Reviews
"Steven Darsey is a master church musician. Now, in this engaging, theologically well-formed, and very practical book, Darsey gives us pastors and worship leaders the guidance we need to more faithfully and vibrantly lead God's people in worship." --Will Willimon, Duke Divinity School "Questioning the logic--and the orthodoxy--of contemporary fads, Darsey challenges us to anchor our musical and liturgical practices in the historic tradition of the church, innovating in ways that continue to honor and speak out of the centuries-long tradition of Christian worship. This book makes a vital contribution to our reflection on this sacred task." --David A. deSilva, Ashland Theological Seminary "This concise and very thoughtful book presents a deep-searching philosophical and theological discussion of the biblical foundations of sacred music. The choice of the book's title may not be obvious right away, but the meaning of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob for the ministry of music is clearly brought to life and, moreover, engages the mind and spirit of church musicians in going about their day-to-day work." --Christoph Wolff, Harvard University "This slight book bears a weighty message: thinking about church music demands thinking about worship and thinking about worship requires honoring the transcendence of God. Precisely the book's refusal to compromise with contemporary tastes makes it worth reading." --Luke Johnson, Candler School of Theology "Clear, bold, and radiant with prophetic conviction, Steven Darsey's book . . . should be required reading for seminarians and church-music students, ministers and church musicians. Whether agreeing or disagreeing, no serious reader can fail to gain appreciation for the hard work of musical discernment required to balance heritage and relevance as we worship the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." --Albert Blackwell, author of The Sacred in Music "Darsey's book is an intelligent and challenging, if concise, view of what constitutes worship and the role of music in that worship... The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob can be a hard read. I guarantee that regardless of your place on the music/liturgy continuum, there will be a point at which you will feel uncomfortable. But I would urge you to read on and understand your discomfort as a sign of engagement and caring discernment. Highly recommended." --Erik W. Goldstrom, as reviewed in The Journal of the Association of Anglican Muscians
