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Why Johnny Can't Sing Hymns: How Pop Culture Rewrote the Hymnal

T David Gordon
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Changes in music have affected the way we think, the way we worship—even the way we are able to worship. We are steeped in a culture of pop music that makes other genres seem strangely foreign and unhelpful. Worship has become a conflict area, rather than a source of unity.

T. David Gordon looks at these changes in worship and not only examines the problems, but also provides solutions. They are solutions of great importance to us all—because how we sing affects how we live.

Specifications
  • Cover Type
    Paperback
  • ISBN
    9781596381957
  • Page Count
    192
  • Weight
    0.45 lb
  • Publisher
    P&R Publishing Company
  • Publication Date
    June 2010

Endorsements (3)

"Dr. Gordon is at it again, bringing reformed theology and media ecology to bear on one of the thorniest issues in the church todayworship song. Witty, persuasive, and gracious, he challenges the conventional wisdom in the midst of the so-called 'worship wars,' asking for a serious inquiry into the nature of worship song and the media appropriate to it. He convinces us that if we are to worship with reverence and awe we must not unthinkingly accept the message of popular music."

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Gregory E. Reynolds

Author of The Word Is Worth a Thousand Pictures: Preaching in the Electronic Age

"'Worship forms, tunes, and practices are neutral.' 'We may worship God in any way that is not forbidden.' T. David Gordon criticizes these widely held assumptions in light of the biblical doctrine of worship. he makes a vigorous case for traditional forms of worship. Those who have never considered the tradition will benefit from this critique, and all those ho read will find this essay stimulating."

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R. Scott Clark

Professor of Church History and Historical Theology, Westminster Seminary California

"T. David Gordon's writing is refreshingly candid and insightful. In this very readable volume he helpfully contextualizes the ways pop music has impoverished our culture and worship in so many churches, while calling us to embrace again the enduring values of hymnody and psalmody. I encourage anyone concerned about biblical worship to read this book."

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Paul S. Jones

Music Director, Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia

About the Author

T. David Gordon was professor of religion and Greek at Grove City College for more than twenty years. Previously, he was an associate professor of New Testament at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and, for nearly a decade, pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashua, New Hampshire. He is the author of several books and numerous theological articles.
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