The Exploring the Worship Spectrum: 6 Views - Paperback

by Stanley N. Gundry (Editor), Paul Basden (Editor), The Very Paul F. M. Zahl (Contribution by)

An exploration of what worship looks like from a biblical standpoint and why the topic of worship can be so contentious among Christians.

Because worship is inherently theological--because it's a manifestation of humanity's response to God's holiness--it's important to take seriously how we worship and the roles it serves in personal displays of adoration and in community with other believers.

Exploring the Worship Spectrum provides an overview, critique, and celebration of six prominent worship styles:

• Formal-Liturgical - represented by Paul Zahl
• Traditional Hymn-Based - represented by Harold Best
• Contemporary Music-Driven - represented by Joe Horness
• Charismatic - represented by Don Williams
• Blended - represented by Robert Webber
• Emerging - represented by Sally Morgenthaler

This unique format allows those with a heart for worship to compare different perspectives and draw their own conclusions on what the Bible teaches. It allows readers to understand the various approaches to worship, carefully evaluate their strengths and weaknesses, and make personal choices without adopting a judgmental spirit.

The Counterpoints series presents a comparison and critique of scholarly views on topics important to Christians that are both fair-minded and respectful of the biblical text. Each volume is a one-stop reference that allows readers to evaluate the different positions on a specific issue and form their own, educated opinion.

Back Jacket

What does worship look like? Is there just one truly right way to worship? Are there any wrong ways? To what extent should our unity as believers manifest itself in unified public worship? Sadly, disagreement over how we should worship our loving God has sparked some most unloving attitudes among Christians. Exploring the Worship Spectrum seeks to correct this. It provides a forum for presentation, critique, and defense of six prominent worship styles: *Formal-Liturgical -- Paul Zahl *Traditional Hymn-Based -- Harold Best *Contemporary Music-Driven -- Joe Horness *Charismatic -- Don Williams *Blended -- Robert Webber *Emerging -- Sally Morgenthaler This unique format allows those with a heart for worship to compare different perspectives and draw their own conclusions on what the Bible teaches. It engages the reader's faculties of critical thinking in a way that allows him or her to understand the various approaches to worship, carefully evaluate their strengths and weaknesses, and make personal choices without adopting a judgmental spirit. The Counterpoints series provides a forum for comparison and critique of different views on issues important to Christians. Counterpoints books address three categories: Church Life, Exploring Theology, and Engaging Culture. Complete your library with other books in the Counterpoints series.

Author Biography

Stanley N. Gundry is executive vice president and editor-in-chief for the Zondervan Corporation. He has been an influential figure in the Evangelical Theological Society, serving as president of ETS and on its executive committee, and is adjunct professor of Historical Theology at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He is the author of seven books and has written many articles appearing in popular and academic periodicals.