From Memory to Imagination: Reforming the Church's Music

Calvin Institute of Christian Worship Liturgical Studies

by C. Randall Bradley

The relatively recent "worship wars" over styles of worship — traditional, contemporary, or blended — have calmed down, and many churches have now reached decisions about which "worship style" defines them. At a more fundamental level, however, change has yet to begin.

In From Memory to Imagination Randall Bradley argues that fallout from the worship wars needs to be cleaned up and that fundamental cultural changes — namely, the effects of postmodernism — call for new approaches to worship. Outlining imaginative ways for the church to move forward, this book is a must-read for church leaders and anyone interested in worship music.

253 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 21, 2012

Reviews

[Jared Longoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Randall Bradley shows his deep care and sensitivity for others even as he spurs us all forward in this inspiring read about the need for church music to move past sentimentality and provincialism and toward the imaginative, missional, inclusive, and powerful future God has in store for it. The aspects of the book I found particularly catalytic were the chapters on missional music and on becoming multi-musical, as well as the pervading theme that memory's purpose in the church is to prompt creative ideas for the future. I had the privilege of studying under Dr. Bradley at Baylor University, and this book reminded me of what a great teacher and genuinely caring person he is.

[Olga · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found chapter two to be beneficial in helping me understand how the music of the church has shaped people throughout the last several decades. Overall the rest of the book had some helpful things to say, but I was a bit disappointed. It does help you rethink many things about worship, but I wish there had been a bit more of a practical element. How can we put all of this knowledge into practice?

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one quote captures the entire essence of the book: "If the Church's music is to move forward, the God of the Church's music must be bigger than those of us who serve God. God must be bigger than the stylistic boxes that our finite musical abilities have constructed. God must be bigger than the limits of our voices, our instrumental abilities, and the surest technique we can muster. God must be bigger than any argument, apologetic, or case study we can construct. In the final analysis, what may be most likely to allow the size of our God to increase is the full release of our imagination. Allowing the size of our God to grow makes us open to others, gives us space to think creatively, and allows us to imagine a world that is yet to be fully realized."