Why I Left the Contemporary Christian Music Movement: Confessions of a Former Worship Leader [Paperback]

One argument I felt to be somewhat one sided and disingenuous concerned the issue of CCM and its promotion of immorality. While it is true that there are churches utilizing CCM that are struggling with immorality in the ranks, it is also true, I know from personal experience and observation, that there are many churches using traditional forms of music struggling with the same problems. Could there be a deeper problem here?

While the author uses much scripture to prove his point there are a few cases where there seemed to be some misinterpretations or just plain misuse. The use if I Corinthians 8 to prove that we should not use CCM because it may offend a brother is not a good choice. The premise of this passage of Scripture is that the meat offered to idols is perfectly acceptable for consumption, and there is nothing inherently wrong with it but, you should refrain from eating it if it is hindering a fellow believer (i.e. a former idol worshipper) in his Christian walk. To compare CCM to the "meat" in this passage, you would have to argue that CCM is OK and acceptable for "consumption" unless you are in the presence of one who, because of their past, struggles with that style of music. This undermines the entire argument Mr. Lucarini is trying to make which is that the CCM style is inherently evil and should be avoided by everyone all the time.

I also felt the book contained the overtones of militant fundamentalism, particularly with its admonishment to "keep the microphones in their stands" and to keep a married individuals and singles from singing/practicing together on the platform. I do not believe these issues contributed to the validity of the arguments presented.

As far as recommending the book, I would do so cautiously. The book relies much too heavily on personal experience and observation as absolute truth. You must be careful not to base your beliefs on another man's opinion. This is precisely how the church has gotten into the shape it is in today. If you would like a solid, Biblically based, in depth look at this issue I would recommend "A Better Way" by Michael Horton (Baker Book, ISBN: 0801064686)

Sorry folks, I disagree.

I just finished "The Word of God in English", by Leland Ryken, which details the differences in biblical translational theories and is painstakingly researched and bibliographed and extremely well written.

Dan Lucarini's book ABSOLUTELY PALES in comparison to this book. Dan uses non-sequetur arguments, proof texting, portrays his opinion as established fact, is eisegetical, and overall quite disappointing.

As a classically trained church musician (whose opinions Dan seems to value above unschooled fishermen) I disagree with almost every conclusion.