"The Dutch translation of The Contemporary Christian Music Debate has been of tremendous help to many church leaders in Holland who struggle with issues of modern styles and worship. The combination of solid research with a gentle manner has a way of opening otherwise closed minds." -- Arjan van den Bijgaart, Manager Ecovata Publishers"As a professor, I am constantly concerned with equipping my students with a scriptural perspective of cutting edge issues in today's youth culture. When it comes to music, I have yet to find a more balanced and thorough work on the subject." -- Dr. Bill Jones, president, Columbia International UniversityWhat’s the best worship style for my ministry? Traditional hymns? Country? Rock? Rap? Is it legitimate to use popular styles to reach young people and diverse people groups? Discover insights from the bible, missions, psychology, and the entertaining history of our hymns. Go beyond emotional appeals to 'the way we’ve always done it' and 'what the praise team likes.'Josh McDowell: 'A well-documented, biblically based, and culturally relevant insight into the debate on contemporary Christian music. For every mom, dad, and pastor, this book is a must.'College president Robertson McQuilkin: '…addresses a church-splitting and generation-splitting issue with thorough scholarship and irenic spirit. He persuades with a gentle approach that respects opposing viewpoints, and he charts practical ways for local churches to incorporate newer forms of music while maintaining harmony in a music ministry for all.'Contents1. The Christian Music ControversyPART ONE: CONTEMPORARY MUSIC UNDER FIRE2. Charges of Health Threats3. Charges of Moral Corruption4. Charges of Worldliness5. Charges of Poor Aesthetic Quality and a Cautioning Inner Witness6. Charges of Bad Associations, Questionable Motives, and Dangerous LeaningsPART TWO: A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE7. The Bible on Music8. Biblical Principles for Musicians and SponsorsPART THREE: A REVEALING JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY9. From Early Chants to Reformation Songs10. From Psalm Singing to Hymnody11. What We Can Learn from HistoryPART FOUR: HARNESSING THE POWER OF CONTEMPORARY MUSIC12. The Need for an Alternative13. Communicating Musical Convictions to Your Children14. A Christian Alternative15. Taking it to the Church16. Taking it to the WorldAPPENDIX: HOW FOUR GROWING CHURCHES USE CONTEMPORARY MUSICEND NOTES This book has been translated into Dutch, Romanian, Spanish, German and Russian.