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

As 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 University

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.'

Contents

1. The Christian Music Controversy
PART ONE: CONTEMPORARY MUSIC UNDER FIRE
2. Charges of Health Threats
3. Charges of Moral Corruption
4. Charges of Worldliness
5. Charges of Poor Aesthetic Quality and a Cautioning Inner Witness
6. Charges of Bad Associations, Questionable Motives, and Dangerous Leanings
PART TWO: A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE
7. The Bible on Music
8. Biblical Principles for Musicians and Sponsors
PART THREE: A REVEALING JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY
9. From Early Chants to Reformation Songs
10. From Psalm Singing to Hymnody
11. What We Can Learn from History
PART FOUR: HARNESSING THE POWER OF CONTEMPORARY MUSIC
12. The Need for an Alternative
13. Communicating Musical Convictions to Your Children
14. A Christian Alternative
15. Taking it to the Church
16. Taking it to the World
APPENDIX: HOW FOUR GROWING CHURCHES USE CONTEMPORARY MUSIC
END NOTES

"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 Publishers