Playing with Fire: Use and Abuse of Music: 1 - Softcover

Alex Robertson

9780952822202: Playing with Fire: Use and Abuse of Music: 1

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0952822202 ISBN 13: 9780952822202

Publisher: Barratt Ministries Publications, 1996

Book Description Playing With Fire addresses one of the major issues facing Christians today, the all-pervasive influence of music on society, and asks what the Christian reaction should be. Ought we to move with the times and accept new styles, or are there dangerous elements to the new trends which we ought to vigorously oppose? From the standpoint of a professionally trained classical musician, Alex Robertson is aware that although all Christians are profoundly influenced by music, many lack the musical knowledge to know how to make decisions on what is right and wrong in music. Indeed, this is one of the basic questions dealt with: can we say that there is such a thing as a "right" and "wrong" use of music? On what grounds? Arguing carefully from scripture, music theory and history, and experience, Alex Robertson presents strong evidence in a clear and non-technical way, and, avoiding the temptation to make dogmatic statements, leaves the reader to draw their own conclusions from the evidence. It is clear enough that music can have powerful effects, and not all of them are good. It can, for example, be a powerful manipulative tool, or it can become an addictive drug; it can create a "virtual" fantasy world which cuts the listener off from reality; and it, or the people who perform it, can become a dangerous source of idolatry. The powers of music are by no means exclusively beneficial. Alex Robertson argues that these "powers" are essentially spiritual powers, and therefore of intense relevance to our lives as Christians. The sweep of the book is broad, taking in issues such as the profound impact of the use of image in society today and the way in which the church struggles between reactionary resistance and wholesale "jumping on the bandwagon". Examining trends in society from a Christian point of view, it asks where we are heading as a civilization, and what a Christian response should be. The issues explored are relevant and fascinating: Is there such a thing as "Christian Music"? If so, how do we define it? By the lyrics? By the musical style? Can music act like a powerful drug, creating dangerous addiction? How does it do so? Is there a danger of hypnotic suggestion through the use of some sorts of music? Are some styles better suited to Christian worship than others? If so, why? How and why do new styles develop? What does the bible tell us about the beginning of music and culture? What does it tell us about the end of music and culture? How are Christians to live "in the world but not of it", and what are the implications for our attitude to music? Finally the book turns to the subject of ministry, and music ministry in particular; the positive use of music as an expression of our own hearts and spirits; the danger of confusing ministry and entertainment, and the equal danger of confusing the presence of God with the power of music. The key to true ministry, the author argues, is brokenness and humility, the opposite of the self-aggrandizement and hype which surrounds the music and entertainment world. The way for Christians is the way of the cross; the battle for every Christian is the battle for lordship of our lives, and music is one of the contenders for that lordship. Concluding with some "frequently asked questions", the book ends with an appendix examining atonal music and the questions it raises about the naturally occurring harmony and tonality in creation. From the Back Cover Music is power ... power to influence and inspire, or to manipulate and control. It can be a wonderful means of expression, or a potent and addictive drug. This book is about the use and abuse of that power. It is timely, because Christianity today stands at a crossroads with regard to music...

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

Review:

This book takes an in-depth look at the roots of musical styles, asking pertinent questions ... [Alex Robertson] deals with many and varied musical issues ... He destroys the "classic delusion" that classical music is essentially rooted in godliness (based on the myth of the nobility of man) and questions the spirituality of numerous "Christian" composers ... Alex has some revealing thoughts about praise and worship. He emphasises the difference between the presence of God and "setting up an atmosphere" which he knows from experience "is not difficult at all". Worship, he insists, is essentially about "submission, consecration and sacrifice". He explores New Age music and also gives a lengthy chapter on image and myth and their relation to music. This requires careful reading, examining as it does the very foundations of modern Western culture. Often the book reads like a "Confessions Of A Professional Musician", as in true humility Alex gives repeated instances of his own wrong motives and goals, both before and after becoming a Christian. Alex had to be broken by God, broken from serving music as a god, to being totally given over to the one and only true Lord. This is the essential message - the independent spirit in which one pursues self and success simply must be broken and laid at the foot of the cross, never to be taken up again. A fascinating book, which profoundly challenged me. I thoroughly recommend it. --Tom Lennie, Cross Rhythms, June/July 1999

This book really is a must for all those in church leadership and especially those who are musicians. --George Laffey, Direction, November 1998 - Book of the Month

Much to say which badly needs saying about lifestyle and discipleship among worship leaders, and it has some useful analysis of the way culture is going and the ease with which the church can go along. --John Leach, Worship Together, January/February 1998

From the Back Cover:

Music is power ... power to influence and inspire, or to manipulate and control. It can be a wonderful means of expression, or a potent and addictive drug. This book is about the use and abuse of that power. It is timely, because Christianity today stands at a crossroads with regard to music. Some welcome and joyfully promote the arrival of new styles and sounds into Christian worship. Others feel strongly that the church is compromising with the world when it should be standing against it. Many are just confused.

There are questions that demand answers: What is the reason for the "music explosion" in society today? Why does music affect us so powerfully? What is God's purpose for music? What is the devil's purpose for music? What makes the difference between the use and the abuse of music?

These and many other issues are dealt with in this wide-ranging and stimulating book. Controversial and outspoken, yet balanced and constructive, this is a book to provoke thought, prayer and change.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.