Worship in Song

“Few books have been written that carefully distinguish between secular music that we listen to every day, and sacred music,” Scott Aniol says. “After discussing some foundational matters, the first section considers how to make God-pleasing choices regarding the secular music we listen to, and the second deals more narrowly with sacred music.”

Contending that much of the confusion about the music issue is primarily a theological misunderstanding, Aniol discusses such issues as what does Sola Scriptura really mean?, the nature of biblical affections, the essence of biblical worship, and the purpose of music in the church. Cultural issues discussed include meaning in music, the nature of pop culture, and different kinds of emotion.

Each chapter concludes with aids for discussion so that the book may be used in small groups and classrooms. Further resources are available at worshipinsongbook.com or at the website for Aniol’s music and consulting ministry, religiousaffections.org.

Scott Aniol is the executive director of Religious Affections Ministries.

Scott received a bachelor’s degree in church music from Bob Jones University. He earned a master’s degree in musicology at Northern Illinois University and has done graduate work in theology at Central Baptist Seminary in Minneapolis, Minn. He was ordained to to the gospel ministry in 2004 and served as an associate pastor for five years.

Scott speaks on the subjects of music and worship at various churches and conferences. His most recent speaking engagements include the Great Lakes Conference on Theology, Central Seminary’s Foundations Conference, and adjunct teaching at International Baptist College and Bob Jones Seminary.