Recommended Resources — Music, Arts, and The Christian Life
Theology that Sticks – the Life-Changing Power of Exceptional Hymns
by Chris Anderson (foreword by Albert Mohler)
In this book Chris wants us to thoughtfully consider the kinds of songs Christians should sing. He offers what he calls a “’grid’ that helps believers measure songs intentionally and objectively rather than sentimentally or randomly.” The chapters of the book are each a “grid” through each we can examine our songs – are the songs and hymns we sing Biblical, Doctrinal, Christian, Trinitarian, Congregational, Diverse, Emotive, and many more.
The book has a companion website (https://theologythatsticks.com/), where the author offers a free sample of the book (chapter 1 and Table of Contents)
Our Hymns, Our Heritage (A Hosanna Hymnal) – A Student Guide to Songs of the Church
by David and Barbara Leeman (foreword by Keith and Kristyn Getty)
A great resource for students (of all ages) to get acquainted with “a generous collection of our greatest hymns, both ancient and modern.” Designed with parents of kids ages 9 through 12, the book offers an introduction to each hymn, with a short biography of the lyricist and the composer (or a history of the tune), followed by a As you sing this hymn section, a meditation or devotional to help us “think about what the words mean for your life.”
Families can also purchase piano recordings of all 120 hymns for singing along. This hymnal / hymnal companion / devotional guide also has a companion website (https://hosannahymnals.com/), with a few bonus materials regarding the hymns.
Additional Resources
Classic books that explain the classical Reformed traditions regarding worship
Worship – Reformed According to Scripture (Revised and Expanded Edition), by Hughes Oliphant Old
Christ-Centered Worship: Letting the Gospel Shape Our Practice, by Bryan Chapell
Art for God’s Sake – A Call to Recover the Arts, by Philip G. Ryken
How Should I Approach Art?, by R. C. Sproul
Refractions – A Journey of Faith, Art, and Culture, by Makoto Fujimura
Podcasts
(look for them in your preferred streaming app and podcast service)
Host Stephen Nichols occasionally talks about music and composers.
Michael Card has recorded over 38 albums and authored over 28 books. He has penned such favorites as “El Shaddai”, “Love Crucified Arose”, and “Immanuel,”.
Although music provided him the opportunity to share insight gained through extensive research, writing songs alone limited what he felt called to share. Card would frequently agonize over having to condense the vast depth and richness of scripture into a three-minute song. He then began to write articles and books on topics that captured his imagination through conversations with Bible teachers, friends and contemporaries in both Christian music and the academic community, and continues to write to this day.
According to its title, it is a podcast on classical music for everyone. “The show will feature interviews with the top artists of today, in-depth looks at specific pieces from the repertoire, and deep dives into each era of classical music, plus much more.”
YOUTUBE VIDEOS / TALKS
