Description

This is an Audit course. No course credits will be given.

This course provides a critical, biblically grounded examination of music, challenging students to develop a strong, spiritually discerning philosophy regarding the music they consume and use for worship. By evaluating both secular genres and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) through the lens of Scripture, this class seeks to answer vital questions about music’s inherent power, neutrality, and purpose. Ultimately, students will be equipped to establish personal convictions and embrace the elements of truly Christ-honoring music.

What You Will Learn Throughout this course, we will tackle the cultural and spiritual implications of musical choices, covering:

• Foundational Principles: An introduction to God’s original purpose for music, understanding Christian liberty, and establishing clear biblical boundaries for the believer.

• Secular Music Analysis: A critical look at the sounds, cultures, and messaging behind popular secular genres, including Rap, Hip Hop, Jazz, Country, and Rock.

• The CCM Debate: An in-depth evaluation of Contemporary Christian Music, tackling the question “Is music neutral?” and examining the influencing power of sound as a messenger.

• Standards and Convictions: Practical guidance on forming personal standards of holiness and exploring the biblical arguments for avoiding worldly styles in corporate worship.

• Defining True Worship: A study on the true “heart of worship,” including historical insights from figures like Isaac Watts.

• Christ-Honoring Music: Identifying the specific elements that make music pleasing to God and concluding with a celebration of the enduring value of the traditional hymnbook.

Who Should Take This Course? This class is designed for worship leaders, pastors, parents, and any believer seeking to navigate modern musical culture with biblical discernment and build a God-honoring foundation for their musical choices.