The Contemporary Christian Music Debate

By: Steve Miller

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

"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 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