Can we Rock the Gospel?

What are your tastes in music? What might you listen to on the radio or in the car? Further still, what music features in the church services that you attend?

Many attending services in Evangelical Christendom have become familiar with other musical instruments than the pipe organ. The rise of the ‘worship leader’ as an important figure in the life of some churches is a testimony to a significant change that is gathering pace and affecting many assemblies. What should we think? Should we embrace the trend and seek to use it to reach those that do not attend places of worship?

This is clearly an emotive subject upon which many have already taken sides. On that basis many will not welcome this book because of the stance that it takes. The authors argue that rock music is dividing the church and that a significant mass of believers have been marginalised by the trend towards the adoption of this type of music in church services. They cite it as something that is a stumbling block to many, that displays an unsound understanding of worship, and that brings in heretical teaching.

Few could doubt that this is a well researched book, although some have argued that the research is dated, and one that examines the nature of music and its effects, desired or otherwise. The authors argue, ‘any method or medium … which makes the word of God more difficult to hear … is not serving the cause of God but actually hindering it’.

This is not comfortable reading. In demonstrating rock music’s links with occult and pagan religions and its propagation of immoral practices, the writers are forthright. Whatever your views on this subject may be, this challenging book should be read, thoughtfully.