Rating: 
Summary: Please save your money and read the Bible instead
Review: Ok, I read this book. Initially I thought, "wow, this guy is on to it", then I started thinking for myself and searching through the scriptures, (dangerous habit that one!)This book is an attack against many godly Christians who have been seeking to please and worship the Lord through worshipping Him using modern music. The authors have been burned by a bad experience and have not allowed the Lord to heal them, thus they are hitting out at everyone who does not agree with them. I know what I'm talking about cause I've done it too, and I've also been on both sides of this argument. There was a time when all I would listen to and sing was old hymns, and the only one benefitting from this was my minister who was against contemporary music used in church. Now the argument goes that John Calvin says the regulative principle forbids doing anything in worship that is not specified in the Bible. Read psalms carefully and you can find countless references to such practices as lifting hands in worship, shouting, singing with your whole heart, banging loud cymbals,etc. Jesus says that "they worship me with their mouths but their hearts are far from me.", we are to love the Lord with all our hearts, minds, souls and strength. This suggests to me that our worship should be emotionally charged and free. The methods prescribed by Mr Lucari are the singing of old songs to old melodies on old instruments. The authors also write a whole chapter on how CCM has divided the church saying that older people are treated with no respect as the young evils bring in their rock music. Now I agree that if a church is using predominantly traditional music and they want to use more contermporary that it should be done the right way. There is no need to have the music at ear bleeding levels! But don't get stuck in traditions of men, you may be missing out on really loving and experiencing God, I know I did, I became very pharasaaical about it as well. A kind word to those who won't budge from traditional music, have you any scriptural precedence for doing so? As far as I can see from God's word, the contemporary/charismatic type worship has far more scriptures to support it than the traditional position. Remember our Lord said "your traditions make the word of God of no effect". Now buy the way I have and listen to alot of hymns as well, so it's not just personal preference. Alot of them need to be reinvented though so they can speak our language and put to a new melody so they can be experienced, not just sung. I encourage those who are seeking help in this area to pray and seek the Lord and try not to be lead by preachers with and axe to grind or with denominations that hang on to their traditions at the expence of their own and their congregations relationship with the Lord. Worship him with all your heart, mind, soul and strength for He is worthy!! Email me with any questions/comments, I'm here to serve.
Rating: 
Summary: Examining the CCM Movement
Review: Read the following list of questions. If your answer to any or all of the questions is yes, you must read this book. Mr. Lucarini has presented an exceptionally good picture of the Contemporary Christian Music movement in our churches. He speaks from a deep understanding of the movement, as he was involved in the directing and planning of this type of service in the past. His insight into CCM has allowed him to give an excellent explanation of the motives of its leaders and the consequences of starting this type of service in churches. Questions to be answered: After your church service, do you feel you have attended a rock concert rather than a worship service? When attending a service at your church, is your attention directed to God or to the entertainment being presented? Has the adoption of the contemporary service by your church alienated, hurt, and even chased you and others away from your church? Are your spiritual needs being neglected due to the emphasis in the music? Does your church service consist of long periods of nonstop loud music and very little preaching of God's word? Does your church service resemble the scene that Moses encountered when he came down for the mountain? Ex32 Are the teens in your church overly enthusiastic about the new music being introduced by the newly appointed "Worship coordinator"?
Rating: 
Summary: Fails to Convince
Review: This book is by and large an extended tract of personal observation. While the author's testimony is powerful, more than an emotional appeal is needed in this area. Though his observations seem to be typical of the CCM movement, it is a shame that his personal experiences are not backed up with broader research and objective evidence. However, what the author is stating has great merit and is worth the effort expended in taking the time to meditate upon. CCM and its attendant worldliness is insidious and is destroying our churches, but this book fails to convince. If one is looking for a well developed theological foundation for worship as well as its guiding applications to today's styles of music, then this is not the place to go. On the other hand, the author is to be applauded for trying to do something to counteract the current slide into irreverent and worldly worship, and this is a great introduction to that debate. May he be encouraged to further develop this with his musical background, knowledge, and skills.
Rating:
Summary: Fails to Convince
Review: This book is by and large an extended tract of personal observation. While the author's testimony is powerful, more than an emotional appeal is needed in this area. Though his observations seem to be typical of the CCM movement, it is a shame that his personal experiences are not backed up with broader research and objective evidence. However, what the author is stating has great merit and is worth the effort expended in taking the time to meditate upon. CCM and its attendant worldliness is insidious and is destroying our churches, but this book fails to convince. If one is looking for a well developed theological foundation for worship as well as its guiding applications to today's styles of music, then this is not the place to go. On the other hand, the author is to be applauded for trying to do something to counteract the current slide into irreverent and worldly worship, and this is a great introduction to that debate. May he be encouraged to further develop this with his musical background, knowledge, and skills.
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