Music and Ministry : A Biblical Counterpoint, Updated Edition - Softcover

"[Readers of this book] will enlarge their understanding of the glorious calling of the church musician to creative artistry that truly ministers. Expressing sound theology both as prophet and as pastor, Johansson rejects music that serves the art (an aesthetic approach) or that serves people (a pragmatic approach) and instead calls for music that serves God (the biblical approach). Such music becomes the full gospel in action! --Donald P. Hustad, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary "Professor Johansson knows the difference between entertainment and ministry. He issues a ringing call for ministers of music to embrace integrity and to avoid "Christian infantilism." Themes like creation, the image of God, incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection grace the pages--fulfilling the subtitle's promise to provide a "biblical counterpoint." --Russell P. Spittler, Fuller Theological Seminary ." . . one of the most thorough-going volumes on the theology of church music today. Professor Johansson takes the role of the prophet, calling us to ponder deeply the biblical principles which must shape the nature of the Church's song. He calls us to listen carefully to our culture and yet not succumb to it. This is a book for pastors, musicians, and, indeed, any person of faith who wishes to reflect critically on how the music which we sing at worship shapes the way we live out our calling as God's holy people." --Martin Jean, School of Music and Institute of Sacred Music, Yale University

In Music and Ministry: A Biblical Counterpoint, Dr. Calvin Johansson looks to God's Word for principles foundational to music ministry. He suggests that a heightened concern for musical style and quality is in order for the sake of the gospel.