Christians claim to be concerned with meaning. They debate over the meaning of texts of Scripture, and urge particular hermeneutics, so as to arrive at… Read More »Why Christians Should Care About Meaning in Art
Whenever the question is asked whether associations matter in musical choices, people usually fall into one of two camps. First are those who strongly believe… Read More »On Associations
One common argument used today in defense of using pop music styles for Christian purposes is that origins and associations don’t matter. Christians can redeem… Read More »Do origins matter?
It is important in any discussions about music to understand how music carries meaning naturally. I highly recommend Stephen Davies’ Musical Meaning and Expression, which clearly articulates… Read More »How Music Naturally Carries Meaning
I am often asked the question, “Can a particular style of music be sinful? How do you know?” I certainly have thoughts that answer that… Read More »What is Holy Music?
Occasionally I listen to the Mortification of Spin (hereafter MOS) podcast. I find the episodes largely helpful and would happily recommend the podcast to others.… Read More »The Mortification of Spin’s Take on Secular Music (or, Calvin vs. the Calvinists)
One argument I regularly hear in defense of the notion that music is neutral is that it is just a “thing,” and “things” are neutral.… Read More »Is music a neutral “thing”?
I am teaching right now in my philosophy class on meaning in music. When beginning any discussion like this, I always find that it is… Read More »Biblical authority and musical communication
The carol “This is the Truth Sent from Above” is a traditional carol whose text originates from words that first appeared in the 19th century.… Read More »This is the Truth Sent from Above
I’ve heard the argument many times; it goes something like this: We shouldn’t divide over mere preferences; therefore, we shouldn’t divide over music. It’s admittedly… Read More »The Unproven Premise
In 1 Corinthians 14:7-8, Paul says, ”If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know… Read More »Paul, Plato, and Calvin on Music
It is seldom profitable, and I don’t recommend it to you as a worthwhile use of your leisure time, but every once in a while,… Read More »Standards: A Shortcut for Inept Workmen
Paul’s Words to the Ephesians The beginning of Ephesians 5 is striking. Paul writes to former idolaters and fornicators, reminding them of their new life in… Read More »tobyMac and the state of Evangelical piety
I know this post is somewhat badly timed, but I wanted to provide a bit of help for those who are looking for good resurrection hymns,… Read More »Some thoughts concerning Hymns on Christ’s Resurrection
Last week I made the argument that all pastors and church musicians (or “worship leaders”) should give themselves to the study of worship, hymnology, and… Read More »Worship, hymnology, and philosophy of ministry reading list for pastors and church musicians
Discussion of culture is an essential ingredient in any intelligent philosophy of Christian music. Especially in today’s globalized, multicultural environment, understanding what culture is and… Read More »Theological Issues at Stake in Discussions of Culture and Contextualization
There are many factors that have contributed to problems in worship today, but I believe one of the most significant is the fact that very… Read More »Until fairly recently, every educated person would have known this
Over at Pyromaniacs, Dan Phillips offered a series of points for discussion regarding worship music. He and a few others encouraged me to head over… Read More »My reply to Dan Phillips’ approach to the worship music debate
This setting of Psalm 100 to “Old Hundredth” was composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams. The conductor is Sir David WIllcocks and the organist is Stephen Krahn. Also… Read More »A Psalm for Giving Thanks