Music of Darkness: The Peril of Worshiping the Creator Over the Creation by Brian L. Hedrick, the latest Nurturing Faith Books release, is now available.
While enjoying the beauty and challenge of secular classical music, Hedrick has noticed over the years that the attitude of church musicians toward the higher ideal of music is strikingly similar to the way we revere Jesus Christ in worship.
In the same way that we might say, “It’s all about Jesus,” Hedrick has heard church musicians say with equally great conviction, “It’s all about the music.”
Idolatry is a sin, but can music actually be an idol? And is musical idolatry only found outside the church, or can it also be a temptation for Christian believers?
In Music of Darkness, Hedrick explores these questions, considering dynamics of this phenomenon in our modern culture and proposing a prescription to restore music to its proper biblical perspective.
“Brian Hedrick presents a thoughtful, compelling and carefully considered diagnosis of musical idolatry, whereby a gift intended for our good and God’s glory becomes one of many ‘little gods’ that vie for our attention and devotion,” said Joel S. Davis, associate professor for music theory, composition and history in the Samford University School of the Arts.
“All those involved with church music, paid or volunteer, need to read and heed this vitally important and engaging book!” urged James R. Hart, president of the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies.
A graduate of Florida State University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies, Hedrick and his wife, Mellonee, live in Marietta, Georgia, where he serves as the assistant pastor for instrumental music at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church.
Music of Darkness is available in paperback for $18 (with free shipping) from Good Faith Media’s bookstore. An e-book will be available on Amazon (Kindle) and Barnes and Noble (Nook) within a few weeks.
Reflection and resources at the intersection of faith and culture through an inclusive Christian lens.