Chaplainmike

Eric Wyse: A Theology of Music in Worship

Note from CM: In days to come, I will be introducing and interviewing Eric Wyse, the author of this post. Eric is my brother-in-law, an extremely gifted musician, and currently Director of Music at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Nashville, TN. More about his journey on the Canterbury Trail later; for today he has contributedContinue reading “Eric Wyse: A Theology of Music in Worship”

Fr. Ernesto on Music in Orthodox Worship

Note from CM: Fr. Ernesto Obregon has been one of IM’s “liturgical gangstas” for a long time. He practices his faith in the Antiochan Orthodox tradition. We turn to him when we want insight into the theology and life of the Orthodox church. He blogs at OrthoCuban. * * * Orthodox worship involves the wholeContinue reading “Fr. Ernesto on Music in Orthodox Worship”

Worship Is Not Sex

UPDATE: I’m sorry that so many of you have missed the point of this piece. I have been driving from Chicago all day and didn’t have opportunity to say this earlier, so please hear this now: this post is not primarily about the content of certain contemporary worship songs. I used the Lark News pieceContinue reading “Worship Is Not Sex”

What He/She Said…

Today, here are some recent quotes from folks around the blogosphere that I heartily affirm… * * * Roger E. Olson, “What do I mean when I say the Bible is ‘trustworthy?’” Note from CM: One of Michael Spencer’s conflicts with evangelicalism was over its insistence on a biblicism that requires the foundation of inerrancy.Continue reading “What He/She Said…”

Psunday Psalms: The First Song of Praise

Psunday Psalms Devotional Thoughts on the Psalms * * * When I behold Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and stars that You put in place, what is man that You have been mindful of him, mortal man that You have taken note of him, that you have made him a littleContinue reading “Psunday Psalms: The First Song of Praise”

iMonk Musical Musings (1)

Note from CM: On Saturdays in October, we’ll put together some of Michael Spencer’s thoughts about church music that he expressed over the years here at IM and present them to you for your consideration and discussion. * * * No one will be surprised to hear me say this, but we need to findContinue reading “iMonk Musical Musings (1)”

Saturday Ramblings 10.6.12

Well, iMonks, the frost is on the pumpkin. Of all stupid sayings, that may be the leader of the pack. Yet it seems appropriate this weekend as much of the country is experiencing some very fall-like weather. Up in Maine, Ted and JoanieD may be telling us they’re experiencing winter-like weather, as they may haveContinue reading “Saturday Ramblings 10.6.12”

In Music, 50 Years Ago

Fifty years ago yesterday, a door to the future was opened. The Beatles’ song, “Love Me Do,” which became their first #1 single, was released. It ain’t church music, but no western popular music has been the same since the Beatles.

Harold Best on Sound and Silence

Harold M. Best is emeritus professor of music and dean emeritus of the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music in Wheaton, Illinois. He is past president of the National Association of Schools of Music. Best has a reputation as one of evangelical Christianity’s foremost authorities on church music. His 1993 book, Music Through the Eyes ofContinue reading “Harold Best on Sound and Silence”

Once Upon A Christian Nation

With last night’s debate still fresh in our minds, I thought we might step away from our look at church music this morning to consider this essay from Craig Bubeck. I love my country . . . I mean, you gotta’, right? Even during its awkward cycles of uninhibited vitriol, come election time (with itsContinue reading “Once Upon A Christian Nation”