Customer Reviews

Can We Rock the Gospel?: Rock Music's Impact on Worship and Evangelism

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After nearly ten years of full-time worship ministry, I've seen it all. Thanks to Monday Morning E-mail for reviewing this book last year; both of Lucarini's tomes have a good point to make though I disagree with some of his recommendations.
At this point in my life, I'm preparing to leave full-time ministry, and "Contemporary Christian Music" is the reason for my exodus. I have found that the music isn't so much the problem (there are "good" and "bad" songs throughout all of music history), however, there is an "attitudinal issue" with those who support CCM. While one reviewer criticizes Lucarini & Blanchard for just a "handful" of examples, as I read this book I thought it was talking about the church I presently serve (or, have served)!
The main issue is that volunteer "musicians" do not want someone with a music degree leading them; rather than raising their game (create a higher quality music ensemble), they prefer to "wallow" in mediocrity. Once again, we continue to "dumb-down" - the church continues to emulate society, rather than influence it! This is addressed in both books and I've experienced this first hand. There are MANY of us who have suffered the verbal and spiritual abuse firsthand from our "brothers and sisters." I have parents (and know of others) who will not attend today's church due to this attitude problem - I now have a greater respect and understanding for why people do not attend church.
This CCM movement is "ME" centered, not focused on Christ. It's all based upon the premise "if we build it, they will come." Notice the focus of that quote - where's God in the equation? Furthermore, I believe the main "mover and shakers" of this style are not the 20-somethings, but boomers (in their 50's+) who have a "my way or the highway" attitude. I've had personal comments from young adults of why the handbells (or similar "traditional" music ensembles) cannot play for the service on special ocassions. The issue is not with them, it's with the aforementioned boomers. I see ads for contemporary churches wanting to hire someone "no more than 35 years of age" with "five-ten years 'experience' in church music." This society has bought into young adults being the focus of who we should emulate - I guess this means Brittany Spears and Lindsay Lohan are shining examples for all of us to emulate! The sad part is that too many pastors and layleaders have bought this hype "hook, line and sinker."
While I firmly believe in its infancy (CCM) there was a purpose of renewal within the church, but Satan has taken over (for the most part). I have a Bachelor's and two Master's degrees in music, and there is NO place for me to serve full-time. While I disagree with Lucarini and Blanchard on the use of drums in worship, I do agree that the message needs to get across, and not be "drowned" out by other sounds. Music is such a powerful tool in this world and can be abused, too. The focus needs to remain on God's Holy (written) Word, not a 1960's "feel-good, warm-fuzzy feeling."
This book is a must read. The ironic thing is that when I first read about it on Monday Morning E-mail, I could not find it at any Christian bookstore within one hundred miles! Why? Because this is Christianity's "dirty little secret" and no one wants to debate this issue, let alone affect "sales" of all that "great" contemporary music! I pray for God's church - false worship is something Paul warned about! We need to get our focus back on Him, not on what "we" want. Thanks, Dan & Ken, for warning us and prompting us to get "in focus."

50 years ago this book would not have been written. Why? because although there were many "dead" churches we had very few churches divided over musical style.
It makes me sad to think that the family of God has become divided because we have introduced a style of music aimed at teenagers, which has alienated many adults. I am a worship leader at one of the larger churches in Melbourne Australia. In 1959 we had a very significant series of meetings conducted by the Billy Graham organisation. The music was very much a unifying factor with 3 generations all engaging in the music and being blessed by it. Today we have 3 different services each Sunday ranging from traditional to contemporary. Previously we went completely contemporary and lost 50% of our people. Many of these people have ceased going to church. Since adopting our present format some have returned.
The authors raise many good points, especially in relation to the focus of the worship and the motivation of those leading the worship. The "look at me" syndrome has shifted much of the focus from God, to those leading. Many of the congregation refuse, of cannot engage in the corporate worship, and all sense of unity is lost.
Historically musical styles have been determined by the denominational emphasis, and the perceived reason for coming together to worship. Praise & Worship music and the instruments that it has introduced, has changed all of this, and people have often become confused as bible reading and prayer, has become squeezed out, by lengthy periods of singing musically complicated songs. Much of this music is without recognisable harmonies.
Can we Rock the Gospel is well researched, and is an excellent attempt to explain what has become one of many serious distractions for the great commission of the church, to go into all the world and preach the gospel

Dale Philip ( Worship Leader Melbourne Australia)

As I write, I'm the third reviewer with two negative reviews preceding me. I very much disagree with those reviews about this book, and believe it to be a balanced view of a difficult issue. I do agree with one previous reviewer that this book is too late. The "war" for conservative music is over, and conservatives have lost. No surprise here. The world will continue to encroach upon the true church until the rapture. One reviewer admitted that rock music churches are not conservative with his statement, "Even many conservative churches have already made the move to worship led by guitar." If Christian rock made its way into the church through liberals, what does that make the "conservative" churches once they accept it?

The book does some good background study into the history of rock music, explaining the roots of its label coming from sexual immorality. The fact that rock is now well accepted in most styles of music does not negate that fact, it simply illustrates John Makujina's point ("Measuring the Music") that as a culture, we have been desensitized to the sound of rock. You have to admit, it's everywhere. The question this book addresses is, "Is it appropriate for the Church?" and the answer is "No."

The authors are not against modern music in church. They do not call us to return to the "old hymns" and nothing else. Good music is being written and published today, in many cases with theologically better lyrics than the slanted and traditionalized hymns of old. What the authors examine is the music that accompanies those lyrics. The music conveys a message on its own.

It is an easy read, filled with examples of the points being made, and does not have an "in your face" attitude. If you love rock music and get angry at anyone who would challenge your love, then don't read the book. If you are willing to be challenged to think about worldliness, associations, and the design of music (we're not talking lyrics here), then this would be a good read.

One reviewer thinks the book leads to a dead end with no suggestions on where to go to worship correctly. That is only the case if you think there is no music other than rock music. Sadly, for many today that is a practical truism for their lives.

Many have actually studied music and its effects in the past. One such person is Mickey Hart of the Greatful Dead. I've read his "Drumming at the edge of magic." A fascinating semi-autobiographical sketch of his pursuit of rhythm. Without rhythm all music is dead, but all things in balance. It's interesting to get a drummer's view of the influence of rhythm, and he's not really interested in morality or balance. John Makujina presents some good studies along this line in his book. Most Christians today simply are not willing to study this topic. Most are willingly ignorant and prefer to live by what they like. "Can we rock the gospel?" challenges that complacency.

May we begin to eat some meat. "Hebrews 5:14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."

Is this the most important topic in life? No, but "Can we rock the gospel?" will help you in your discernment, if you're willing to listen.

A MUST READ! Here's why: (1) the author's clearly establish and document from both points of view that there is essentially no difference, as a musical genre, between the popular music of the last 50 years and what is being used in the bulk of Christian churches today. (2) It is also very obvious to the reader that from the secular performers perspective, they have no desire whatsoever to be associated with the religious crowd who claims to be Christian. What clearly struck me was, "Why in the world would I, as a Christian, have any desire to be associated with those who hate Christ?" (3) The last half of the book (beginning at chapter 7 - Red Flags) is where the real "meat" of the text begins. The "five concerns" of chapter 7 bring the reader to where the "rubber meets the road." My thoughts were "Why was Egyptian idol worship rejected when it was directed toward God in Exodus 32, and yet we think God is thrilled with American Idol worship today? - What's the difference?"

Reading others criticism's of this volume in review as well as other various blogs simply give credence to the conclusions the authors make in their book. There is a stark difference between those who promote Christianity attempting to reform culture and welcome in the kingdom, and those who attempt to follow the philosophy of distinctively different Christianity as they prepare for the eminent rapture of the church. Frankly, I must agree with Blanchard and Lucarini that it is imperative that I follow scriptural principles (not selectively) and be actively engaged IN the world without being OF this world. The danger of following our hearts when we try to interpret the Bible, is that our heart is "desperately wicked, who can know it?" I believe that is the greatest danger in following a path away from our human nature, and embracing a position of separation and holiness--a wonderful challenge brought to the reader in the final chapter!

When I decided to read "Can We Rock the Gospel?" I thought it would simply be a rehashing of other books on the subject of modern worship. I quickly learned that I was wrong. John Blanchard and Dan Lucarini (a former CCM musician himself) have done a wonderful job not only of discussing Christian rock but also of searching the Scriptures to see what the Bible teaches about music in general.

In chapters 1-7 of their book, Blanchard and Lucarini discuss the way the modern church has been divided over music as well as the history of rock music and some of rock's problems. Then, because Christian rockers borrow so heavily from secular rock, several chapters discuss how the occult, sex, drug use, rebellion, mental manipulation, and other undesirables influence secular rock groups and their structuring of their music (not lyrics alone). The extensive amount of reserach done here is impressive: it is obvious the authors are not simply vocalizing about a pet peeve.

Chapters 8-11 cover music in the Bible, show point-by-point why the various defenses of CCM are invalid, and set forth the principles that Christian music should adhere to. This book is valuable to those contemporaries who have questions about either CCM or why traditionalists believe the way they do. It gives a good look at what the objections of many traditionalists are, which is valuable knowledge to help contemporaries avoid the common misunderstandings of traditionalists. And traditionalists should also read it, not merely to be capable of defending their beliefs, but so they can be certain that their own use of music meets the standards of Scripture.

I found Can We Rock the Gospel? to be a very readable and informative volume. Dan Lucarini's extensive background in music and John Blanchard's experience as an apologist are readily apparent. Together they make the case that rock music is something to be wary of. Those who believe there is nothing wrong with rock generally hold that there is no such thing as Christian tunes and, therefore, all instruments and tunes are amoral. The authors clearly show that rock music styles are blatantly worldly by both history and association. Rather than being salt and light in the world, the church is being acculturated by rock and other forms of CCM. The authors clearly make the point that the issue here is the secularization (profaning) of the sacred. If worship is about God rather than about making the unregenerate comfortable or even entertaining the regenerate, then worldliness and godlessness should be left outside the doors of the church. I have found Can We Rock the Gospel? to be very useful in making the case against using secular music in the church.

This book could not be more relevant and good but one wonders if one of the other reviewers here was right when they said "the revolution is over and the church lost" because a Christian friend on mine, who lives in a large metropolitan area of the USA, told me last night that at this mega mega "Christian" churcn he attends the praise band leader apologized for the band singing what they were about to sing: "How Great Thou Art". He hoped no one would be offended at them singing that hymn. I think that just about says it all for the need for this book....and maybe for the truthfulness of the above statement that the church has lost this contemporary Christian music revolution.....God help us all.

The thesis of this book is made abundantly clear on the cover. A young man, jamming on an (unplugged) electric guitar, towers over a Bible which lies face-down, trampled and forgotten underfoot. Can We Rock the Gospel? According to the John Blanchard and Dan Lucarini, no, we cannot. "The authors make no secret of the fact that we count ourselves among those who are offended by rock music in God's service and are truly perplexed that so many other Christians go to such great lengths to defend their use of it in both worship and evangelism. We are also concerned at the way in which some leaders, from their positions of power within the church, have forced it upon the rest of us." So the authors adopt the position that rock music is always and objectively wrong. Period. While the emphasis of the book is clearly that rock music is wrong for worship and evangelism, they make it clear that it is wrong at any time and in any situation. This is hardly a unique position but one that, in my view, would depend on clearly an unequivocally defining exactly what constitutes rock music. Unfortunately, the authors do not do this. They make a brief attempt in the third chapter, presenting the following three principles as being true of rock music:

* Constant repetition. This repetition is dangerous because of the potential hypnotic effect of repetitive music. "Any medium of presentation that induces any loss of self-control or awareness and makes the listener unusually susceptible to whatever suggestions are made by the lyrics is clearly dangerous, and will almost certainly encourage a response that will be largely psychological instead of that which God requires, which is that we should worship him 'in spirit and truth.'"
* A driving beat. "The backbeat dominates in most rock music songs, hard, soft or otherwise." These beats can become hypnotic and lead people to become almost drunk on music. "The element of relentless beat and repetition in rock music increases the danger of a shallow, emotional, unthinking response, made at the wrong level and for the wrong reasons."
* Volume. "We need not waste time proving that volume is an important element in rock music." The emphasis on volume makes rock music unsuitable for worship or evangelism where the emphasis must be on the words of the songs. "Any method or medium ... which makes the Word of God more difficult ot hear, and therefore to be understood, is not serving the cause of God but actually hindering it."

Strangely, this is as much of a definition as the authors provide. They do point to a wide variety of forms of music they would associate with the moniker "rock music," and these range from folk and pop all the way to death metal and gangster rap. They quote lyrics and describe artists who barely brush the keys of pianos alongside those who tear relentlessly at distorted and amplified electric guitars. They discuss the Hymns category of Christian music "where you can find Jars of Clay rocking out on 'It is Well With My Soul.'" So clearly even this song, which I believe has only acoustic guitar, bass and subtle drums, is categorized as rock music (you can hear a short sample of the song here at Amazon). Essentially, it seems that, in the authors' minds, all popular music must be categorized as rock. If rock can be acoustic guitar, drums and bass, even played quietly and well "under" the lyrics, it seems that almost everything is rock.

So here are the premises of this book: all popular music is rock and all rock is bad. If Jars of Clay's rendition of "It is Well With My Soul" is rock, and thus wrong, so must be most of the songs we sing on Sunday mornings. The music of Sovereign Grace must be wrong. The modern renditions of hymns produced by Indelible Grace must be wrong. And so on.

The authors build this case by pointing time and again to secular rock artists, and usually the absolute worst of this music, and then apply the negative conclusions to all rock music, a term they define, as we have seen, far too loosely to be helpful. While some of their arguments are sound, others are almost embarrassing. Rock music (like "It is Well With My Soul"), it seems, makes people move, and this movement mimics sexual movements, thus encouraging people to act out the movements with illicit sex. As with many similar books, this one commonly leans upon strange European death metal bands no one has ever heard of and bands from the seventies that no one listens to anymore. While this may not change the facts, it does make the case seem somehow less than well-researched (especially when compared to a presentation such as Hells Bells 2 which focuses more on bands that are popular today). It is easy to quote George Harrison from the sixties saying that rock music appeals only to the youth, but this was 40 years ago. The youth of the sixties are no longer young, and many generations now embrace popular music. It is no longer foreign music to the majority of believers. And so on. Time would fail me to address all of the arguments presented.

Now the book is not all bad. The authors make some important points. They point out, rightly, I believe, that there is really no such thing as Christian rock. There are Christian words, but no Christian music. There is good music and bad music, music that reflects the glory of God and music that does not. But there is no music that is truly Christian. They emphasize as well that the emphasis of preaching, teaching and evangelism must be on the clear presentation of the gospel. Pastors and evangelists must ensure that music does not interfere with this. They show as well that the rock and roll lifestyle is one largely opposed to God and one that can be difficult to reconcile with a commitment to Christ. They follow on the heels of Steve Camp in pointing out some of the hypocrisies in the Christian music industry, not the least of which is tours emphasizing worship sponsored by secular companies. All of these are good and worthwhile emphases. Yet it seems to me that they simply cannot defend their case.

One statement I found particular telling came in the authors' discussion of rock's "red flags." They discuss worship and write "worship is characterized by reverence, modesty and humility, and has nothing that even remotely aims at our pleasure and entertainment." I would disagree emphatically with an aspect of this statement! I believe that worship should be pleasurable to both ourselves and to God. It may not be entertaining, but surely it should be pleasurable! They even go so far as to suggest that some music is simply too good for church, as music that is truly brilliant will distract people by its quality. As much as they claim to love music, it almost seems that the authors are intimidated by it and are unnaturally suspicious of it. They want to find clear guidance in Scripture as to the styles of music and disregard any kind of personal or cultural preference. I don't think Scripture offers us that level of guidance in this situation.

Near the beginning of the book the authors state "rock music is dividing the church." They present a handful of letters from concerned readers to back this claim. It is true that the church has recently battled through "the worship wars," but it seems to me this is now a decade or two behind us. Of course there will always be disagreement about styles of worship. There will always be some who prefer one style of music over another and there is nothing wrong with this. But I think this book comes too late. Even many conservative churches have already made the move to worship led by guitar. It seems that, according to the authors, this must qualify as rock music. These churches will not revert to organ or a capella anytime soon. I appreciate the concerns of these authors, but most pastors and leaders have already worked through these issues and are comfortable with the choices they have made. I can't help but feel the more important issue today focuses more on the lyrics of the songs we sing and the hearts of those who sing them. We can focus on the assembly of instruments at the front of the room, but I think it must be more important to worry about what we sing and how we sing it.

The authors of Can We Rock the Gospel? assemble a case depending on cliches and build it upon a loose definition of rock music. After they have torn down this house of cards, they make no alternate suggestions. How are we then to worship? What musical options are left? They are long on diagnosing the condition, but short on proposing any kind of alternative. As much as I had hoped I would enjoy this book, I simply found it a mess. I was disappointed.

Great resource for pastors, teachers and even parents who are concerned about the entertainment preferences of the children or those they minister to. It outlines the importance of keeping music in the church as well as at home glorifying to God. Lacks one star because of the chapter about rock music's affect on the body - a little too explicit, but point taken.

By looking at the title of this book, I hoped it might have addressed some of the issues I have faced with the proliferation of rock and pop music within the church. As a professional musician for over fourteen years (all my adult life) I have struggled with how many 4 chord songs I can hear / sing on a Sunday. But to label 'rock music' as 'of the devil' and that 'voodoo jungle rhythms from Africa came to Rock n Roll' is at best misguided and at worst racist. They will be bringing back the papal edict that the saxophone is of the serpent and chopping people's hands off for playing 7th chords (if you have no idea what I'm talking about then I suggest you spend your money on some music lessons)

If you want to understand music from a theological standpoint check out Begbie's 'Resounding Truth', if you want to learn about pastoral care in music ministry, 'Heart of the Artist' is a great book.

It is clear that the authors are not high grade scholars in either music or theology. Well tempered Clavier anyone?