Music in Liturgy and Life

Music has profound effects on our moods and minds. If we believe the ancient wisdom, this is because the harmonies, movements, and melodies of music move and mold the soul. Music can ravish or terrify us, and a constant died of music terror will leave us skittish as rabbits.

Technology has made it possible for us to be surrounded by music 24/7, and if music has the psychic effects suggested above, our saturation in music should catch the attention of those who are devoted to soul care. What we listen to is a pastoral concern.

The church and her pastors have largely failed to provide adequate guidance in this area. There have always been loud voices raised against the devil’s music. More common today is the easy adaptation of contemporary music into the church’s worship. 

There’s a need for a musically informed and theologically sophisticated treatment of contemporary music in liturgy and life. During Pentecost term (May 18-22), the Theopolis Institute will host a course on music taught by Ken Myers and James Jordan. 

Myers, founder and host of Mars Hill Audio magazine, is one of America’s most incisive cultural critics, and has devoted much of his time and energy exploring the character of musical meaning and teaching Christians to listen with discriminating ears. For many years, Jordan has translated Psalms and set them to chant music, arrange liturgical music, and explored the heritage of Western music. Together, Myers and Jordan will enable pastors, future pastors, and interested lay people to become more faithful hearers and shepherds of music.

Registration for the course is now open on the Theopolis web site.