Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Lucarini & Blanchard make a point!, September 21, 2007
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."
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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Jesus Christ came to make dead men live, October 27, 2007
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)
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42 of 53 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A balanced look at music out of balance, January 6, 2007
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.
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