The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: Music and Worship
Ebook
The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob brings readers on a surprising journey from the dawn of divine-human communion to the present, showing how this mysterious, ongoing relationship holds the keys to true worship. Laying a new foundation for understanding worship, the book makes a compelling case for distinguishing the church's practices from those of the world. Recognizing the holiness of worship, the author observes that music itself, apart from language, conveys its own theological meaning; that, similar to Scripture, there is an evolving canon of sacred music; and that, to mitigate idolatry, the spirit of worship must be tested to ensure that it addresses the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. When this timeless liturgical journey with God is honored with vital commitment, worship will be compelling and transfiguring to all people, at all levels of religious experience.
"Steven Darsey is a master church musician. Now, in this
engaging, theologically well-formed, and very practical book,
Darsey gives us pastors and worship leaders the guidance we need to
more faithfully and vibrantly lead God's people in worship."
--Will Willimon, Duke Divinity School
"Questioning the logic--and the orthodoxy--of contemporary fads,
Darsey challenges us to anchor our musical and liturgical practices
in the historic tradition of the church, innovating in ways that
continue to honor and speak out of the centuries-long tradition of
Christian worship. This book makes a vital contribution to our
reflection on this sacred task."
--David A. deSilva, Ashland Theological Seminary
"This concise and very thoughtful book presents a deep-searching
philosophical and theological discussion of the biblical
foundations of sacred music. The choice of the book's title may not
be obvious right away, but the meaning of the God of Abraham,
Isaac, and Jacob for the ministry of music is clearly brought to
life and, moreover, engages the mind and spirit of church musicians
in going about their day-to-day work."
--Christoph Wolff, Harvard University
"This slight book bears a weighty message: thinking about church
music demands thinking about worship and thinking about worship
requires honoring the transcendence of God. Precisely the book's
refusal to compromise with contemporary tastes makes it worth
reading."
--Luke Johnson, Candler School of Theology
"Clear, bold, and radiant with prophetic conviction, Steven
Darsey's book . . . should be required reading for seminarians and
church-music students, ministers and church musicians. Whether
agreeing or disagreeing, no serious reader can fail to gain
appreciation for the hard work of musical discernment required to
balance heritage and relevance as we worship the God of Abraham,
Isaac, and Jacob."
--Albert Blackwell, author of The Sacred in Music
"Darsey's book is an intelligent and challenging, if concise, view
of what constitutes worship and the role of music in that
worship... The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob can be a
hard read. I guarantee that regardless of your place on the
music/liturgy continuum, there will be a point at which you will
feel uncomfortable. But I would urge you to read on and understand
your discomfort as a sign of engagement and caring discernment.
Highly recommended."
--Erik W. Goldstrom, as reviewed in The Journal of the
Association of Anglican Muscians
Product Details
- Title : The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: Music and Worship
- Authors:
- Darsey, Steven F.
- Craddock, Fred B.
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Publication Date: 2013
- ISBN: 9781621898139
Steven Darsey has served Atlanta's Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church as director of music since 1986. Holding the Doctor of Musical Arts from the Yale School of Music and Institute of Sacred Music, he has served several churches of different denominations and Emory's Candler School of Theology. He articulates his commitment to worship through writing, conducting, composing, and serving as founding artistic director of the worship arts organization Meridian Herald.