Music Matters: Understanding and Applying the Amazing Power of Godly Music

by Cary Schmidt

In this thought-provoking book, you will discover a biblical and encouraging perspective on the power of music and how to use it effectively in your life. You will be challenged to consider music as more than entertainment and to make wise choices that will facilitate greater spiritual growth.

Genres: Music, Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction

104 pages, Paperback

First published June 7, 2007

About the author

Cary Schmidt is the senior pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church of Newington, Connecticut.

Reviews

[Allison Anderson Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short and sweet book on Cary's opinion/beliefs on music, quite black and white, maybe too much for my taste, but that is also just my opinion as well. I thought he made a lot of good points and I agree with many of them. I agree that music can have an effect on you and that it can influence your choices and moods. I also believe a lot of pop culture music portrays rebellion in many different ways. However, I do not agree that all kinds of music besides traditional hymns and spiritual songs are wrong. There are plenty of instances in the Bible that reference cultural and occasional music. Also, I know of plenty of classical music examples that would sound perfectly acceptable to our 21st century ears that at first sounded quite sensuous and discordant to 18-19th century ears. Those are similar words used to describe a lot of modern music in a derogatory way. I'm not saying I disagree with those who might say that, but just noting this fact that new ideas/concepts/sounds are often too long distrusted by older people and embraced too fast by younger. I think it is important to understand that any Christian who is walking with God will be sensitive to His leading in their choices, but I also recognize that God works in everyone's hearts in different ways at different speeds. Jesus didn't have much to say about music while He was here on earth and I wish He had. Maybe He did, it just wasn't recorded because it wasn't necessary for us. In any case, I wish we didn't live in a fallen world where the beautiful creation of music was constantly being twisted, degraded, perverted, and argued over.

[Thomas Kinsfather · Rating 2 out of 5]

I doubt this book will sway any one's opinion. Strongly biased from the start, Schmidt argues that ALL music is either good or evil all the time. A hard pill to swallow, unless you already believe like he does.

Good thoughts on the influence of music.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent points made using scripture! This is making me take a serious look at what I've been listening to as well as what I'm currently listening to.

[Gordon Alley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cary Schmidt is a master in describing how "music matters" in our lives. In his book, he describes how the battle between the Spirit and the flesh is waged through the powerful force of music. Using many illustrations, Mr. Schmidt connects with the reader in an easy-to-read and easy-to-understand format that makes this book a great read for young people or for persons with little musical background. However, the truths in this book are deep enough to make it a worth-while read for those who need to choose to read only the best of the books on the market.

The author personally shares the battle of music in his own life and how that the Holy Spirit showed him that the poor choices of music in his life was a result of a "developed" self-willed lifestyle and the lack of surrender his life. One particular line he used was "It's just Music!" How true: yet a powerful tool used by God to draw the Christian to the Spirit of Life and Peace or used by the devil to draw the Christian to the Flesh and the destruction of sin and death.

[Ashlee Hiles · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book for someone who is just starting to dive into the spiritual warfare behind music. It introduces the topic of music - the purpose of music in God’s design, the power of worldly music in our lives, and the power and importance of godly music. If you’re looking for something more in-depth on the topic, I would recommend looking elsewhere, as this book tends to be pretty surface level. But again, it’s a great introductory book into the conversation, filled with Scripture.

[Lizzy Hite · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Read this for Sunday school) Excellent presentation that has given me quite a lot to mull over.

[Tonja · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is really a great book and worthy to be read by every Christian. We underestimate the impact and influence that choosing godly music that is "above reproach" has in our spiritual growth.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little book!

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It really makes you think and it's not just the author's opinion, but he also uses Bible verses as well, which really helps.

[Sarah]

Enjoyed reading this book. It's given me great insight and practical helps.

[Austin Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the author’s ministry and heart for God! It made me examine whether music is an idol in my life or a tool that I can use to worship Christ.