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The Contemporary Christian Music Debate: Worldly Compromise or Agent of Renewal?

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I got this book when it was first released in 1993-1994. After years of onslaught by the likes of the Peters Brothers, where everything secular was bad and everything conservative/traditional Christian was good (so wrong!), and where studies were skewed to fit a certain religious bent (I'm being polite), it was refreshing to read the rest of those studies with appropriate bibliography. This book was just what I needed at the time when I was beginning to work in Christian broadcasting. It allowed me to recognize that human history has often tainted what God calls for as worship. Do I agree with everything Miller says? No. But the book does have excellent references for me to go back and decide for myself. We have become a nation, and church, that follows the loudest voice...and often that voice is as far from God as can be. God doesn't call us to worship in styles established by dead people. He calls us to renew ourselves and be relevant to the world around us. This book allows us to break some of the chains that bind us and allows us to rediscover what principles should exist in our worship.

This book is inspirational, educational, and an easy read. Helped me rediscover a wonderful, guilt-free, worship experience that allowed me to grow with God.

This book is perfect for our times. It is my experience that churches, pastors and congregations are totally confused and uninformed regarding music for their church. Mr. Miller gives a fair and complete explanation of all kinds of music and what it means. The objective view is based on the Bible. I think before we can argue about the "Comtemporary Christian Music Debate" we need to be well informed on every level. Mr. Miller does just that. The book helps to clarify what is true and what we have heard from others. Every Christian needs to be informed on this subject. His research is both fascinating and extensive. This unique treasure of information is a must for anyone searching true answers on Christian Music.

Francine Larson, Co-Author of "Character Keys to a Bright Future."

Miller has done a superb job of wedding Scripture and cultural relevancy. He deals with various viewpoints in an objective and gentle way which is only an accurate representation of who the writer is. He always goes the extra mile in terms of research and in terms of gentleness and compassion. In today's world where "the musical production" seems to be the bottom line for many, Miller radically --and Biblically--suggests that musicians who are "up front" in musical ministry should exhibit the qualifications of elders or deacons as listed in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. He challenges parents to carefully examine the content of the music they listen to before criticizing their children's musical tastes. He offers wonderful advice for parents on how to help their children and correctly brings out the incredible influence that music plays in our lives. The chapter on "The Bible on Music" is full of helpful references to music in Scripture. The section entitled "A Revealing Journey Through History" is priceless as Miller takes a balanced look at the stories of how many of our traditional hymns were developed. Personally, I love many old traditional hymns, but it seems clear that many of the writers adopted tunes from normal life and incorporated into them the lyrics that they wrote.

Great Historical Background to a Current Debate

By "Book Heaven" (Georgia)

There is nothing more divisive than the type of music used in churches across the country on Sunday mornings. Yet, do we need to quarrel? Author Steve Miller provides a biblical framework for deciding what type of music will speak to the hearts of people. What other criteria should we use? The best sections of the book deal with the history of church music. Great lessons are here! Can't wait for an updated version to be written by this writer. Comment | Permalink | Why no voting buttons? We don't let customers vote on their own reviews, so the voting buttons appear only when you look at reviews submitted by others.

Mr. Miller has created an exceptional work by explaining the development and acceptance of different types of religious music for churches. After reading this book, I am more open minded about the development and use of contemporary Christian music.

Regrettably, after reading the three previous reviews, I must say that I disagree with them on most points. This book was not, in fact, fair or balanced. If it mentions the "traditional" point of view at all, it is to specifically refute (or distort) a particular position. There is rarely a time when the "traditional" view is mentioned in a favorable light. The tone throughtout the book is condescending towards those who do not accept the "Contemporary" view. For example, in reference to those who disagree with the "Contemporary" approach, Miller says, "While we should please our brother in a personal situation, his weakness should not keep us from listening in every situation." His writing style is many things, but fair and balanced, it is not.

Now, for my personal assesment of his personal views. Mr. Miller obviously comes from a background where numbers and crowds are how a ministry is deemed successful. This is illustrated by his many references to how auditoriums are now packed out because of "Contemporary" music; as though that's the reason music was created.

A second fallacy with his argument is his assumption that %95 positive vote in favor of "Contemporary" music makes his case ironclad. Unfortunately there have been many cases throughout the Bible where the majority was wrong. For example: The world during Noah's time, David and the Israelites in I Chronicles 13, and perhaps the most glaring moment when Jesus was crucified. In the secular world, consider that Hitler came to power because most Germans believed him to be the savior of their country. Even if you are %100 in support of "Contemporary" music, you have to admit that mob rule is not always correct.

Finally, the book does not consider the most important aspect of music: the fact that it was created to glorify God. He states, "Although preferences need to be considered when planning a service..." My question is this, "Where is it in the Bible that says we tailor our services to the listener?" The Old and New Testaments both give significant information on what God expects music to contain. Since when has worship ever been a matter of what WE want? Mr. Miller spends little time discussing the Biblical aspects of music, while spending the majority of the 230 or so pages tearing down the "traditional" standpoint.

Overall, the book is fascinating in it's attempt to veil it's ascerbic sarcasm and condescension. It is not worth buying brand new-I'm thankful I did not.