THE OXFORD HANDBOOK OF MUSIC AND WORLD CHRISTIANITIES
by Suzel Ana Reily and Mark Porter


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Summary:

The Oxford Handbook of Music and World Christianities is an edited volume by Suzel Ana Reily and Mark Porter that explores the intersection between music, religion, and culture. The book examines how music has been used to express religious beliefs in different parts of the world, from Europe to Africa to Asia. It looks at how Christianity has interacted with other religions such as Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and indigenous faiths. It also considers how musical practices have changed over time due to globalization and technological advances.

The book begins with a discussion of the history of Christian music in various contexts around the world. This includes looking at early church hymns from Europe as well as African-American spirituals from North America. It then moves on to examine more contemporary forms such as gospel music in Latin America or hip hop in South Africa. Throughout this section there is a focus on understanding how these musical styles are shaped by their cultural context. 

The second part of the book focuses on specific topics related to Christian music around the world including liturgy; popular culture; gender roles; race; politics; technology; media studies; education; mission work; ecumenism (interfaith dialogue); globalisation/transnationalism/diaspora studies etc. 

Finally it concludes with reflections on what all this means for our understanding of Christianity today – both within its own traditions but also when engaging with other faith communities across cultures. In particular it highlights some key themes which emerge throughout: diversity & unity (how can we celebrate difference while still maintaining common ground?); creativity & tradition (how do we balance innovation against respect for established practice?); power & authority (who gets to decide what counts as ‘authentic'?).


Main ideas:

Main idea #1.      Music and Christianity have a long history of interaction: Music has been an integral part of Christian worship and devotion since the early days of the church, and the relationship between music and Christianity has been a dynamic one, with both influencing each other over the centuries.

Main idea #2.      Music is a powerful tool for expressing religious beliefs: Music has been used to express religious beliefs and values, to communicate spiritual messages, and to create a sense of community among believers.

Main idea #3.      Music is a form of cultural exchange: Music has been used to bridge cultural divides, to spread religious ideas, and to create a sense of unity among different religious groups.

Main idea #4.      Music is a form of social protest: Music has been used to challenge oppressive systems and to express dissent against injustice.

Main idea #5.      Music is a form of spiritual healing: Music has been used to heal physical and emotional wounds, to bring comfort to those in distress, and to provide solace in times of suffering.

Main idea #6.      Music is a form of cultural identity: Music has been used to express cultural identity, to celebrate shared values, and to create a sense of belonging among different religious groups.

Main idea #7.      Music is a form of political expression: Music has been used to express political views, to challenge oppressive regimes, and to promote social change.

Main idea #8.      Music is a form of artistic expression: Music has been used to express emotions, to tell stories, and to create works of art.

Main idea #9.      Music is a form of religious education: Music has been used to teach religious beliefs and values, to spread religious messages, and to educate people about different faiths.

Main idea #10.      Music is a form of interreligious dialogue: Music has been used to foster dialogue between different religious groups, to promote understanding, and to create a sense of unity among different faiths.

Main idea #11.      Music is a form of cultural preservation: Music has been used to preserve cultural traditions, to celebrate shared values, and to create a sense of continuity among different religious groups.

Main idea #12.      Music is a form of spiritual transformation: Music has been used to transform people’s lives, to bring them closer to God, and to help them find spiritual fulfillment.

Main idea #13.      Music is a form of social justice: Music has been used to challenge oppressive systems, to promote equality, and to create a more just society.

Main idea #14.      Music is a form of religious expression: Music has been used to express religious beliefs and values, to communicate spiritual messages, and to create a sense of community among believers.

Main idea #15.      Music is a form of cultural exchange: Music has been used to bridge cultural divides, to spread religious ideas, and to create a sense of unity among different religious groups.

Main idea #16.      Music is a form of spiritual exploration: Music has been used to explore spiritual questions, to seek answers to life’s mysteries, and to find meaning in life.

Main idea #17.      Music is a form of cultural celebration: Music has been used to celebrate shared values, to express cultural identity, and to create a sense of belonging among different religious groups.

Main idea #18.      Music is a form of political activism: Music has been used to challenge oppressive regimes, to promote social change, and to create a more just society.

Main idea #19.      Music is a form of religious transformation: Music has been used to transform people’s lives, to bring them closer to God, and to help them find spiritual fulfillment.

Main idea #20.      Music is a form of intercultural dialogue: Music has been used to foster dialogue between different cultures, to promote understanding, and to create a sense of unity among different faiths.

Main ideas expanded:

Main idea #1.     Music and Christianity have a long history of interaction. Music has been an integral part of Christian worship and devotion since the early days of the church, with hymns, chants, and other forms of music being used to express faith in God. Over time, this relationship between music and Christianity has become increasingly complex as both sides have influenced each other in various ways. 

The influence that Christianity has had on music is evident in many genres such as gospel, spirituals, choral works, classical compositions inspired by religious texts or themes, contemporary praise songs written for churches today. Similarly, musical styles from around the world have also found their way into Christian worship services over time. This exchange between different cultures can be seen in how African-American spirituals were adapted into traditional hymnody during the 19th century. 

At its core though, this relationship between music and Christianity is about more than just exchanging musical styles; it’s about using music to express one’s faith in God. Whether through singing hymns together at church or listening to a soloist perform a sacred piece at home –music provides us with an opportunity to connect with our Creator on a deeper level.

Main idea #2.     Music has long been used as a powerful tool for expressing religious beliefs. It can be used to communicate spiritual messages, create a sense of community among believers, and express values that are important to the faith. Music is often seen as an integral part of worship services in many religions, providing an emotional outlet for those who participate in them. In some cases, music is even seen as having its own power or agency—as being able to bring about change or transformation.

In addition to its use within religious contexts, music has also been employed by individuals and groups outside of traditional religious settings in order to express their own spiritual beliefs and values. This could include anything from folk songs with lyrics that reflect personal spirituality, to popular music with themes related to religion or spirituality. By using music as a medium for expression, people have found ways of communicating their innermost thoughts and feelings about matters related to faith. 

The power of music lies not only in its ability to convey emotion but also in its capacity for creating connections between people who share similar beliefs. Through shared musical experiences—whether it’s singing together at church services or listening together at concerts—people can come together around common ideas and form bonds that transcend differences such as language barriers or cultural backgrounds. 

Ultimately, the use of music as a means for expressing religious beliefs serves both practical and symbolic purposes: it allows us both access into our own inner worlds while simultaneously connecting us with others who may share similar views on life’s most meaningful questions.</p

Main idea #3.     Music has long been used as a form of cultural exchange, allowing different cultures to come together and share their beliefs and values. Music can be used to bridge the gap between different religious groups, creating a sense of unity among them. It can also be used to spread religious ideas, helping people from different backgrounds understand each other better. Music is an important part of many world religions, providing a way for believers to express their faith in song.

In addition, music has often been employed as a tool for social change. By bringing together people from diverse backgrounds through shared musical experiences, it can help create understanding and foster dialogue between those who may not otherwise have had the opportunity to interact with one another. This type of cultural exchange helps break down barriers that might otherwise exist between individuals or communities. 

Finally, music serves as an expression of identity for many people around the world. Through its use in rituals and ceremonies associated with particular faiths or ethnicities, it provides an avenue for individuals to connect with their heritage and culture on a deeper level.

Main idea #4.     Music has long been used as a form of social protest. From the spirituals sung by African-American slaves to the folk songs of oppressed peoples around the world, music has served as an expression of dissent against oppressive systems and injustice. In recent years, musicians have continued to use their art to challenge existing power structures and advocate for change. Hip hop artists such as Public Enemy and NWA have used their lyrics to speak out against racism and police brutality in America, while punk bands like The Clash have addressed issues such as poverty and war. Music can also be used to celebrate resistance movements or commemorate those who have fought for freedom; Bob Marleys song Redemption Song is a powerful example of this type of protest music. 

The power of music lies in its ability to reach people on an emotional level that other forms of communication cannot match. It can inspire hope in times of despair, provide comfort during difficult times, and give voice to those who are otherwise silenced by society. By using music as a tool for social protest, musicians can create awareness about important issues while providing solace for those affected by them.

Main idea #5.     Music has long been recognized as a powerful tool for spiritual healing. It can be used to evoke feelings of joy, peace, and comfort in times of distress. Music can also provide an outlet for expressing emotions that may otherwise remain unexpressed or unacknowledged. In many cultures, music is seen as a form of prayer or meditation, allowing individuals to connect with the divine and find solace in their faith.

In addition to its spiritual benefits, music has also been found to have physical healing properties. Studies have shown that listening to certain types of music can reduce stress levels and improve overall health by reducing blood pressure and heart rate. Music therapy has even been used successfully in treating depression, anxiety disorders, chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, and other mental health issues. 

The power of music lies not only in its ability to heal but also in its capacity to bring people together through shared experiences. Whether it’s singing along at church services or attending concerts with friends and family members—music provides an opportunity for connection that transcends language barriers and cultural differences. 

Ultimately, music is a universal language that speaks directly to our souls—providing us with moments of respite from life’s struggles while simultaneously reminding us how beautiful life truly is.</p

Main idea #6.     Music has long been used as a way to express cultural identity and create a sense of belonging among different religious groups. Music can be used to celebrate shared values, such as faith in God or the importance of family. It can also be used to commemorate important events in history, such as wars or revolutions. Music is often seen as an expression of national pride and patriotism, with songs being written about specific countries or regions.

In addition, music can serve as a bridge between cultures by providing common ground for people from different backgrounds. For example, many popular genres like jazz and hip-hop have roots in African American culture but are now enjoyed by people around the world regardless of their background. Similarly, traditional folk music from various parts of the world has become increasingly popular over time due to its ability to bring together diverse audiences. 

Finally, music is often associated with certain religions and spiritual practices. Many religious ceremonies involve singing hymns or chanting mantras that help participants connect with their faith on a deeper level. In this way, music serves not only as an expression of cultural identity but also helps individuals find meaning within their own spiritual beliefs.

Main idea #7.     Music has long been used as a form of political expression. From the civil rights movement in the United States to anti-apartheid protests in South Africa, music has been an integral part of social movements and campaigns for justice. Music can be used to challenge oppressive regimes, express dissent, and promote social change. It is also a powerful tool for raising awareness about issues such as poverty, inequality, racism, and environmental destruction.

In recent years there have been numerous examples of musicians using their art to make political statements. For example, hip hop artists like Public Enemy and NWA have rapped about police brutality and racial injustice; punk bands like The Clash have sung about class struggle; reggae stars like Bob Marley have written songs that call attention to economic exploitation; folk singers like Woody Guthrie have composed protest songs against war; jazz musicians like John Coltrane have performed pieces that speak out against oppression. 

The power of music lies not only in its ability to communicate ideas but also in its capacity to inspire people into action. By creating an emotional connection with listeners through lyrics or melodies it can motivate them towards collective action or individual reflection on important topics. 

Ultimately music is a powerful way for individuals and communities alike to express themselves politically without resorting to violence or other forms of coercion. As such it remains one of the most effective tools available for promoting positive social change around the world.</p

Main idea #8.     Music is a powerful form of artistic expression. It has been used throughout history to express emotions, tell stories, and create works of art. Music can be used to evoke feelings of joy or sorrow, love or hate, peace or chaos. It can also be used to communicate ideas and messages in ways that words alone cannot do justice. Music has the power to bring people together in celebration and solidarity; it can provide comfort during times of distress; it can inspire us with its beauty and complexity.

The Oxford Handbook of Music and World Christianities explores how music has been an integral part of religious practices around the world for centuries. From ancient rituals to modern worship services, music has played a vital role in expressing faith through song. The book examines how different musical styles have shaped religious beliefs across cultures as well as how they have evolved over time. 

In addition to exploring the use of music within various religions, The Oxford Handbook also looks at how music intersects with other aspects of life such as politics, economics, education, gender roles, race relations and more. By examining these intersections between religion and culture through the lens of musicology we gain insight into our shared humanity.

Main idea #9.     Music has long been used as a tool for religious education. In many cultures, music is an integral part of religious ceremonies and rituals, providing a way to express devotion and faith. Music can also be used to teach specific beliefs or values associated with particular religions. For example, in Christianity, hymns are often sung during worship services that emphasize certain aspects of the faith such as grace or mercy. Similarly, Islamic call-and-response chants are used to educate people about the Qur’an and its teachings.

In addition to teaching specific beliefs or values associated with particular faiths, music can also be used to spread messages related to religion more broadly. This could include songs that promote peace between different religions or encourage interfaith dialogue and understanding. It could also involve using music as a form of protest against oppressive regimes or unjust laws based on religion. 

Finally, music can serve as an educational resource for those who wish to learn more about different faiths from around the world. By listening to traditional spirituals from various cultures—such as gospel songs from Africa—people can gain insight into how other people practice their faith and what it means for them spiritually.

Main idea #10.     Music has long been used as a tool for interreligious dialogue. It can be seen as an expression of shared values and beliefs, allowing different religious groups to come together in mutual understanding and respect. Music can also provide a platform for the exchange of ideas between different faiths, helping to bridge gaps between them. By creating music that is accessible to all religions, musicians have the potential to create meaningful connections between people from diverse backgrounds.

In recent years, there has been an increased focus on using music as a form of interreligious dialogue. This includes initiatives such as interfaith choirs and concerts which bring together members of different faith communities in order to celebrate their commonalities through song. These events are often accompanied by educational activities which help participants learn more about each other’s beliefs and practices. 

The use of music in interreligious dialogue is not limited only to live performances; it can also take place online or through recordings. For example, some organizations have created digital platforms where people from around the world can share their musical expressions with one another regardless of their religious background or location. Through these efforts, individuals are able to connect with others who may hold differing views while still finding common ground through music. 

Ultimately, music provides an effective way for people from various religious traditions to engage in meaningful conversations without having any preconceived notions about one another’s beliefs or practices. By utilizing this powerful medium, we can foster greater understanding among those who may otherwise never interact with each other—and ultimately build bridges across cultures and faiths.</p

Main idea #11.     Music has been used as a form of cultural preservation for centuries. It is an important part of many religious and spiritual traditions, providing a way to express shared values and beliefs. Music can also be used to create a sense of continuity between different generations, allowing the transmission of stories, songs, and other forms of knowledge from one generation to the next. In this way, music serves as an important tool in preserving culture.

In addition to its role in preserving culture, music can also be used to celebrate shared values or commemorate special occasions. For example, certain types of music may be associated with particular holidays or festivals that are celebrated by members of a particular faith group or community. By playing these pieces during such events, people are able to connect with their heritage and remember their pasts. 

Finally, music can serve as an expression of identity within religious communities. Different musical styles may reflect different aspects of a religion’s history or theology; for instance some Christian denominations have distinct musical styles that help define them as unique entities within Christianity itself. Similarly, certain genres may become associated with specific ethnic groups or regions over time. 

Overall then it is clear that music plays an important role in cultural preservation – both through its ability to transmit stories and ideas across generations and through its capacity for expressing shared values among members of various faith groups.</p

Main idea #12.     Music has long been used as a tool for spiritual transformation. It can be seen in the ancient rituals of many cultures, where music was used to invoke divine presence and bring people closer to their gods. In Christianity, music is often associated with worship and prayer, providing an avenue for believers to express their faith and devotion. Music can also provide comfort during times of distress or sorrow, helping individuals find solace in difficult moments.

In addition to its role in religious practice, music has also been used as a form of personal transformation. Through listening to certain types of music or engaging in musical activities such as playing instruments or singing songs, individuals can experience profound changes within themselves that lead them towards greater self-awareness and understanding. This type of spiritual transformation is not limited only to those who are already deeply religious; it can be experienced by anyone regardless of their beliefs. 

The power of music lies in its ability to evoke emotion and create connections between people on both physical and spiritual levels. By tapping into this potential through intentional use—whether it’s through communal worship services or individual reflection—people have the opportunity to explore new depths within themselves while connecting more deeply with others around them.

Main idea #13.     Music has long been used as a tool for social justice. From the civil rights movement to contemporary protest songs, music has provided an outlet for people to express their grievances and call attention to injustice. Music can be used to challenge oppressive systems, promote equality, and create a more just society. It can also provide comfort in times of struggle and hope in times of despair.

In recent years, musicians have increasingly embraced the idea that music is a form of social justice. They are using their artistry to speak out against racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia, poverty and other forms of oppression. Through their lyrics they are calling attention to issues such as police brutality or immigration reform; through their performances they are creating spaces where marginalized voices can be heard; and through collaborations with activists they are amplifying calls for change. 

The power of music lies not only in its ability to raise awareness but also in its capacity to bring people together across lines of difference—to foster understanding between different communities and build bridges between them. By uniting diverse groups around shared values such as freedom or justice it can help create solidarity among those who might otherwise remain divided. 

Ultimately then music is not only an expression of our collective struggles but also a powerful force for positive change—a way we can come together across differences and work towards building a more equitable world.</p

Main idea #14.     Music has long been used as a form of religious expression, with its ability to evoke emotion and create an atmosphere of reverence. In many cultures, music is seen as a way to connect with the divine or spiritual realm. It can be used to express devotion and faith in God, celebrate sacred events such as holidays or festivals, and even provide comfort during times of sorrow. Music also serves as a powerful tool for teaching religious values and beliefs; it can help believers understand complex concepts more easily by providing them with memorable melodies that they can recall when needed.

In addition to being used for worship services, music is often employed in other aspects of religious life such as rituals or ceremonies. For example, some religions use chanting or singing hymns during prayer services while others may incorporate drums into their ceremonies. Music also plays an important role in creating community among believers; it helps bring people together through shared experiences and provides an opportunity for individuals to express themselves spiritually. 

Overall, music is an integral part of many world religions due to its power to communicate spiritual messages and foster connection between believers. Whether it’s used for worship services or special occasions like weddings or funerals, music has the potential to bring people closer together through shared experiences that are rooted in faith.

Main idea #15.     Music has long been used as a form of cultural exchange, allowing different cultures to come together and share their beliefs and values. Music can be used to bridge the gap between different religious groups, creating a sense of unity among them. It can also be used to spread religious ideas, helping people from different backgrounds understand each other better. Music is an important part of many world religions, providing a way for believers to express their faith in song.

In addition, music has often been employed as a tool for social change. By bringing together people from diverse backgrounds through shared musical experiences, it can help create understanding and foster dialogue between those who may not otherwise have had the opportunity to interact with one another. This type of cultural exchange helps break down barriers that might otherwise exist between individuals or communities. 

Finally, music serves as an expression of identity for many people around the world. Through its use in rituals and ceremonies associated with particular faiths or ethnicities, it provides an avenue for individuals to connect with their heritage and culture on a deeper level.

Main idea #16.     Music has long been used as a tool for spiritual exploration. From ancient times, music has been used to express religious beliefs and explore the mysteries of life. In many cultures, music is seen as an integral part of worship and prayer, providing a way to connect with the divine. Music can also be used to evoke feelings of joy or sorrow, helping us to process our emotions in a meaningful way. 

In recent years, there has been an increased interest in using music as a form of spiritual exploration. This includes practices such as chanting mantras or singing hymns that are designed to bring about inner peace and connection with something greater than ourselves. Music can also be used for meditation purposes – allowing us to focus on our breath and become more mindful of our thoughts and feelings. 

Ultimately, music provides us with an opportunity for self-reflection and growth – enabling us to gain insight into who we are at our core level. By exploring different musical styles from around the world we can learn more about other cultures’ beliefs systems while gaining new perspectives on life itself.

Main idea #17.     Music has long been used as a form of cultural celebration. It is an integral part of many religious and spiritual practices, providing a way to express shared values, beliefs, and identity. Music can be used to create a sense of belonging among different religious groups by uniting them in song or dance. In some cases, music is even seen as having the power to bring people together across boundaries that might otherwise divide them. 

In addition to its role in celebrating culture and religion, music also serves as an important tool for expressing emotions such as joy or sorrow. Through musical expression we are able to communicate our feelings with others in ways that words alone cannot convey. Music can also provide comfort during difficult times by helping us process our emotions and find solace in shared experiences. 

Finally, music can be used to celebrate special occasions such as weddings or holidays. By bringing people together through song and dance it helps create memories that will last a lifetime.

Main idea #18.     Music has long been used as a form of political activism. From the civil rights movement in the United States to anti-apartheid protests in South Africa, music has been an integral part of social movements and campaigns for justice. Music can be used to challenge oppressive regimes, promote social change, and create a more just society. It can also serve as a powerful tool for raising awareness about issues such as poverty, inequality, racism, sexism, homophobia and other forms of discrimination. 

In recent years there have been numerous examples of musicians using their art to make political statements or express solidarity with oppressed groups. For example, hip hop artists like Public Enemy and NWA have rapped about police brutality against African Americans; punk bands like The Clash have sung about economic injustice; reggae stars like Bob Marley have written songs that call attention to racial oppression; folk singers like Woody Guthrie have composed protest songs that speak out against war and violence. 

The power of music lies not only in its ability to communicate ideas but also in its capacity to inspire people into action. By creating an emotional connection between listeners and performers it can help build solidarity among those who share similar struggles or experiences. This is why many activists use music as part of their organizing efforts—to bring people together around shared values or causes. 

Ultimately, music is one way we can work towards creating a better world by challenging existing systems of power and advocating for greater equality and justice. Through its unique combination of sound and meaning it provides us with an opportunity to express our beliefs while inspiring others into action.</p

Main idea #19.     Music has long been used as a tool for religious transformation. It can be seen in the ancient rituals of many cultures, where music was used to invoke spiritual power and bring people closer to their gods. In Christianity, music is often used during worship services to create an atmosphere of reverence and awe. Music can also be used as a form of prayer or meditation, allowing individuals to connect with God on a deeper level.

In addition, music can help people find spiritual fulfillment by providing them with an outlet for expressing their faith. Through song lyrics and melodies, believers are able to express their beliefs in ways that words alone cannot convey. Music also serves as a reminder of God’s presence in our lives; it helps us remember His promises and encourages us when we feel discouraged. 

Finally, music has the power to unite people from different backgrounds and beliefs through its universal language. By sharing songs together, believers from all walks of life are able to come together in unity despite any differences they may have. 

Overall, music is an incredibly powerful tool for religious transformation that should not be overlooked or underestimated. Whether it is being used during worship services or simply enjoyed privately at home, its ability to bring people closer to God makes it invaluable.</p

Main idea #20.     Music has long been used as a tool for intercultural dialogue. It is an effective way to bridge cultural divides, foster understanding, and create a sense of unity among different faiths. Music can be used to express shared values and beliefs, while also allowing for the exploration of differences between cultures. Through music, people from different backgrounds can come together in mutual appreciation and respect.

In recent years, there have been numerous examples of how music has been used to promote intercultural dialogue. For example, musicians from around the world have collaborated on projects that bring together diverse musical styles and traditions in order to create something new and unique. This type of collaboration allows for the exchange of ideas between cultures while still respecting each other’s distinctiveness. 

Furthermore, many organizations use music as a means to build bridges between communities with differing religious or political views. By creating opportunities for people from different backgrounds to come together through songwriting workshops or concerts featuring artists from multiple countries or religions, these initiatives help break down barriers that may exist between groups. 

Ultimately, music is an incredibly powerful tool when it comes to fostering intercultural dialogue. It provides a platform where individuals can share their stories without fear of judgement or prejudice; it encourages open-mindedness; and it helps us appreciate our common humanity despite our differences.</p

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