Ethics and Christian Musicking

The relationship between musical activity and ethical significance has long been debated within Christianity and beyond. This volume explores how Christian musicking relates to the body, responsibilities and values, identity and encounter, and notions of the self, offering a wide-ranging perspective on music as an ethical practice. It is a vital reference for scholars and practitioners reflecting on the values and practices of worshipping communities in the contemporary world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 282 pages
Publication date: 23 March 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The profound connection between musical activity and ethical significance has been a subject of extensive contemplation and reflection within Christianity and beyond. This relationship spans a rich tapestry of thought, from early Christian writings that addressed the relationship between music and the passions to the moral panics that emerged concerning rock music in the 20th century. Throughout this journey, Christians have often held the belief that music possesses the potential to carry moral weight, leading to the development of a range of normative practices and prescriptions based on specific modes of ethical judgment.

However, as our understanding of ethics and Christian musical activity evolves in the contemporary world, it becomes crucial to explore these questions in new and innovative ways. Recent studies of Christian musicking have taken a holistic approach, incorporating the experiences, agencies, and relationships of congregations. This shift has led to the emergence of ethical concerns that were previously implicit, such as how communities negotiate questions of value in music, how processes of encounter with diverse others are negotiated through musical activity, and what responsibilities arise within musical communities.

To address these pressing concerns, this volume seeks to expand the conversation further. Divided into four sections, the book explores the multifaceted relationship of Christian musicking to the body, responsibilities and values, identity and encounter, and notions of the self. The result is a comprehensive perspective on music as an ethical practice, particularly as it relates to contemporary religious and spiritual communities.

This collection represents a significant milestone at the intersection of ethnomusicology, musicology, religious studies, and theology. It will serve as a vital reference for scholars and practitioners engaged in reflecting on the values and practices of worshipping communities in the modern world. By delving into the ethical dimensions of Christian musical activity, this volume contributes to a deeper understanding of the role that music plays in shaping our moral and spiritual lives.

Weight: 590g
Dimension: 242 x 162 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367431488