Christian music is experiencing a pop breakthrough
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“The genre is rising in mainstream popularity.” - NPR
A Biblical Understanding of Music
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“An individual’s theology drives musical choice. The outgrowth of a biblical theology is spirit-filled singing coupled with gracious thanksgiving (Col. 3:16-17). There is also an emphasis on worshipping God with singing for His attributes and works (Ps. 95:1-6). Non-biblical theology is characterized by the ‘noise of war’ (Exod. 32:17) and insincere songs (Amos 6:5).” - P&D
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The Story Behind Handel’s Messiah: Charles King’s book ‘Every Valley’
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“In Every Valley, Charles King, a professor at Georgetown University, describes this monumental performance in great detail. But his story begins many years earlier, charting Handel’s rise to celebrity status in one of the most polarized ages of British history.” - Plough
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On Bible Interpretation, Evidence, and Music
2 Timothy 3:16 reveals that all of Scripture is God-inspired and instructive. Taken with Romans 15:4, similar verses, and examples of NT use of OT passages, some have concluded that even incidental narrative details are potential sources of doctrine.
Since OT narrative details reference everything from clothing to cooking, tools, weapons, vehicles (carts, chariots), and so much more, there are, of course, references to music. There are even references to specific instruments, moods, and uses of music.
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Excellence in Conservative Christian Music Begins in the Home
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“First, Christian parents should play and learn to appreciate ‘classical music’ in their homes on a regular basis…. Second, Christian parents should seek to provide classical musical training to their children in the form of music lessons if possible.” - P&D
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Contemporary Christian Is One of Music’s Fastest-Growing Genres. Why?
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“Christian music is having a moment. In the first half of 2024, it was the fourth fastest-growing music genre, fueled by surprisingly large gains among younger listeners.” - TGC
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Sing Old Hymns to Encourage New Life
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“We’re often told singing in church ‘isn’t about us.’ But Scripture does tell us to address one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs (Eph. 5:19).” - TGC
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‘My Times Are In Your Hand’ – A Musical Experiment
It’s often said that the good is the enemy of the best. It’s also often said that the perfect is the enemy of the good. Both observations are true in different contexts, sort of like Proverbs 26:4-5.
In my own life, the perfect vs. good version seems more applicable. In order to finish anything, I often have to force myself to stop improving it, shrug, and say, “It’ll do, I guess.”
So, in the spirit of flawed-but-finished, I’m releasing some music into the wild today.
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Study uncovers link between musical preferences and our inner moral compass
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“Our findings reveal that music is not merely a source of entertainment or aesthetic pleasure; it is also a powerful medium that reflects and shapes our moral sensibilities” - Phys.org
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A neuroscientist looks at how music heals us, even when it’s sad
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“Such musical interventions have already been shown to help people with cancer, chronic pain and depression. The debilitating consequences of stress, such as elevated blood pressure and muscle tension, can also be alleviated through the power of music.” - The Conversation
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