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Sacred Music in Secular Society

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Sacred Music in Secular Society explores the enduring appeal of Christian sacred music in a largely secular world. Jonathan Arnold, a professional sacred music singer and ordained Anglican priest, combines scholarship, theological insight, and interviews with leading musicians and spiritual figures like James MacMillan and Rowan Williams. He argues that sacred music's deeply spiritual nature continues to resonate widely because it expresses humanity's inherent search for the mystical and transcendent beyond materialism and contemporary values.
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This work is ideal for readers interested in contemporary spirituality, Christianity, and music, including theologians, musicians, worship leaders, and sociologists. It appeals to both believers and secular audiences curious about faith, culture, and the arts.

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Sacred Music in Secular Society is a new and challenging work asking why Christian sacred music is now appealing afresh to a wide and varied audience, both religious and secular. Blending scholarship, theological reflection and interviews with some of the greatest musicians and spiritual leaders of our day.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

If music has ever given you 'a glimpse of something beyond the horizons of our materialism or our contemporary values' (James MacMillan), then you will find this book essential reading. Sacred Music in Secular Society is a new and challenging work asking why Christian sacred music is now appealing afresh to a wide and varied audience, both religious and secular.

Jonathan Arnold offers unique insights as a professional singer of sacred music in liturgical and concert settings worldwide, as an ordained Anglican priest and as a senior research fellow. Blending scholarship, theological reflection, and interviews with some of the greatest musicians and spiritual leaders of our day, including James MacMillan and Rowan Williams, Arnold suggests that the intrinsically theological and spiritual nature of sacred music remains an immense attraction particularly in secular society.

Intended by the composer and inspired by religious intentions, this theological and spiritual heart reflects our inherent need to express our humanity and search for the mystical or the transcendent. Offering a unique examination of the relationship between sacred music and secular society, this book will appeal to readers interested in contemporary spirituality, Christianity, music, worship, faith, and society, whether believers or not, including theologians, musicians, and sociologists.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Praised for its lucid and informed approach, the book is noted for engagingly addressing why sacred music still captivates modern audiences' spiritual senses. Experts highlight Arnold's unique qualifications and his open, accessible style that blends personal insight with conversations from renowned composers and scholars. It is described as a thought-provoking survey offering rich insights into the mysteries and beauty of sacred music, whether in worship or concert settings.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781409451709

Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 28 February 2014

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Routledge

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Width: 156.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 476g

Pages: 188

About the Author

Jonathan Arnold is Chaplain and Senior Research Fellow at Worcester College, Oxford. He is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, holds a Ph.D. from Kingโ€™s College, London and is author of Dean John Colet of St. Paulโ€™s: Humanism and Reform in Early Tudor England (London: I.B. Tauris, 2007) and The Great Humanists: An Introduction (London: I.B. Tauris, 2011). He is a former member of St. Paulโ€™s Cathedral Choir and has performed as a soloist with many leading British and European orchestras and has sung with many fine vocal ensembles, including The Tallis Scholars and Polyphony. He was a regular member of The Sixteen for many years, travelling all over the world and appearing on many recordings and broadcasts.

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