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I have read a lot of books on the subject of music, studied the Biblical teachings, preached on the subject, and taught a few Bible institute-level classes. There are many excellent resources I would be happy to recommend. However, Gordon’s “Why Johnny Can’t Sing Hymns” is unique, in my opinion and experience.
Many of the authors I trust and respect focus on the words we sing and the music we sing them to, and rightly so.
I have no doubt that music on it’s own conveys a message and so the music we use matters. On that subject, it is difficult to explain a reproducible, applicable, objective measure of what constitutes morally good music. Some do a better job than others. Some simply say we should not sing “worldly” music without much of an explanation why.
That is where I believe Gordon’s book excel and holds a unique position. He explains how and why traditional hymns were abandoned, the damage it has caused, and how to teach “Johnny” how to sing hymns again.
While I have read many books on the subject, some I would consider essential in the discussion and formation of a position. Gordon’s book falls into that tier.
Every one who takes worship seriously would benefit from this book.
The people who say things like “Music doesn’t matter”, “Don’t be divisive”, “Don’t be old fashioned.”, and “Just sing what you enjoy” are the ones who most need to read this book.
Our music forms one of the most influential forces in our lives and why so many crave the contemporary and all-too-easily abandon the traditional must be carefully considered.
This goes far deeper than just the sound of what we sing.
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