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: Paperback / softback
Length: 282 pages
Publication date: 26 September 2022
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 in the 20th century concerning rock music. 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 in Christian musicking have begun to incorporate the experiences, agencies, and relationships of congregations, thereby raising ethical dilemmas that were previously implicit. These inquiries delve into the complex ways in which communities navigate questions of value in music, the dynamics of encounters with diverse others through musical activity, and the responsibilities that arise within musical communities.

To further enrich this conversation, this volume aims to expand the discourse by presenting a comprehensive exploration of the relationship between Christian musicking and the body, responsibilities and values, identity and encounter, and notions of the self. Divided into four sections, the book offers a broad and multifaceted 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 resource 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 musical activity, this volume contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of music in shaping moral and spiritual landscapes, fostering interfaith dialogue, and promoting social justice and harmony.

Weight: 464g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367724382