A Theology of Music for Worship Derived from the Book of Revelation

Church musicians and worship leaders have been frustrated for two thousand years because the New Testament has so few specific guidelines regarding the use of music for worship. The purpose of this study is to show that the New Testament does have both practical and specific things to say regarding the use of music in the life of the contemporary Church. This study analyzes the forms of music, performing groups, and performance practice found within the Book of Revelation. Each of these aspects is traced historically through the early pagan, Jewish, Greek, Roman, and early church periods. This historical perspective provides the groundwork from which points for a theology of music for worship are developed and supported and made relevant to the contemporary church musician and worship leader.

Thomas Allen Seel received the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Church Music at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is Minister of Music at Fern Creek United Methodist Church.