I was able to buy all the other volumes of The Complete Library of Christian Worship for about $3 each, but not volume 4, it was simply not available. So I hunted my online used book sources to find books 1 and 2 of volume 4. It is frustrating that I had to pay more for the 2 used volumes than I did for the rest of the set combined and new, but that's the way it goes in the book world sometimes. The books are in nice condition as advertised, and came well packaged and in good time, I was pleased. The complete set is worth the effort to get, too, it has great information and illustrations, and is very complete coverage of the subject. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Source reading in liturgical music
This work stands as a source reading in christian music. The text is quite academic-like, but without being boring. The method adopted by the author is, for each topic, to cite the sources from the antiquity, criticize them, then comment them.

[Português]
Trata-se de uma obra fundamental para quem desejar aprofundar seus estudos em música litúrgica. A premissa principal do autor é a de que não ser pode compreender as opções musicais adotadas pela Igreja na antiguidade cristã sem levar em conta o pano de fundo musical pagão.

O texto tém caráter acadêmico, porém sem ser cansativo. O método adotado pelo autor é clássico e eficiente: separa a obra por assuntos e, para cada um deles, cita um conjunto de fontes históricas da antiguidade, critica sua historicidade e coerência e, por fim, comenta-a.

Quasten Speaks To Modern Worship Rituals
Johannes Quasten may be the only known scholar who understands the factsand symbols of instrumental music in paganism and later Christianity. Quasten reviews many of the church Father's opposition to music as worship. He discusses the cultic purpose of sacrificial music and the struggle ofChristianity in resisting the strong appeal of music in inducing a certain"feeling" confused as "spiritual."Music was apowerful tool in magical rituals such as divination.Quasten alsodiscusses many of the paintings and statues.For instance, in explainingthe harps in the book of Revelation he notes that "heaven" wasthe place of total joy and the lack of human responsibility.Therefore,images on tombs of the living offering instruments to the dead is theirtestimony that earthly trials are over.As David calls upon his harp orlyre to "awaken" Quasten speaks eloquently of the awakening orarousal ceremonies in connection with funerals.Others have noted thatAmos, the prophet against Israel, condemned the Marzeach which was a feastwith and for dead ancestors.I have owned this book for many years andfind it an indispensible cross reference for personal reasearch fromdocuments ranging from the Ancient Near Eastern Texts to the latestunwitting attempt to restore ancient pagan rituals in Christianity.

Quasten Speaks To Modern Worship Rituals
Johannes Quasten may be the only known scholar who understands the factsand symbols of instrumental music in paganism and later Christianity. Quasten reviews many of the church Father's opposition to music as worship. He discusses the cultic purpose of sacrificial music and the struggle ofChristianity in resisting the strong appeal of music in inducing a certain"feeling" confused as "spiritual."Music was apowerful tool in magical rituals such as divination.Quasten alsodiscusses many of the paintings and statues.For instance, in explainingthe harps in the book of Revelation he notes that "heaven" wasthe place of total joy and the lack of human responsibility.Therefore,images on tombs of the living offering instruments to the dead is theirtestimony that earthly trials are over.As David calls upon his harp orlyre to "awaken" Quasten speaks eloquently of the awakening orarousal ceremonies in connection with funerals.Others have noted thatAmos, the prophet against Israel, condemned the Marzeach which was a feastwith and for dead ancestors.I have owned this book for many years andfind it an indispensible cross reference for personal reasearch fromdocuments ranging from the Ancient Near Eastern Texts to the latestunwitting attempt to restore ancient pagan rituals in Christianity. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Great theological analysis of worship
Dr. Jones is a very well educated man who presents many strong, Biblically supported arguments that are great for anyone needing a theology for worship. But when it gets to issues such as contemporary music, he seems to be very biased and tries to use faulty logic to present his point. He says that since guitar was made for small settings (wrong) that it should be used for such. Lets see Segovia only play for a handful of people shall we? and he(Segovia) NEVER used amplification. He also says that since electronic keyboards use prerecorded notes and music in it, that it is INAUTHENTIC WORSHIP when used in church. Since when? and he then after that says that his church uses a digital organ...I have to say, it is expensive and my friend who goes to Tenth says that they have saved for a "real" organ, but something has always come up. He fails to use proper scriptural sources while trying to make his argument against contemporary worship and just writes his opinions with weak logic. The Bible demands we "sing a new song" and how can we do this if we use the same hymns that have always been used. Are they new songs? and if so, then are we supposed to force Indians, Africans, and others to use hymns? If we want to be truly authentic, then let's sing eastern psalms sung the way Jesus would have in his time. Or with the STRINGED INSTRUMENTS that King David's BAND used. I understand his frustration. Most contemporary worship is un-scripturally based with "feel-goody" messages behind them. But I would plea for him to read Steve Fee's Glory to God Forever, Beeching's Yesterday, Today, and Forever, and many more very Biblical songs that are used. A recommendation would be Bob Fauflin's Worship Matters book for a good view on contemporary worship. The Blended model is one that incorporates old AND new songs on Sunday. Plus the elderly people can worship the way they have known and join with younger people as they worship in a different way and that I think is what Eternity will be like. Many different songs sung from many different time periods sung by many different peoples singing praise to the Lord. I deduced one star for the logical fallacy, and another for the what seemed like bashing of people that like contemporary music.

Proper Bible-based Music in the Church
In "Singing And Making Music: Issues in Church Music Today" Paul S. Jones (Tenth Presbyterian Church Music Director) offers an outstanding compilation of essays concerning worship and music in the church. Since Jones ministers at a stout Christ-centered congregation he fills this volume with scripture-based concepts and applications.

Psalm 104:33-35 I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. 34 My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD. 35 Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the LORD, O my soul. Praise ye the LORD.

Herein Jones addresses a wide range of topics related to church music including:

- The true meaning of Congregation Worship
- Hymnody and Psalmody
- Instruments in worship
- Singing and songs in scripture
- Theologically faithful composition.

Paul Jones conveys fine exposition of many essential biblical passages that will help song leaders, worship leaders, and music directors in faithfully fulfilling their duty; this volume will assist the church in focusing on proper and God-glorifying worship to the true and living God.

The author makes a fine case for the contemporary church utilization of potent classic hymns forasmuch as congregations are called to worship God in "Spirit and in truth."

Psalm 103:21-22 Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.22 Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.
One Way to God: Christian Philosophy and Presuppositional Apologetics Examine World Religions

Diamond In the Rough
Looking at church music through the lens of Scripture--what a concept!Dr. Jones stresses what is NEEDED in church music today, not what is wanted and craved based on our entertainment-driven society.Biblical truth is so severely needed in our congregational songs.(By the way, does your congregation know the doctrines behind the songs they sing?)Although the analytical sections on Schutz, Mendelssohn, and Stravinsky get a little "thick", every pastor, church music leader/musician, and church member should give this book a read.

Interesting resource, though sometimes lacking in accuracy
Mr. Jones' book is, in his own words, a collection of short essays, organized into 4 categories: Corporate Worship, Hymnody and Psalmody, Issues and lastly Composers and Composition. "Theologically astute, musically adept, constructively provocative" is written on the cover page.

(1) Theologically astute
I agree with this statement: I like the parts where he examines Scripture to find out how music in church should really be. He is at his best in chapters like "A biblical case for instruments in worship" or "Song in the bible" and others. He gives a thorough examination of the relevant Bible passages which makes those chapters a worthwhile read.

(2) Musically adept
I do not doubt that Mr. Jones has ample training and experience in church music. However, he misses the opportunity to provide examples of best practice in his book when he recommends and displays some recent hymns, set as sheet music with complete voicings. On a cursory examination of just his first example (p.16) I noticed several instances of weak style, which my teacher in voice leading and counterpoint would have pointed out as flaws.

(3) Constructively provocative
Since the second half of the last century it has been the church musicians, rather than the clergy, who have opposed the introduction of modern (maybe "secular") music in church services. Mr. Jones is no exception. He sets the tone right from the preface, where he introduces in a quote the distinction between "higher levels" and "lower levels" of art, the latter being "closely linked to a man's emotions".

The attribute "provocative" applies especially to his chapter "Luther and bar song - the truth please!" which offers only the small part of the truth that supports his argument. For example, he isolates a quote from Albert Schweitzer to prove his point (bar song is not suitable for worship), whereas in the original context the whole chapter ("The origins of hymn melodies") argues in the opposite direction, i. e. that most hymn melodies have immigrated from some context outside the church, giving several examples of German hymns derived from secular love songs, a soldier's song and a table song.

Mr. Jones argues in favour of preserving the ancient hymns in modern day worship. He acknowledges that these require more thought and are generally more difficult to apprehend than modern choruses, but recommends that the church should provide musical education to all of its members to overcome this obstacle and to develop a taste for the "higher levels of art".

He seems to be very interested in German protestantism (especially Lutherans) as an example. Being a German Lutheran, I have no reason to object, but there are some minor misconceptions in his text. For example, we do not call our hymnals "prayer book". A common hymnal for the complete German protestant church was first created after WWII, and as far as I know this book and its origins / predecessors have always been called "song book" (Gesangbuch), although it does contain some prayers in the appendix.

I agree with Mr. Jones that more work should be done on the theology of music. In German protestantism, we have one major book on the subject (Oskar Soehngen, Theologie der Musik, 1967) which is largely unknown.

I recommend his book especially for those parts concerned with biblical findings on music. His judgement of musical styles and the "lower levels of art" is too general in my opinion. I would recommend "Praying Twice" by Brian A. Wren (Praying Twice: The Music and Words of Congregational Song) for a more comprehensive and balanced view of worship styles.

One last note: Mr. Jones strongly recommends that every church musician should obtain a copy of John Julian's dictionary of hymnology (Dictionary of Hymnology: Origin and History of Christian Hymns and Hymnwriters of All Age and Nations (2 Volume Set)) which is out of print and also out of date. When I at last managed to obtain a copy through a state library, I found that the hymn I wanted to look up was too new (1920) to be in there; the dictionary was compiled 1898. Anyone interested in compiling a newer dictionary...?

Constructively Provocative
Paul Jones, organist and Music Director at Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia is, by all accounts, a very talented individual. He was privileged to serve alongside James Boice (who once said "Paul is everything I ever prayed for in a music director") and now works closely with Philip Ryken in serving one of America's foremost Presbyterian churches. Singing and Making Music, subtitled "Issues in Church Music Today" is Jones' attempt to distill and share some of his years of accumulated wisdom and knowledge.

Singing and Making Music is not a traditional book, emphasizing an argument that moves logically from introduction to conclusion, but is a collection of essays dealing with the common theme of worshipping God through music. To some extent this leaves the book feeling a little bit disjointed and without a consistent flow. At the same time, this format allows the author to cover a wide range of topics without having to bridge one to another. I feel that this is a suitable format for such a book book. Jones covers a great deal of ground through the book's thirty-three chapters which are grouped under four headings: Corporate Worship, Hymnody and Psalmody, Issues and Composers and Composition. Here is a selection of chapter titles:

* Sermon in Song: Sacred Music as Proclamation
* Sacred Music as Prayer
* Authenticity in Corporate Worship Music
* Trinitarian Hymnody
* What Psalm Ascriptions Tell Us
* Writing Hymns
* Choir for Hire: Should Church Musicians Be Paid?
* Luther and Bar Song: The Truth, Please!
* Musical Ignorance versus Music Arrogance
* J.S. Bach and Musical Hermeneutics
* The Anatomy of a Hymn Tune
* Criteria for Good Church Music

While any Christian could benefit from reading this book, the target audience is clearly intended to be other music directors or worship leaders. With my limited knowledge of musical theory, I was occasionally unable to follow or understand the author's arguments. This was particularly true of the chapters which discussed topics which are far more theoretical than practical to me, such as "The Anatomy of a Hymn Tune," a chapter in which we read the following: "Such intervallic relationships between voices other than the melodic one (i.e., the altor, tenor, and bass) have to do with harmonic choices. The harmony throughout the hymn tune is functional, yet colorful, with numerous intentional dissonances." For all I know, he may have just insulted my country or provided a recipe for chocolate brownies (though I suspect not).

Thankfully, the majority of the book is perfectly accessible to a person like myself who loves music, but knows very little about it. Jones is always gracious but always biblical when dealing with some of the more contentious issues facing churches struggling with the subjects of worship and music. He argues that Christians ought to avoid the world's musical trends and to develop music that is distinct. The book's main points can be summarized under the three following headings. First, worship practices must be measured by the Word of God. "Scriptural principles should inform all our thinking, traditions, and practices in worship." Second, we need to comprehend the pastoral nature of music ministry. "Music is not in competition with pastoral work. It is pastoral work in the sense that it can provide many of the same kinds of spiritual care and leadership that pastoral ministry provides." Third, we should ensure that budgets and practices are informed by these truths. "Music in worship cannot be truly conformed to biblical standards and examples of excellence unless it is actively supported by the church leadership in word and deed and is adequately funded." You can see a logical progression from theory to practice. A church should move from asking "Why do we do what we do in the way that we do it? How should we be doing it according to Scripture? What will it take to make it so?"

While Jones serves in a large church and surely enjoys a large budget, he is sensitive to those who serve in smaller churches and may have only a limited number of resources, both financial and human, to dedicate to music. He provides suggestions on the first instruments a church should purchase and the type of music director a church should eventually seek. He suggests when a church should seek to hire a music director and what type of responsibilities he should enjoy. There is even a chapter providing instruction on purchasing an organ.

Always practical and biblical, Singing and Making Music was an enjoyable read and one that is suitable for both the laity and those in leadership. Ligon Duncan, in his endorsement for this book, described it with the phrase "constructively provocative." I believe that is an apt description. This book is deeply biblical, uplifting and constructively provocative. It is well worth reading. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Nice Potpourri of Musical Scholarship
I found Makujina's book to be a nice potpourri of musical scholarship. He explains how the various artistic styles found in music and the arts are each connected to a cultural philosophy. He alerts the audience that he has read and will review the arguments made in all the major books written on CCM, books from both camps of the CCM argument. He catalogues the arguments for and against the CCM movement using these previously written books and then plunges into a nice high-level view of some of the most convincing arguments used from both camps, while comparing them to Scripture and scholarship. The book concisely and accurately measures the CCM industry for what it is -- a money-making industry owned mainly by secular companies using a music medium that was developed by pagan tribes for pagan practices. I thought Makujina presented the facts in a very scholarly manner, although I'm sure the blind will remain blindly loyal to their CCM music regardless of how factual his arguments.

Author in error
While John Makujina purports to have written a scholarly text, he is guilty of the same sins that he assigns to many CCM artists. He quotes Biblical passages to suit his own purposes, invoking the passage's cultural situation only when he can twist it to support his point.My favorite was his "proof" that in the natural (God-given) order of things, women have long hair while men have short hair.(Makujina does not, however, explain the origin of scissors and barbershops).The section in which he denounces all African dancing as "horizontal desire embodied in the vertical" and claims that African American influence has led to a desire for rhythmic, pelvic-thrusting, morally decrepit dance was also quite entertaining. (He assures us that this is not meant to be racist as many African American Christians are above that sort of behavior). While he makes some decent points about the excesses of some CCM artists, Makujina does not see the causal forest for the trees, focusing his energy on surface details rather than tackling the deeper issues that spurr on CCM.It is far easier to decry artists' spiky pink hair than it is to try to understand what creates cultural and theological differences.May some scholar from Makujina's end of the spectrum rise to the task.

CCM debate brought to new level of discourse
Makujina identifies Rock and avant garde music as musical movements with an agenda. The former comes from the emotional side and the latter the intellectual, but the agenda is the same: the promotion of intellectual and moral nihilism.Speaking as one with an academic background in classical music, I find Makujina's treatment of music history in general and avant garde in particular impressively broad and accurate, especially considering that his professional specialty is Old Testament Scholarship.I cannot verify the quality of his treatment of Rock music and Contemporary Christian Music, but if he is notably informed and meticulous in other aspects of music, he is probably comparable with Rock and CCM.Makujina brings skill in Scriptural exegesis and abundant rigorous argument into his writing, and surprises one with being highly conversant in diverse areas of thought.Some will not accept that the musical style of Rock is inseparable from its agenda.If it is inseparable, as Makujina argues, then what he discloses about that agenda casts doubt on its usefulness in musically articulating the Christian religion.In any case, the connection he draws between Rock and avante garde, as well as his quality of scholarship, is worth the reading. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (2)

Well done and enjoyable
This book gives the history and backstory behind some popular Christmas hymns and carols. There's some first class artwork here also that will add to your enjoyment. Last and last not least is the CD of music. So you get 3 products in one- a book about Christmas carols, some vintage illustrations and the CD. All are well done and this is a great value as well as a fine gift item.

BEST CHRISTMAS BOOK/MUSIC
I bought this book for my husband. It an excellent Christmas gift. The best Christmas music you will ever hear. It is an amazing book, with a most wonderful CD reflecting the true meaning of Christmas. The book give detailed information about the origins of the songs with the lyrics. This is something that I enjoy myself. If you want the real thing (Christmas Hymns) get that book. ... Read more

Product Description
A great collection of 50 favorites by top artists. Includes: Awesome God * El Shaddai * Father's Eyes * Friends * God Is in Control * The Great Divide * His Strength Is Perfect * How Beautiful * In the Name of the Lord * Jesus Freak * People Need the Lord * Place in This World * Serve the Lord * Thank You * Thy Word * more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Book does have melodies
I don't understand the previous reviewer's (Linda) comments. I did not buy this book but I looked at the sample pages. If all of the songs are like the example, they do include the melody and also a separate arrangement along with the lyrics. The arrangements are easier than I like, but I do like that there is a melody with chord symbols. I also prefer spiral bound books, which makes it easier for the book to lie flat.

A waste of Money
This book is a total waste of money for me.I tried to find a return address to send it back, but none is supplied.I guess they are keeping that a secret.It isn't entirely a "song" book or a recital playing book, but an accompaniment book that really doesn't have melodies as such, but is designed for use with other instruments. A real disappointment. ... Read more

Product Description
Today there is a CRISIS IN CHRISTIAN MUSIC.Secular, pagan, and even occult musical styles have crept into the church, all dressed up with new Christian lyrics. Old, traditional hymns, tried and true, have been thrown on the scrap heap of church history. Naively, pastors, music directors, and younger members of congregations have often unknowingly embraced musical styles that can have spiritually negative effects on their listeners.Dr. Jack Wheaton, composer and instrumentalist, masterfully covers the deterioration in music in today's church. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Some decent points, but a combative approach...
Dr Wheaton goes through great lengths to prop himself up in this book, but doesn't cite any sources in the text, making his over-generalizations ("All rock musicians", "Any city", etc) fall flat.
He mocks and berates people who do not do music according to his preferred style, and this negative air left a very bad taste in my mouth. If he were truly trying to contribute to intelligent discourse on the subject, he would have taken a different approach. This book is aimed at people who already feel the way the author feels and want to point to a book by an "expert" to back up their position.
It is an interesting read if you can keep your cool. Buy it used.

Excellent Expose on CCM
Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) has invaded the evangelical churches of the past 10-20 years.Dr. Wheaton makes a case that some of CCM is not altogether bad, it just wasn't necesarily meant to be part of a worship service.

I am not a trained musician like Dr. Wheaton so I appreciated his teaching on basic music theory and how lyrics and melody are supposed to complement one another.The book is certainly not hard-to-read and is practical since what is described is exactly what is going on in churches in America.

Dr. Wheaton makes a case that the young people are gaining increasing influence in churches and crowding out the traditonal hymns so rich in scriptural truth and flowing melodies.I see this happening at my home church that anytime an old-style hymn is played, you can see the youth of the church grimace.

What is most disturbing from this CCM trend is that the young people of our church are so biblically illiterate. Clearly music is the medium and solid bible exposition is boring and out-of-date.

CCM plays directly into the methodology of the "seeker-sensitive" movement of Rick Warren and Bill Hybels because contemporary evangelical church services are deliberately superficial.The church is trying to market an offensive product (the cross of Christ) to a person who is purposely not told the whole story. The story they get is that church is fun, you won't have to hear you are a sinner, you will be entertained with music that sounds like the rest of the world, we won't throw a cross in your sightlines, and you will know that God is love and wants to answer your every selfish prayer.

God help us from these charlatans who are slick salesmen who are selling the unchurched by leaving out the other side of the Christian decision.God is holy.You are expected to be obedient to His word.There is a hell.And this world is not necessarily about our felt-needs, but His will for our lives.

Dr. Wheaton gives some practical exhortation that churches need to get back to lyrics and melodies that edify the body and facilitate a dignified worship of our Lord and Creator. Oh, if every church youth or music director had the courage to just read this book.We can only pray. ... Read more

Product Description
What place does meditation have in Christian devotion? Is the same thing as the ? ... Read more

Product Description
Nine fresh and exciting arrangements by Ruth Coleman and Kristin Coleman Campbell for the intermediate string player. With this book you will receive the piano accompaniment plus solo parts for violin, viola, and cello! In addition to the title song, the collection includes "What Wondrous Love Is This?" "A Child of the King," "Blessed Be the Name," "Holy, Holy, Holy," "Is Your All on the Altar?" "My Faith Has Found a Resting Place," "Still, Still, Still," and "Come, Thou Fount." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Why Should The Devil Have All The Good Music?
If you want to find out more about the Jesus Movement and its music this is the book to read!Great history of the early days of Contemporary Christian Music!William Booth of The Salvation Army once asked "why?"Larry Norman, Love Song and JC Power Outlet to name a few are covered in this book letting you know about this amazing movement in Christianity! ... Read more

Product Description
46 classic and contemporary carols celebrating the season as recorded by artists such as Avalon, Ray Boltz, Michael Card, Steven Curtis Chapman, Steve Green, Phillips, Craig and Dean, Point of Grace, Rebecca St. James, and more. Songs include: All Is Well * All My Heart Rejoices * Angels We Have Heard on High * Bethlehem Morning * Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song) * Celebrate the Child * Child of Bethlehem * The Christmas Shoes * Don't Save It All for Christmas Day * Gloria * It's the Thought * Love Has Come * No Eye Had Seen * Not That Far from Bethlehem * One Small Child * A Strange Way to Save the World * This Baby * This Gift * When Her Eyes Are on the Child * When Love Came Down * and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great contemporary collection
This is a great book of the more contemporary Christian songs that have become classics.I have no complaints about the contents of the book, only that such a thick collection should be spiral bound. It almost requires a third hand at the piano to keep the book open. ... Read more

Product Description
This collection assembles 20 chart-topping hits into one awesome book! Includes: Alive Again * Born Again * City on Our Knees * Hold My Heart * Hope Now * Lead Me to the Cross * More Beautiful You * Revelation Song * Until the Whole World Hears * and more. ... Read more

Product Description

"Christian musicians know of the obligation to make music as agents of God's grace. They make music graciously, whatever its kind or style, as ambassadors of Christ, showing love, humility, servanthood, meekness, victory, and good example . . . Music is freely made, by faith, as an act of worship, in direct response to the overflowing grace of God in Christ Jesus."

Co-sponsored by the Christian College Coalition, this thought-provoking study of music-as-worship leads both students and experienced musicians to a better understanding of the connections between music making and Christian faith.

"Christian music makers have to risk new ways of praising God. Their faith must convince them that however strange a new offering may be, it cannot out-reach, out-imagine, or overwhelm God. God remains God, ready to swoop down in the most wonderful way, amidst all of the flurry and mystery of newness and repetition, to touch souls and hearts, all because faith has been exercised and Christ's ways have been imitated. Meanwhile, a thousand tongues will never be enough."

Best relates musical practice to a larger theology of creation and creativity, and explores new concepts of musical quality and excellence, musical unity, and the incorporation of music from other cultures into today's music.

Customer Reviews (5)

I did get the right book, but.....
What we received in the mail was not the same cover as what I saw on the website.The book photograph copyright date is from 1992.I realize that I just got myself an old and used book for the price I would pay for a newer used book.I'm sure that there is a more current book (which I thought I was ordering).I only got the older edition plus the pages are yellowish.I would have gotten the new edition if I were given a choice.

Excellent Book
This is a great book, and it arrived in great condition.Lots of good information.It's one of the best books I've read in a long time.Thanks for a wonderful product!

Very deep
This book is deep and philosophical, definitely not light reading.But, I think the chapters on worship are good.

be prepared to think
A thorough philosophy of the art of music from a Christian perspective.

A MUST HAVE FOR THE CHURCH...
This book is an exciting and prophetic look at the music of the Church. Whether or not you are directly affiliated with a church music program, you need to read this book!! Harold Best masterfully deals with topics relevant to the Contemporary Church around the world from a biblical, historical, and academic position.

This book is not to equate music with worship, for this is a big mistake that the author intentionally avoids.However, in order to move forward in our thinking and theology of formal community worship, we need to remove music from the discussion and examine it thoroughly on its own.It is at this point that we can begin to see how our worship fits together.Best's book masterfully does this on many levels. ... Read more

Product Description
Music in Christian Worship explores Charlotte Kroeker’s conception of church music as sung prayer. Kroeker’s lifelong experience with church music has allowed her to see that church music as sung prayer requires faithful theology, quality music, and accessibility for parishioners. Church music is interdisciplinary, requiring astute theologians, knowledgeable and competent musicians, and pastoral sensitivities for working with congregations.In addition to addressing the overarching issues in sacred music and the church, Music in Christian Worship demonstrates that music as sung prayer requires much more than music alone and approaches church music from a unique perspective, stressing the theological, musical, and pastoral aspects of sacred music. Kroeker’s work contains essays by various philosophers, theologians, musicians, and historians who have contributed much to the creation of dynamic music for worship. The result is a work that truly demonstrates how music can effectively serve the liturgy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Very Confusing little book, author seems overly impressed with herself...
Very Confusing little book, author seems overly impressed with herself.I think a confused mind wrote this book and lots of people, who do not understand church liturgy, will simply buy it and think it's a good book. People who know church liturgy are not the ones who will buy this book.I do not recommend it at all and returned my copy to Amazon.

Music in Christian Worship
As always I appreciate getting what I order in a timely manner.
thank you. It is a wonderful book to add to my library ... Read more

Product Description
Writing and Performing Christian Music: God's Plan & Purpose for the Church, is for songwriters, worship leaders, musicians, composers, church leadership, radio station programmers, and record company executives. Foreword by TV composer Robert Kral (Angel, Miracles and Superman Doomsday). Introduction by Dr. William L. Hooper, former Dean, School of Church Music, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Covers: What is Christian Music; God's Organizational Model for the Church; The First Formal Purposing of Song; The Prophetic Song; How God Uses Music to Edify; 22 Types of Biblical Songs by Content; Thanks, and the Three Types of Praise Songs; Eight More Types of Biblical Songs; Biblical Techniques of Lyric Writing; Standards and Performance Practices; Music Leadership and the Large Church; Basic Performance Considerations; Wisdom's Role; Picking Music for the Western Church Service.Peter Lawrence Alexander writes the Music Technology & You column for Film Music Weekly. Many of his music books have been endorsed by winners of the Academy®, Grammy® and Emmy® Awards.A Christian, Mr. Alexander's books include: The Street SmartT Guide to MIDI and Home Recording, Applied Professional Harmony, Professional Orchestration, How Ravel Orchestrated: Mother Goose Suite, Counterpoint by Fux, Writing for Strings, The Prayer That Gets Results, and The Business Parables. His historical fiction works include: The Good Samaritan, and The Unfaithful Wife: The Story of Hosea and Gomer. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Alexander's Perspective will Stimulate Fresh Creativity
Songwriters and artists thrive on creativity, and an essential component of creativity is being able to view what everyone else is looking at from a fresh perspective.For all of us who desperately need fresh, God-inspired perspective, Peter Alexander has done a great service.Addressing the very complex subject of Christian music, Peter Alexander combines a hefty analytical ability with the conviction that God is the ultimate Creator and the Bible, the narrative of His unfolding creativity, to offer a new way of looking at how Christians do music.Finding clues where you may think you have already explored, and connecting dots between what may still remain unconnected in your thinking, Peter gives a view of music that is driven by mission and sustained by character.Eager to have your own creativity stimulated?Open these pages.

Gerrit Gustafson is a songwriter (Only by Grace, Mighty is Our God), worship teacher (worshipschools.com) and author (The Adventure of Worship) ... Read more

Product Description
The concepts and fingerings in this book have been developed by analyzing the licks used by Charlie Christian. Chord shapes are moveable; thus one can play the riffs in virtually any key without difficulty by simply moving the shape, and fingerings used to play them, up or down the fingerboard. The author shows how the chord shapes - F, D and A - are formed, then can easily be modified to major, minor, dominant seventh and diminished seventh chord voicings. Analyzing licks frequently used by Charlie Christian, Joe has identified a series of what he calls tetrafragments, i.e., the core element of a lick. The identifiable "sound" of a particular lick is preserved regardless of how many notes are added on either side of it, e.g., pickup notes or tag endings.Many examples are shown and played on the CD of how this basic concept was used by Charlie Christian to keep his solo lines moving forward. Weidlich also makes observations on the physical manner Charlie Christian used in playing jazz guitar and how that approach contributed to his smooth, mostly down stroke, pick technique. ... Read more

Product Description
Sales of Christian music have skyrocketed. More and more Christian artists have crossed over into mainstream markets, and the national media has taken notice-Entertainment Weekly, Newsweek, and The Wall Street Journal have all devoted in-depth features to the Christian music phenomenon. The Billboard Guide to Contemporary Christian Music chronicles the amazing rise of this genre from its gospel roots to today's diverse musical sound, which includes rock, punk, heavy metal, pop, R&B, ska, swing, country, and Latin music. It offers a complete capsule encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian artists as well as an introduction to the music form, discussing its roots and cultural impact, and includes interviews with influential artists and an Appendix of key sources and contacts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

"Billboard" means "Definite not Comprehensive"
I have to admit, I haven't read this thoroughly, yet. It looks interesting - and not afraid to deal with difficult issues that the artists, the music, and the industry have gone through through the years.

However, like I said in the title, it is not comprehensive. My touchstones were Glad, Bleach, and PFR, which were no small bands. It wouldn't take more to find more that aren't here.

It's also outdated -- 2002. So our splurge of new hypercontemporary bands are not included.

However, if you're looking for Jesus Movement/ Post Jesus Movement Era, it's probably got more than you've heard of.

A-Z encyclopedia format
Compiled, written and edited by Barry Alfonso, The Billboard Guide To Contemporary Christian Music presents information on hits, trends, controversies, stars, and more in the world of contemporary Christian music. An A-Z encyclopedia format, The Billboard Guide To Contemporary Christian Music provides basic biographical information on the most well-known artists, a solid history of Contemporary Christian Music since its origin, and a great deal more. The Billboard Guide To Contemporary Christian Music is highly recommended as a resourceful introduction and guide to an increasingly popular music genre.

A Great Guide
The three pieces at the beginning of this book (counting the introduction, and the two long essays) are very educational to anyone who has listened to CC music yet never fully understood the historical precedent for its various anomalies.I thought it was key that Mr. Alfonso mentioned the Council of Trent point regarding forbidden images and the spiritual arbiters who raised the alarm to "protect us" from unsuitable art.This attitude still seems to be circumscribing the current, carefully polished CCM image.I also enjoyed the little story about Abe Lincoln's parents at the tent revival-they might have been describing a Benny Hinn revival from last week.I guess there really is nothing new under the sun.The characters the author spotlights in his introduction are all fascinating, or at least he makes them seem so.It's interesting that he chose to trace the baton back to these odd-balls instead of dwelling on the rather banal stories of most of the current stars.His appreciation for the music is obvious, and the generous encyclopedia entries are done with careful sensitivity to the artist's intent.There are no harsh generalizations or condescending cheap shots about the music.Each artist's merit is weighed on singular terms, and each is given credit for his/her/their positive contributions to the genre.I also enjoyed Alfonso's interview with Bruce Cockburn, especially Bruce's funny line about not wanting to be labeled a Christian-artist (hyphenated), "I'm also a Christian who goes to the bathroom".Thanks for the enlightenment.This is a highly readable book, not just a quick reference tome.I hope it sells as well as it deserves to sell.I'll make sure my Christian friends know about it...

Well-Informed, Lively, and Beautifully Produced
This book will almost certainly be compared to mine so I want to be among the first to come out with a strong endorsement of it. Alfonso covers a wide variety of artists in short compass, including all of Christian music's current stars and the most important acts from its thirty year history. A wide variety of styles are represented and Alfonso traverses the varied landscape like a seasoned pro, introducing us to critics' favorites, industry darlings, edgy cult artists, and mainstream Dove Award winners.

The heart of the book is it's A - Z listing of over 100 artists. These entries are well-researched and accurate, written in a lively style that never fails to capture the unique appeal of each performer. Christian music fans can review career summaries of their favorite artists and then browse around in the book to discover new performers they might have missed. Or, the book could easily be read from cover-to-cover to gain a good overview of all that the Christian music scene has to offer. It is organized in a reader-friendly format with photos and discographies that make it fun and accessible.

Note that the book also contains an introductory history of contemporary Christian music, interviews with several artists, and a helpful index. What more could you want? This is a wonderful book! I can't imagine any fan of Christian music not wanting a copy.

(The writer of this review is author of the book Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music, published by Hendrickson in 2002). ... Read more