Rating: 
Summary: Don't agree completely, but thought provoking
Review: "Why I Left The Contemporary Christian Music Movement" questions the modernization of music in the church, using author Dan Lucarini's own experience as a worship leader and evidence from scripture, along with the occaisonal quote from a bible academic or two. He also tackles the reasons that contemporary christians give for making the modernization, dissecting and questioning the relevance of these. Lucarini is not a professional writer by any means, but has written a straightforward, easy to read, yet thought provoking book all the same.Dan Lucarini's views are made very clear - contemporary Christian music can be hazardous for your faith. It may split your church, it may alienate older believers, and it may even open the door for less than welcome influence, among other things, he claims. He has a zero tolerance for drum kits and electric guitars, saying that their loud noise and "sensual beats" detract from God. He was once in support of the contemporary music, one of the pioneers in fact, but now regrets it. He believes that with classical and organ/piano fuelled hymns, you "can't go wrong". They may be old, but they are wholesome, and aren't associated with any wayward lifestyle. Though I don't agree with it all (I was particularly baffled by his dislike of drumkits and his obsession with beats being sensual), Lucarini does make a few valid points, particularly regarding the nature of worship. Do we have this modern music in the service to please ourselves, or to please God? We are supposed to be humble before God, rock musicians are often flashy and superficial. Will singers imitating modern music styles in the church take on certain modern musical values while singing that aren't biblically sound? Do we run the risk of idolizing our best singers in the church by putting them up on stage? All good questions to add to the debate, and I'm glad that he was brave enough to bring them up. I was a bit confused on where Lucarini stood on music as a whole. Sure, he believes showy rock music is inappropriate for humble worship of the Lord, but does he still listen to rock music at all? If not, what does he listen to? He lists a few bands he USED to listen to (Deep Purple, Emerson Lake & Palmer, etc), but doesn't say much about his listening habits nowadays. Is he disapproving of those who listen to rock music outside of church too? Is it possible to be a Christian drummer? If he believes that traditional music can't fail, what does he think of the instruments and musical styles that King David used to play? Is it possible to have music like that in a church? I'm curious to know what he'd think. He also blames Satan a lot for the choices people are making, which gets a bit grating at times. Surely we can take a little more responsibility for our actions and our mistakes? Readers' opinions will be divided, as they are here in the reviews. It's a hot topic in the churches. Lucarini does his best to give a level, well thought out opinion, based on his own experience and understanding of scripture. Even though I don't agree with it all, and it isn't quite the whole issue, this book did give me a lot to think about and consider. He's not stirring or judging the church as much as getting it to think. To get someone to think for themselves about an issue is the best thing a piece of Christian literature can do. I thought (and have been thinking) fairly hard since reading this. If music is an issue in your church, I recommend you give this a read. I also recommend you read any other opinions (and scriptural references) on the subject, as this isn't the whole issue. Talk to other believers, see what they have to say. And, of course, check the Bible.
Rating: 
Summary: Need something deeper.
Review: "Why I Left The Contemporary Christian Music Movement" questions the modernization of music in the church, using author Dan Lucarini's own experience as a worship leader and evidence from scripture, along with the occaisonal quote from a bible academic or two. He also tackles the reasons that contemporary christians give for making the modernization, dissecting and questioning the relevance of these. Lucarini is not a professional writer by any means, but has written a straightforward, easy to read, yet thought provoking book all the same. Dan Lucarini's views are made very clear - contemporary Christian music can be hazardous for your faith. It may split your church, it may alienate older believers, and it may even open the door for less than welcome influence, among other things, he claims. He has a zero tolerance for drum kits and electric guitars, saying that their loud noise and "sensual beats" detract from God. He was once in support of the contemporary music, one of the pioneers in fact, but now regrets it. He believes that with classical and organ/piano fuelled hymns, you "can't go wrong". They may be old, but they are wholesome, and aren't associated with any wayward lifestyle. Though I don't agree with it all (I was particularly baffled by his dislike of drumkits and his obsession with beats being sensual), Lucarini does make a few valid points, particularly regarding the nature of worship. Do we have this modern music in the service to please ourselves, or to please God? We are supposed to be humble before God, rock musicians are often flashy and superficial. Will singers imitating modern music styles in the church take on certain modern musical values while singing that aren't biblically sound? Do we run the risk of idolizing our best singers in the church by putting them up on stage? All good questions to add to the debate, and I'm glad that he was brave enough to bring them up. I was a bit confused on where Lucarini stood on music as a whole. Sure, he believes showy rock music is inappropriate for humble worship of the Lord, but does he still listen to rock music at all? If not, what does he listen to? He lists a few bands he USED to listen to (Deep Purple, Emerson Lake & Palmer, etc), but doesn't say much about his listening habits nowadays. Is he disapproving of those who listen to rock music outside of church too? Is it possible to be a Christian drummer? If he believes that traditional music can't fail, what does he think of the instruments and musical styles that King David used to play? Is it possible to have music like that in a church? I'm curious to know what he'd think. He also blames Satan a lot for the choices people are making, which gets a bit grating at times. Surely we can take a little more responsibility for our actions and our mistakes? Readers' opinions will be divided, as they are here in the reviews. It's a hot topic in the churches. Lucarini does his best to give a level, well thought out opinion, based on his own experience and understanding of scripture. Even though I don't agree with it all, and it isn't quite the whole issue, this book did give me a lot to think about and consider. He's not stirring or judging the church as much as getting it to think. To get someone to think for themselves about an issue is the best thing a piece of Christian literature can do. I thought (and have been thinking) fairly hard since reading this. If music is an issue in your church, I recommend you give this a read. I also recommend you read any other opinions (and scriptural references) on the subject, as this isn't the whole issue. Talk to other believers, see what they have to say. And, of course, check the Bible.
Rating: 
Summary: Theology and logic out the window
Review: A realistic look at contemporary worship music might have been helpful. This book is merely preaching to the choir... those mad about changing musical styles and tastes within the church. Many praise songs are right out of the Psalms which destroys the argument of superior theology in the hymns. The argument that a back beat is wrong sounds racist to me. So Lucarini is saying the only style that's acceptable is music from our European ancestors... and the black Christian church is not spirit filled and unable to discern proper musical style... Give me a break! Every statement in the book has some grain of truth to it but no more than one small grain per statement. This book embarasses the church. If your Christian faith is locked into the 1850-1950 time period, buy the book. If you want to be 'in the world but not of it', look elsewhere.
Rating:
Summary: Finally- A Resonant Chord of Truth about Christian Music
Review: Great book and interesting, uncomplicated read. 9 out of 10 Christians would probably label this book as opinionated and destroying the progress of the evangelical movement in the America today. But like many episodes in the bible, the minority are frequently correct but overcome by a tide of well-meaning but deluded people. Lucarini, from first-hand experience, has special discernment in detailing the origin of Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) and that it is a worldly means of attracting people to the gospel message. Take away the lyrics, the sound is like mainstream rock radio of today with their pagan origins. I am not a musician but I have seen first-hand the infiltration and effects of Christian rock into the church. In too many churches, one can no longer find an opportunity for reflection, prayer, and a quiet worship with one's creator. The sound is so loud at times, I have left the sanctuary. I have had friendly discussions with our youth pastor. He said the youth want to hear music they like and we need to do it to attract them back. Well, the elders buy into this, even though some of them come in late purposely because they don't like the music. Go figure ?? The other very destructive part of CCM generally is that we have raised a group of young evangelicals who are biblically illiterate. They sing the words but have no background on where in the bible those lyrics or thoughts can be found. Many are "7-11" songs ... seven words repeated 11 times over. People are attracted because of the music and many probably stay only because of the music. Are they truly growing as disciples in the Lord for which they are commanded? Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. (Romans 10:17) In too many churches, the only hearing done by youth is from the band. The other thing Lucarini touches upon is to read the lyrics of many CCM songs. Many of them could have been written by George Harrison of the Beatles praising one of his Hindu Gods. Essentially many CCM songs are general worship music... just insert the God of your choice as you sing. Where is the exclusivity of Jesus? (John 14:6) CCM doesn't want to deal too specifically with the blood of Christ, What His suffering on the cross cost the Father, His second coming, and final judgment for every person. The lyrics don't get too complicated.... people won't come back. Lucarini should be commended for taking a terribly politically incorrect stance but one that is absolutely correct. CCM is paving the way for the ecumenical church of Revelation Chapter 3, one that is lukewarm that Jesus says He will spew out of His mouth. Thank you for your boldness, Mr. Lucarini.
Rating:
Summary: Need something deeper.
Review: I agree that the church today has exchanged beautiful content-rich music for poorly written self-gratifying music, which serves no other purpose than divert the focus of our praise and worship away from God and onto self. One struggle I have with this book however is the amount of circular reasoning present (the practice of assuming something, in order to prove the very thing that you assumed. In Logic-speak, you assume that proposition A is true, and use that premise, directly or indirectly, to prove that proposition A is true) in the arguments used, and the heavy reliance upon personal experience to prove them true. One argument I felt to be somewhat one sided and disingenuous concerned the issue of CCM and its promotion of immorality. While it is true that there are churches utilizing CCM that are struggling with immorality in the ranks, it is also true, I know from personal experience and observation, that there are many churches using traditional forms of music struggling with the same problems. Could there be a deeper problem here? While the author uses much scripture to prove his point there are a few cases where there seemed to be some misinterpretations or just plain misuse. The use if I Corinthians 8 to prove that we should not use CCM because it may offend a brother is not a good choice. The premise of this passage of Scripture is that the meat offered to idols is perfectly acceptable for consumption, and there is nothing inherently wrong with it but, you should refrain from eating it if it is hindering a fellow believer (i.e. a former idol worshipper) in his Christian walk. To compare CCM to the "meat" in this passage, you would have to argue that CCM is OK and acceptable for "consumption" unless you are in the presence of one who, because of their past, struggles with that style of music. This undermines the entire argument Mr. Lucarini is trying to make which is that the CCM style is inherently evil and should be avoided by everyone all the time. I also felt the book contained the overtones of militant fundamentalism, particularly with its admonishment to "keep the microphones in their stands" and to keep a married individuals and singles from singing/practicing together on the platform. I do not believe these issues contributed to the validity of the arguments presented. As far as recommending the book, I would do so cautiously. The book relies much too heavily on personal experience and observation as absolute truth. You must be careful not to base your beliefs on another man's opinion. This is precisely how the church has gotten into the shape it is in today. If you would like a solid, Biblically based, in depth look at this issue I would recommend "A Better Way" by Michael Horton (Baker Book, ISBN: 0801064686)
Rating:
Summary: Study Biblical Worship!
Review: I could never give any book 0 stars, but I can offer only 1.
I once knew a gentleman who was convicted that he should no longer be interested in sports. He was spending much too much time away from his friends and family, and God simply corrected him and he has not had an interest in sports from that date forward. Did he believe that all sports are evil? Nope. Did he try to convince others in the church that they shouldn't watch sports because they also may be spending too much time from their family and friends? Certainly not. He was convicted of a sin in his life, but he didn't attempt to play God in the lives of others. He was obedient to his discipline without then trying to discipline others.
It was going to be a difficult task. I was going to read Why I Left the Contemporary Christian Music Movement by Dan Lucarini with an open mind. After all, he begins early in the book by stating "If you are involved in the Contemporary Praise and Worship movement within your church, I do not condemn you!" (page 19). However, Dan makes several comments throughout the book which are vague opinionated unbiblical generalizations about `contemporaries'. A few examples:
"`Edgier' is a common terms used by Contemporaries to describe music that takes the listeners to the `edge' of their comfort zone, stretching them beyond their pre-conceived notions of appropriateness." (p. 31)
"The Traditionals had some guidelines to restrain them, but Contemporaries have no rules, so when things become too familiar they bring in louder, jazzier and more questionable material." (p. 35)
The biggest lie that comes from contemporary churches is "God accepts us as we are." (p. 37)
"Let me sum up a Contemporary's typical attitude towards any who oppose the use of CCM in the church. `We need to pray for these poor, tradition-bound people who just don't understand the heart of worship. They are standing in the way of what God wants to do.' I am not making this up-I once had the same attitude." (p. 43)
"The very meaning of the word `worship' has been changed by Contemporaries to suit CCM philosophies. It no longer refers to the biblical practice of bowing in reverence and humility before a holy God." (p. 52)
A "common defensive response from a Contemporary" is "the accusation that anyone disputing their position is a hypocrite and a Pharisee." (p. 64)
"Is it proper and modest for Christian ladies or gentlemen to dance and sway in a worldly manner, while they sing praise and worship songs to God? No. They are doing this because of the rock music style and beat, not because they want to dance before the Lord like David did." (p. 71)
"Contemporaries regard those who disagree or try to stand in their way as `poor, tradition-bound people who just do not understand the true heart of worship' and who are `standing in the way of what God wants to do." (p. 75)
The list can go on an on. I've certainly heard the term `edgier', but not as applied above. My Praise and Worship team has many rules, including a dress-code. And yes, God does accept us as we are, but He doesn't expect us to stay as we are. And as a Contemporary, I fully understood that the word `worship' is a physical act of bowing in reverence. Finally, as a Contemporary, I've never called anybody a hypocrite or a Pharisee.
My conclusion: Dan Lucarini, for many reasons, was convicted by God to no longer be a part of the Contemporary Christian Music Movement. However, unlike the gentleman I wrote about earlier, he believes it is his mission to `share the truth' about why Contemporary Christian Music is simply `guilty by association' because it uses drums and other percussion instruments which are also used in Rock & Roll. Dan admits that doing a contemporary song occasionally is OK, as long as drums are not used. Everything he writes about is from his personal experiences, not the experiences of most Contemporary churches as a whole. Nor are most of the stories used Biblical examples of how people worshiped in the Old & New Testaments.
Unfortunately, Dan has actually heard other Contemporary Christians say some of the things he has quoted in this book. It's sad that anybody would call somebody a hypocrite simply because of musical taste. Be on guard and tame the tongue...it's a powerful weapon.
The Bottom Line: This book is now in its 10th edition. The publisher has made plenty on the sales of this book in the past few years. Spend your time studying what the Bible says about true worship, and do it. Do it while listening to hymns, do it while listening to Contemporary Christian music, do it in silence...just worship. There are many Biblical examples of worship. Read over and study them all. Then if you want to read this book, have a ball, but the $10 would be much better spent on an in-depth study on worship.
Rating:
Summary: Perfect example of how to waste a tree
Review: I think it's sad that a "sound" is considered to be "worldly" by so many christians. Didn't God create that sound? I personally agree that many songs do not use the name Jesus in them as much as i would personally like, but that doesn't make them non-christian or wrong. I have personally found that it is the contemporary christian music that has attracted many people to inquire about Jesus. When they hear me listening to loud music that i enjoy, and that they also enjoy, but that has a good message to it, and i'm living my life for Christ - it makes them stop and wonder - which leads to asking about Jesus. I have an awesome church service that i goto in the evenings on sunday. a bunch of friends and i drive an hour away just to go because it's so awesome. We sing a few really loud songs... most of them are the traditional hymnals with a louder sound behind them. then the preacher comes up and preaches straight from the Word - exposition style. and then we sing a few more songs and go home. it's a wonderful service, and the Jesus is the center of the entire thing, and the Word is not compromised one bit. i have seen churches that do compromise on the Word, and there services are more like a rock concert as well. i don't go to churches like that. But then again, aren't there churches out there that compromise on the Word and have traditional hymnal music?! I know that i have ran into a couple myself. So to say that it is the music (and not the heart of the people involved - especially that of the leadership!) is just plain stupidity. You can have contemporary music that is God honoring and you can have traditional music that is not. It's not the sounds, it's not even the words, it's the heart of the people who come to praise God. Isaiah 29:13 - The Lord says: "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men." Come on guys... let's get back to the HEART of worship!
Rating:
Summary: This type of thinking is killing the Church....
Review: I've struggled with this issue from time to time, but in a different area. You see, I'm what some call "eccentric". I have tattoo's, earrings, and generally look like what some call "worldly". For a time, after being "challenged" by a fellow Christian, I felt that maybe I was in the wrong. But then, I tried using my brain. The scriptures that are used to try to condemn people like me, and found in Leviticus, and they basically state things like "Don't get markings or piercings of the flesh". But there are two major problems. 1) Those scriptures are pointing out ancient pagan death rituals, which were preformed on the dead, not just something someone felt like doing because they liked the way it looked on their person. 2) Right next to that particular passage, it also says not to cut your side burns, or save your beard completely off. Doh. Since every single Christians who's tried to condemn me in this area, is equally as guilty because they've all been "clean cut", they have no say. Jesus said, in the manner in which you judge, so you will be judged. Part of me just wants to smack them, but I know that what they really need is love and prayer. What it comes down to is that they see someone, mainly ME, and since I look nothing like what they would dress like, they feel something must be wrong with it morally. In high school, that type of attitude was usually only held by jocks and morons. I guess age doesn't help in wisdom in certain areas, huh? My point is this; Dan Lucarini has fallen into the same trap. And that trap is to put God in a box, and to basically tell God how He will act, and what He wants to hear. Of course, everything must be judged according to His word, but nothing in the way something "sounds" goes against His word. Dan views CCM as worldly, because it's different from what the more traditional hymns sound like. Guess what Einstein, the traditional Hymns, sound nothing like what King David praised Yahweh with while DANCING in the streets. Sorry to say this so bluntly, but Dan is working against God, not for Him. Telling God what He will like, is a form of idolatry in my mind, since you're trying to make a God that fits your mold. I'm sorry he was hurt like he was, but he needs to pray for peace, not use his pain to hurt others, and basically do the work of the devil. Why some assume (and you know what happens when you assume) that God decided that music invented during medieval times was all He was going to allow to praise Him, from that time fourth, is beyond me. Spirit of legalism perhaps? Though, it might just be the dilemma of refusing to use the brain that God gave them. If you want to get this book, get it only to show an excellent example of how to spot legalistic Christians, who want to dictate to God, Who He is.
Rating: 
Summary: Getting at the heart of CCM and contemporary worship
Review: Let's face it...ALL worship is contemporary! So, what is behind the misnomer we call "contemporary worship"? It is simply worship that has been inculturated with the lowest espressions of creative endeavor--expressions that have their roots in the popular entertainment industry. The Bible repeatedly condemns worship that seeks to gratify the participant, and ecclesiastical history has, for the most part, demonstrated the church's affirmation of worship that is above the lowliness of the world and is focused on the worship of God rather than the evangelism of man. Mr. Lucarini, a former insider to CCM, has come to understand what many trained musicians and biblical scholars have known for a long time, and has put his finger on the problem: the church has lost its biblical understanding of worship, and this has opened a theological "Pandora's box." One may take issue with secondary discussions of things like the back beat in CCM; but the overriding cultural baggage that is inherent in this music cannot be denied. If the reader can get past some of these minor issues, the forest will become clearly evident. Mr. Lucarini's book represents a valuable contribution to a discussion that invariably gets off on the wrong foot--a discussion that centers merely on musical style in worship without addressing the biblical and cultural implications that come into conflict and basically go unnoticed by theologically illiterate communities. It is worth the investment of time to read it.
Rating:
Summary: Getting at the heart of CCM and contemporary worship
Review: Let's face it...ALL worship is contemporary! So, what is behind the misnomer we call "contemporary worship"? It is simply worship that has been inculturated with the lowest espressions of creative endeavor--expressions that have their roots in the popular entertainment industry. The Bible repeatedly condemns worship that seeks to gratify the participant, and ecclesiastical history has, for the most part, demonstrated the church's affirmation of worship that is above the lowliness of the world and is focused on the worship of God rather than the evangelism of man. Mr. Lucarini, a former insider to CCM, has come to understand what many trained musicians and biblical scholars have known for a long time, and has put his finger on the problem: the church has lost its biblical understanding of worship, and this has opened a theological "Pandora's box." One may take issue with secondary discussions of things like the back beat in CCM; but the overriding cultural baggage that is inherent in this music cannot be denied. If the reader can get past some of these minor issues, the forest will become clearly evident. Mr. Lucarini's book represents a valuable contribution to a discussion that invariably gets off on the wrong foot--a discussion that centers merely on musical style in worship without addressing the biblical and cultural implications that come into conflict and basically go unnoticed by theologically illiterate communities. It is worth the investment of time to read it.
| 
