passion
A Thousand Throwaway I Love Yous
In a healthy marriage, there are a thousand throwaway I love yous. This demands explanation, and there’s probably a better wording to make this point. But… Read More »A Thousand Throwaway I Love Yous
Are emotions universal?
This is a fascinating article in many ways. It traces the scientific debate concerning what, exactly, emotions are and whether they are universal or not.… Read More »Are emotions universal?
Victoria Osteen and the Evangelical confusion about Christian happiness
You’ve very likely seen this now viral video clip of Victoria Osteen proudly proclaiming that when we worship God, we’re not doing it for him,… Read More »Victoria Osteen and the Evangelical confusion about Christian happiness
What “moves” you in worship?
Which of the following scenario is a more meaningful worship experience? The 100 member choir and 50 piece orchestra combine in a rousing performance of… Read More »What “moves” you in worship?
The problem with defining worship in any way by physical response
I’ve been teaching recently about the differences between Jonathan Edwards and Charles Finney. In most ways, these men, their philosophies, theologies, and practices are polar… Read More »The problem with defining worship in any way by physical response
Worship euphoria?
Matt Costella notes here a recent study that finds megachurch worship to create similar physiological responses to that of drug use: The University of Washington just released a fascinating… Read More »Worship euphoria?
The Enlightenment and Christian Hymnody
This far in our journey we have witnessed an almost unbroken stream of Judeo-Christian tradition. From King David to Lutheran composer Johann Crüger (1598-1662) we… Read More »The Enlightenment and Christian Hymnody
Reformation Hymns
When Martin Luther (1483—1546) sparked a Reformation of the Church by nailing his Ninety-Five Theses to the Church door at Wittenberg in 1517, he challenged… Read More »Reformation Hymns
Medieval Hymns
When Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity in 313 with the Edict of Milan, and Christianity soon became the religion of the entire empire, the cultural conditions… Read More »Medieval Hymns
How Can We Conserve Biblical Worship? Part 3
Conservative Christians will be committed to worship forms that foster ordinate affection toward God. Commitment to the Regulative Principles of Worship solves the question of… Read More »How Can We Conserve Biblical Worship? Part 3
Why trying to emulate Edwards may actually be emulating Finney
I’ve been doing some reading recently from both Jonathan Edwards and Charles Finney. In most ways, these men, their philosophies, theologies, and practices are polar… Read More »Why trying to emulate Edwards may actually be emulating Finney
Is worship like riding a roller coaster?
Joy. What exactly is joy? I can say that I experienced the emotion of joy while riding a roller coaster. It’s this thrilling enthusiasm that… Read More »Is worship like riding a roller coaster?
Correcting Categories, Part 9 – the Church Today
Today, the influences of Modernism, Revivalism, and Charismaticism in the Church’s understanding of the purpose and function of music in worship cannot be overestimated. First,… Read More »Correcting Categories, Part 9 – the Church Today
Correcting Categories, Part 7 – The Nature of Pop
My goal in this series is to help believers apply the Bible to their musical choices in life and worship. My contention is, however, that… Read More »Correcting Categories, Part 7 – The Nature of Pop
Correcting Categories, Part 6 – Dionysian vs. Apollonian
My goal in this series is to help believers apply the Bible to their musical choices in life and worship. My contention is, however, that… Read More »Correcting Categories, Part 6 – Dionysian vs. Apollonian
Correcting Categories, Part 5 – Biblical Anthroplogy
My goal in this series is to help believers apply the Bible to their musical choices in life and worship. My contention is, however, that… Read More »Correcting Categories, Part 5 – Biblical Anthroplogy
Correcting Categories, Part 4 – Dissecting Emotion
My goal in this series is to help believers apply the Bible to their musical choices in life and worship. My contention is, however, that… Read More »Correcting Categories, Part 4 – Dissecting Emotion
An Observation Today's Pastors Would Do Well To Hear
“A final general observation arising out of this period (The Second Great Awakening) has to do with the manner in which the unusual sense of… Read More »An Observation Today's Pastors Would Do Well To Hear
"The surprising face of Hillsong" by Tony Payne and Gordon Cheng
The following article is so interesting, I had to post the whole thing here. Please take time to read the whole thing. It will be… Read More »"The surprising face of Hillsong" by Tony Payne and Gordon Cheng