Christian includes two chapters in his book that comment extensively on Bacchiocchi's book. While I haven't read the JATS articles, I would suspect that those two chapters cover some of the same ground or are based on the articles. Christian does point out many of the serious fallacies, inconsistencies and poor scholarship to be found in Bacchiocci's book. I read some of Bacchiocci's early drafts and was incredulous at the exceedingly poor scholarship and have been greatly dismayed at how readily it is so uncritically accepted by those who simply want to hear that their personal distaste for modern music is righteous. If one is evaluating either book on its inherent bias, Bacchiocci's book is the hands down winner in presenting a narrowly biased perspective. While it may not be the message that some want to hear, Christian presents a far more balanced and rational perspective that may allow for a broader range of music and musicial tastes. And he lays out some very good Biblically based principles to evaluate any music (rather than simply devaluating one particular type) and provides sound guidance on revitalizing worship, regardless of the musical style being used.

While I am quite sure that those who just seek confirmation of their own bias in favor of only music by long since decomposed composers will see Bacchiocci's book as presenting the truth as they want to hear it and will be greatly disinclined to evaluate it critically. One does not need even a pretense of rationality or logic in that context. One could quote the phone book and say that contemporary Christian music is evil and everyone in that crowd would say AMEN. Criticism of what one already dislikes or perceives as bad need not be too deep or sensible. BUT if the objective is to convince those who are thought to be corrupted by the music being condemned, Bacchiocci and those whose methods and materials he is following and using are doing such a poor job that they discredit themselves almost immediately. Their logical dissonnance will mean they are quickly tuned out and they will simply never reach their target audience.

Christian's book should be useful guidance for a much wider audience within Adventism. If all you are looking for is a blunt instrument to bash that which you already dislike or are only seeking strained accolades for your own musical preference you may be disappointed. But you will find a practical and level-headed Christian approach to music for personal and group worship.

Tom

The focus of this topic is on Christian's book.

As his book in not online anywhere, any negative critiquing of this book requires quotes. The same is true when referring negatively to any other offline book in relation to this book under discussion.

I permitted the "if" posts to remain, however, in the future, any questionable usage of "if" that directly or indirectly berates another, whether or not a member of MSDAOL, could be removed, especially if a complaint is received.

Here are a couple quotes from Joyful Noise that speak to Christian's musical preference. He spends the first chapter explaining where he is coming from and what lead him to write this book.


“I don’t often listen to music of any sort these days---I prefer silence---but when I do, it’s
usually hymns: choral, a cappella, orchestral, folk, or bluegrass. For me, the great old hymns found in our hymnal have a wonderful ability to focus the mind on God and help one say no to temptation.” p7.

“I enjoy classical music of many sorts, though I seldom listen to it. I also enjoy some types of jazz and swing, especially clarinet solos, and bluegrass, though I rarely listen to them. I used to love opera, especially Mozart and Verdi, but when I read the librettos in English and discovered their focus on sin, I stopped listening, though I still enjoy the overtures.” p8.

Before I quote more extensively from his book, I will seek his permission. Stay tuned for more.

Tom

Tom,

As Ed Christian is also a member of MSDAOL, he may wish to share it here himself, however, if he gives his permission, you are free to quote away.

One question though, isn't it permissible and not infringement of copyright laws to quote a small amount from somebody's published writings? If yes, what is a small amount?

-----

Everybody,

If he does post here, I caution anybody who disagrees with him to critique his written material with quotes in a kindly manner within acceptable limits per copyright laws which I hope Tom can establish for us here, however, please do not critique the author himself.

In other words, treat him and others as you yourself would like to be treated whenever anybody disagrees with you.

Daryl,

Good question! This falls under the concept of "fair use" under US copyright law that would allow for use and copying of a copyrighted work within certain limitations. ( I can't speak to Canadian law, although I suspect some similarity.) In particular the type of fair use in question would be using the copyrighted work for the purpose of comment and criticism. There is no hard and fast rule as to the amount that may be reasonably used for this purpose but it is looked at both qualitatively and quantitatively. Of significance is the effect of the use on the value of, or potential market for the work.

That's it in a nutshell.

Tom

Thank you, Tom.

Then in a nutshell it seems that it is OK to quote without permission as long as comments are posted for or against the quote. In other words, as long as it is critiqued.

Tom,

I have not read Christian's book you are so enthusiastic about. However, this I must say. IF his book on music is on the same level of scholarship as shown in his several AR articles (especially one on the Sabbath Pleasure) that I had some "pleasure" reading, I wouldn't waste my time reading it.

As I see it, the guy's point seems pointless making readers confused about what he really is trying to say.

The "Iffy-critics" should have no excuse now. I just checked and the book is at the ABC and available through whatever normal channels of book purchasing one prefers. It was not yet on the store shelves when I first mentioned it, so I recognize that I had a headstart advantage in commenting on the book.

Tom

This is the summary found on the back cover of the book:

"Too many Christians assume the music they like is the music God likes. They then forbid the music they don't like. Unfortunately, this attitude often drives away young people. Joyful Noise argues that Christian music should be judged not by our own tastes, but by its spiritual fruits. If music leads people to God or keeps people close to God, then God approves, whether or not we ourselves like it."

"When it comes to music in the church, however, Christ's plea is for unity. Appropriate church music doesn't alienate or offend, but brings people together and lifts them up to God."

"Caution: this book may change your life--and your church."

A very significant part of Christian's book deals with the topic of the second paragraph of that summary. In chapter 4 entitled "Guidelines for OUR Music: Congregational Worship" Christian stresses the importance of unity especially when it comes to worshipping together as a congregation. Of seven principles identified and explained in that chapter, three specifically address unity of the believers in worship music.

Tom