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Sound Worship: A Guide to Making Musical Choices in a Noisy World
This is a book about making musical choices. But not just any choices. This is a book about making musical choices that are deliberately informed by the Word of God. It is about making choices that are discerning, wise, beneficial, and edifying. This book is about making musical choices that will bring glory to God. Six brief, engaging chapters will help you answer the most significant questions influencing our musical choices today.
- GenresMusicNonfiction
131 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 27, 2025
It wasn't bad, I didn't have any major disagreements, but a couple things about the book made it lacking a little:
- Mainly, I think the scope of topics covered was far too wide for such a small book. There wasn't enough time to really lay a solid foundation for his arguments, which made some of them feel lacking. If he had focused on building up his arguments and discussion in one or two of the chapters, I think it would have been much more successful.
- I felt some of the exegesis was flawed. In fact, although he had plenty of scripture to support his arguments, he chose some interesting ones that honestly derailed his point to a certain extent because of the way he interpreted them.
I really would have enjoyed, in particular, a deeper dive into the theology of beauty, and into his thoughts on music teaching or training the emotions. Those portions were really interesting to me, but needed more.
- Mainly, I think the scope of topics covered was far too wide for such a small book. There wasn't enough time to really lay a solid foundation for his arguments, which made some of them feel lacking. If he had focused on building up his arguments and discussion in one or two of the chapters, I think it would have been much more successful.
- I felt some of the exegesis was flawed. In fact, although he had plenty of scripture to support his arguments, he chose some interesting ones that honestly derailed his point to a certain extent because of the way he interpreted them.
I really would have enjoyed, in particular, a deeper dive into the theology of beauty, and into his thoughts on music teaching or training the emotions. Those portions were really interesting to me, but needed more.
July 20, 2011
Aniol's focus on the "Affections" argument is concerning. First of all, its foundation on the Bible is tenuous (at best). One of his core positions in the book is that words alone are not sufficient to worship or to express our emotions. Those emotions can only be expressed properly through music. He states (page 48) "We can, of course, simply tell the Lord that we love him or that we rejoice in him, but really, words are inadequate to express our hearts, arent' they? ... Words alone are inadequate to express our affections."
If this is what he really believes (and I know Scott woudn't hold this position) it would deny the sufficiency of Scripture. Page 48, he states "You see, we need something besides mere words to help us both express our affections to God and teach us the qualities of right affections." Since we have no inspired tunes, only the words of God, then we cannot properly express or affections to God, or Him express his affections to us.
The conclusion of the book seemed to be missing, and seemed to stop rather abruptly.
Books with a more consistant, full application of Scripture worth considering are "Worship by the Book" (edited by D.A. Carson) and "Worship Matters" by Bob Kauflin.
If this is what he really believes (and I know Scott woudn't hold this position) it would deny the sufficiency of Scripture. Page 48, he states "You see, we need something besides mere words to help us both express our affections to God and teach us the qualities of right affections." Since we have no inspired tunes, only the words of God, then we cannot properly express or affections to God, or Him express his affections to us.
The conclusion of the book seemed to be missing, and seemed to stop rather abruptly.
Books with a more consistant, full application of Scripture worth considering are "Worship by the Book" (edited by D.A. Carson) and "Worship Matters" by Bob Kauflin.
March 3, 2023
Um bom livro sobre a música no culto. Uns senões aqui e ali, mas, no geral, vai somar muito.
Em breve, pela editora Defesa do Evangelho.
Em breve, pela editora Defesa do Evangelho.
March 5, 2024
You won't look at church music the same way with this one.
August 22, 2013
Let’s say that we accept the author’s two big premises in this work, viz., that (1) an appeal to “sola scriptura” in ethical decisions is improper, and (2) that there are classes of emotions which are negative and others that are positive (aka, “affections”). While there may be some sound rebuttals to both of these points and better ways of understanding these issues, the conclusion of the book is still weak.
Allow me to demonstrate: Aniol admits some sort of segmentation between good and bad emotions. And he certainly allows exceptions or “affections” clauses for biblical expressions of, say, anger (Eph. 4:26), sadness (Lamentations, Job), etc. Now let’s say that we accept Aniol’s rather simplistic claim that “loud, fast, and intense [music] usually mimics anger.” But is this the evil emotion called “anger” or is it the good affection called “anger”? The end result is the same impasse that we started with.
There’s a further problem with this approach. Who determines what emotions or affections that particular genres or specific songs elicit? Do we rely on those who have been conditioned from youth to like or dislike particular genres? Do we rely on musicologists? Should we expect that the conclusions made should be universal for all times and cultures? While Aniol’s approach seems on the surface to be a more intellectual perspective on the music debate than that of the the previous century, it really ends up with the same quibble over who gets to decide what unholy thoughts, actions, or emotions are forced on people who listen to it.
Another issue I have with the book is that Aniol targets “emotionalism” in worship. And perhaps some churches and movements that Aniol interacts with struggle with this issue. So I suppose it is worthy of address. But the prime readers of Aniol’s literature spring from Christian fundamentalism, which tends (this is a generalization, I admit) to disparage any sort of emotion in worship. In extremely formal segments of this movement, the opinion seems to be that God is worthy of our intellect and will, but not our emotions. And I think Aniol caters to this movement well (hence the positive reviews from some within that movement). Aniol would have done better to warn against both the extremes of rejecting emotions in worship and rejecting *all but* emotions in worship. There really are two dangers, and Aniol simplistically attacks only one of these errors.
So because of the weak logic and imbalance of perspective, I cannot recommend this work.
Allow me to demonstrate: Aniol admits some sort of segmentation between good and bad emotions. And he certainly allows exceptions or “affections” clauses for biblical expressions of, say, anger (Eph. 4:26), sadness (Lamentations, Job), etc. Now let’s say that we accept Aniol’s rather simplistic claim that “loud, fast, and intense [music] usually mimics anger.” But is this the evil emotion called “anger” or is it the good affection called “anger”? The end result is the same impasse that we started with.
There’s a further problem with this approach. Who determines what emotions or affections that particular genres or specific songs elicit? Do we rely on those who have been conditioned from youth to like or dislike particular genres? Do we rely on musicologists? Should we expect that the conclusions made should be universal for all times and cultures? While Aniol’s approach seems on the surface to be a more intellectual perspective on the music debate than that of the the previous century, it really ends up with the same quibble over who gets to decide what unholy thoughts, actions, or emotions are forced on people who listen to it.
Another issue I have with the book is that Aniol targets “emotionalism” in worship. And perhaps some churches and movements that Aniol interacts with struggle with this issue. So I suppose it is worthy of address. But the prime readers of Aniol’s literature spring from Christian fundamentalism, which tends (this is a generalization, I admit) to disparage any sort of emotion in worship. In extremely formal segments of this movement, the opinion seems to be that God is worthy of our intellect and will, but not our emotions. And I think Aniol caters to this movement well (hence the positive reviews from some within that movement). Aniol would have done better to warn against both the extremes of rejecting emotions in worship and rejecting *all but* emotions in worship. There really are two dangers, and Aniol simplistically attacks only one of these errors.
So because of the weak logic and imbalance of perspective, I cannot recommend this work.
February 1, 2012
I enjoyed reading Scott's smaller book on music. Though he is swimming against the flow in many areas, I believe he is absolutely correct on his main points. His treatment of the sufficiency of Scripture is especially well done. It corrects some common misapprehensions about the doctrine that have become popular despite lacking biblical support let alone a informed understanding of the doctrine's history His chapter on evaluating musical communication also provides an excellent paradigm that works not only in making music choices but also for guiding choices in every area of the Christian life. I also find myself inclined toward his view that beauty is not simply subjective, but that was one part of the book where I desired more argumentation. I look forward to reading Scott's larger book, where he may provide what I'm looking for. In all, this is an edifying book on a controversial topic because it generates more light than heat. Even if there were no controversy (and may that be so in the future), Scott's book would remain a useful guide for applying the Scripture to music, worship, and life.
January 27, 2018
Good stuff. This book should be boringly uncontroversial. But as it sadly isn't, it's a jolly good read and heartily recommended.
May 17, 2021
There are a few helpful sections of this book, but Aniol's exegesis is a bit suspect in a number of places. I am afraid that he is a bit dogmatic in some areas where the Bible is not.
March 11, 2023
I found Scott’s book to helpful. I am currently reading through his larger work Worship In Song and find it much more thorough and detailed.
April 23, 2013
This is not a long book and it's very easy to read. Scott works through the biblical data on music with an even mix of simple exegesis and analysis. The writing style is very clear; the thoughts are lucid and helpful. While nothing in the book is highly profound or ground breaking, it was definitely helpful. Because of its length, I think this book would be perfect for a pastoral context—handing it off to someone who is working through this issue. Reading this made me want to pick up Scott's other (longer) book.
Key points:
-Music communicates emotions and emotions are not neutral. Scott pointed out that while we might say "anger," for instance could either be good or bad, we just aren't being specific enough with our labels. Righteous indignation is good; unbridled rage is not. They are really two separate emotions. The question we should ask, therefore, is whether the emotion artistically represented in a song befits God or befits worship. If music can depict rage or self-will in its style then music is not amoral.
-If Pastors have the primary oversight over the doctrine in their church, shouldn't they also have primary oversight over the style of worship.
-Musical tastes develop over time. Just because I like something doesn't mean it's neutral or good. I might just need to better develop my tastes.
Good book. Buy it.
Other notes (from Kindle—sorry about the formatting)
Care must always be taken that the song be neither light nor frivolous; but that it have weight and majesty (as Augustine says), and also, there is a great difference between music which one makes to entertain men at table and in their houses, and the Psalms which are sung in the Church in the presence of God and his angels.Read more at location 245 • Delete this highlight
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Instead, the Bible is an all-sufficient guide for developing a God-pleasing worldview. It doesn't give us specific lists that cover all possible situations we may encounter in our lives. It gives us ways to order our thinking so that we will choose what is right even when God has not explicitly told us what to do in a given situation. There are hundreds of situations we face today that the Bible doesn't specifically address because we encounter issues that the original authors and audiences would have never imag-ined. The Bible does not perfectly equip us for every good work by telling us the exact right decisions to make for every situation we may face.Read more at location 411 • Delete this highlight
Add a note
Second, we apply those timeless principles to contemporary issues. This step requires understanding the nature of the contemporary issue, and again, this may require the consultation of extra-biblical sources. Students of the Bible use extra-biblical sources of truth regularly as they interpret the Bible. Why, then, do some refuse to use extra-biblical sources as they apply the Bible?Read more at location 455 • Delete this highlight
Add a note
Worship happens when believers understand truth about God and respond rightly in their spirits.Read more at location 519 • Delete this highlight
Add a note
God has given us clear prescriptions and examples of the elements we may include in our corporate New Testament worship. These God-approved elements are Scripture reading (1 Timothy 4:13), preaching (2 Timothy 4:2), singing (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16), prayer (1 Timothy 2:1), the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper (Acts 2:41—42), and giving (2 Corinthians 16). If we are to worship in truth, we may not add any other elements based upon our own ingenuity or creativity.Read more at location 542 • Delete this highlight
Add a note
Some kinds of emotional expressions are simply inappropriate for the worship of God.Read more at location 633 • Delete this highlight
Add a note
But Christians have the same kinds of wrong feelings. And when we fill our lives with music that expresses rage, we are doing nothing to help our problem. We are not helping to sanctify our emotions.Read more at location 649 • Delete this highlight
Add a note
First, setting the philosophy of music for a church falls under the responsibility of pastoral leadership just as setting the philosophy of preaching falls under pastoral authority.Read more at location 663 • Delete this highlight
Add a note
Since not all kinds of emotion are appropriate for expression to God, not all kinds of music are appropriate either.Read more at location 672 • Delete this highlight
Add a note
We are actually describing two different kinds of anger, one that is always good and one that is always evil.Read more at location 839 • Delete this highlight
Add a note
We should not be asking, “What's wrong with it?” We should be asking, “What is right with it?”Read more at location 863 • Delete this highlight
Add a note
Key points:
-Music communicates emotions and emotions are not neutral. Scott pointed out that while we might say "anger," for instance could either be good or bad, we just aren't being specific enough with our labels. Righteous indignation is good; unbridled rage is not. They are really two separate emotions. The question we should ask, therefore, is whether the emotion artistically represented in a song befits God or befits worship. If music can depict rage or self-will in its style then music is not amoral.
-If Pastors have the primary oversight over the doctrine in their church, shouldn't they also have primary oversight over the style of worship.
-Musical tastes develop over time. Just because I like something doesn't mean it's neutral or good. I might just need to better develop my tastes.
Good book. Buy it.
Other notes (from Kindle—sorry about the formatting)
Care must always be taken that the song be neither light nor frivolous; but that it have weight and majesty (as Augustine says), and also, there is a great difference between music which one makes to entertain men at table and in their houses, and the Psalms which are sung in the Church in the presence of God and his angels.Read more at location 245 • Delete this highlight
Add a note
Instead, the Bible is an all-sufficient guide for developing a God-pleasing worldview. It doesn't give us specific lists that cover all possible situations we may encounter in our lives. It gives us ways to order our thinking so that we will choose what is right even when God has not explicitly told us what to do in a given situation. There are hundreds of situations we face today that the Bible doesn't specifically address because we encounter issues that the original authors and audiences would have never imag-ined. The Bible does not perfectly equip us for every good work by telling us the exact right decisions to make for every situation we may face.Read more at location 411 • Delete this highlight
Add a note
Second, we apply those timeless principles to contemporary issues. This step requires understanding the nature of the contemporary issue, and again, this may require the consultation of extra-biblical sources. Students of the Bible use extra-biblical sources of truth regularly as they interpret the Bible. Why, then, do some refuse to use extra-biblical sources as they apply the Bible?Read more at location 455 • Delete this highlight
Add a note
Worship happens when believers understand truth about God and respond rightly in their spirits.Read more at location 519 • Delete this highlight
Add a note
God has given us clear prescriptions and examples of the elements we may include in our corporate New Testament worship. These God-approved elements are Scripture reading (1 Timothy 4:13), preaching (2 Timothy 4:2), singing (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16), prayer (1 Timothy 2:1), the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper (Acts 2:41—42), and giving (2 Corinthians 16). If we are to worship in truth, we may not add any other elements based upon our own ingenuity or creativity.Read more at location 542 • Delete this highlight
Add a note
Some kinds of emotional expressions are simply inappropriate for the worship of God.Read more at location 633 • Delete this highlight
Add a note
But Christians have the same kinds of wrong feelings. And when we fill our lives with music that expresses rage, we are doing nothing to help our problem. We are not helping to sanctify our emotions.Read more at location 649 • Delete this highlight
Add a note
First, setting the philosophy of music for a church falls under the responsibility of pastoral leadership just as setting the philosophy of preaching falls under pastoral authority.Read more at location 663 • Delete this highlight
Add a note
Since not all kinds of emotion are appropriate for expression to God, not all kinds of music are appropriate either.Read more at location 672 • Delete this highlight
Add a note
We are actually describing two different kinds of anger, one that is always good and one that is always evil.Read more at location 839 • Delete this highlight
Add a note
We should not be asking, “What's wrong with it?” We should be asking, “What is right with it?”Read more at location 863 • Delete this highlight
Add a note
January 16, 2012
I enjoyed reading Scott's smaller book on music. Though he is swimming against the flow in many areas, I believe he is absolutely correct on his main points. His treatment of the sufficiency of Scripture is especially well done. It corrects some common misapprehensions about the doctrine that have become popular despite lacking biblical support let alone a informed understanding of the doctrine's history His chapter on evaluating musical communication also provides an excellent paradigm that works not only in making music choices but also for guiding choices in every area of the Christian life. I also find myself inclined toward his view that beauty is not simply subjective, but that was one part of the book where I desired more argumentation. I look forward to reading Scott's larger book, where he may provide what I'm looking for. In all, this is an edifying book on a controversial topic because it generates more light than heat. Even if there were no controversy (and may that be so in the future), Scott's book would remain a useful guide for applying the Scripture to music, worship, and life.
May 2, 2016
Excellent resource for serious worshippers
Sound Worship should be a required read for all believers. It is not as much a text about music as it is about sincere and deliberate worship. It is an easy read with many biblical and logical helps.
Sound Worship should be a required read for all believers. It is not as much a text about music as it is about sincere and deliberate worship. It is an easy read with many biblical and logical helps.
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August 21, 20120520
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews