3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
The book to give others, May 1 2011
By Falvo Fowler - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: The Contemporary Christian Music Debate: Worldly Compromise or Agent of Renewal? (Paperback)
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.
10 of 14 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Complete Explanation and Guide to Christian Music, Oct 20 2007
By Francine Larson - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: The Contemporary Christian Music Debate: Worldly Compromise or Agent of Renewal? (Paperback)
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."
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Biblically based, gentle, and culturally relevant, Jun 22 2011
By John Joyce - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: The Contemporary Christian Music Debate: Worldly Compromise or Agent of Renewal? (Paperback)
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.