A new hymn pairing
As we move closer to publishing our print hymnal, Hymns to the Living God, I want to continue to highlight some of the new and… Read More »A new hymn pairing
Scott Aniol
Scott Aniol is the founder and Executive Director of Religious Affections Ministries. He is director of doctoral worship studies at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he teaches courses in ministry, worship, hymnology, aesthetics, culture, and philosophy. He is the author of Worship in Song: A Biblical Approach to Music and Worship, Sound Worship: A Guide to Making Musical Choices in a Noisy World, and By the Waters of Babylon: Worship in a Post-Christian Culture, and speaks around the country in churches and conferences. He is an elder in his church in Fort Worth, TX where he resides with his wife and four children. Views posted here are his own and not necessarily those of his employer.
New Hymn by David Oestreich and Josh Bauder
In January I mentioned the sudden passing of our friend, David Oestreich. David had been a supporter and occasional contributor here on the blog, and… Read More »New Hymn by David Oestreich and Josh Bauder
I’m Still Here, Too
The most recent issue of Frontline Magazine is apparently getting a bit of buzz. I don’t subscribe, but through friends I’m getting caught up. It… Read More »I’m Still Here, Too
Thine Be the Glory
Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son; endless is the victory Thou o’er death hast won. Angels in bright raiment rolled the stone away, kept… Read More »Thine Be the Glory
Good Friday
AM I a stone and not a sheep That I can stand, O Christ, beneath Thy Cross, To number drop by drop Thy… Read More »Good Friday
Review Article: You Are What you Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit
For several years now James K. A. Smith has been helpfully speaking and writing on the subject of liturgical formation in education and worship. His… Read More »Review Article: You Are What you Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit
How many songs can one church sing?
Have you ever thought about how many songs your church can sing in a year? If you consult the average transdenominational hymnal published today, you… Read More »How many songs can one church sing?
The Benedict Option: The Christian Option
Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Rod Dreher’s much anticipated book, The Benedict Option: A Strategy for Christians in a Post-Christian Nation, is how unremarkable… Read More »The Benedict Option: The Christian Option
Looking through Psalm 137, Stanza 3: Worship that Trusts in God
It is time to complete our discussion of Psalm 137 by looking through stanza 3, verses 7–9: Remember, O Lord, against the Edomites the day of… Read More »Looking through Psalm 137, Stanza 3: Worship that Trusts in God
A good and bad way to use Lent
It’s that time of year again, a time when Evangelical Christians debate whether or not it is a good thing to observe Lent. My answer… Read More »A good and bad way to use Lent
Looking through Psalm 137, Stanza 2: Worship that is Pleasing to God
We have considered our experience as God’s people in exile through stanza 1 of Psalm 137; now look at stanza 2, verses 5–6: If I… Read More »Looking through Psalm 137, Stanza 2: Worship that is Pleasing to God
Looking through Psalm 137, Stanza 1: Worship in a Pagan Culture
In our study of Psalm 137 over the past several weeks, we have looked at the historical context of the psalm, the analogical relationships between… Read More »Looking through Psalm 137, Stanza 1: Worship in a Pagan Culture
A New Catechism
Through the years as our children have grown, we have given attention to catechizing them. We’ve used several different catechisms, and have found this traditional… Read More »A New Catechism
What Psalm 137 Does
Over the past several weeks, we have been looking at Psalm 137 and its relevance for Christian today. I have presented the historical background of… Read More »What Psalm 137 Does
Dual Citizens
Last week, as part of our study of Psalm 137, I pointed out the striking similarities between the conditions in which the Hebrews exiled in… Read More »Dual Citizens
A People in Exile
Last week I presented the historical context for Psalm 137, a context of the people of God living in exile among a pagan people. Now once… Read More »A People in Exile
The Historical Context of Psalm 137
Last week I began a series looking at Psalm 137. I am going to do two things with the psalm; first, I will look at… Read More »The Historical Context of Psalm 137
“Credo” by David Oestreich (1970-2017)
Yes, I believe in Him who is Almighty, Father, God, Who made all things in heaven, earth, Who made them very good. Yes, I believe… Read More »“Credo” by David Oestreich (1970-2017)
God’s People in Exile
By the waters of Babylon, there we sat down and wept, when we remembered Zion. 2 On the willows there we hung up our lyres.… Read More »God’s People in Exile
Bible Narratives Reading Plan for Individual/Family
Download a free 5 day Bible Narratives Reading Plan for 2018 here. This week our family is finishing successfully reading through the whole Bible. Each… Read More »Bible Narratives Reading Plan for Individual/Family