The relationship between Christian theology and music has been complex since the early days


of the Church. In the twentieth century the secularization of Western culture has led to further


complexity. The search for the soul, following Nietzsche’s declaration of the Death of God has


led to an increasing body of literature in many fields on spirituality. This book is an attempt


to open up a conversation between these related discourses, with contributions reflecting a


range of perspectives within them. It is not the final word on the relationship but expresses a


conviction about their relationship. Collecting together such a variety of approaches allows new


understandings to emerge from their juxtaposition and collation. This book will contribute to


the ongoing debate between theology, spirituality, culture and the arts. It includes contexts with


structured relationships between music and the Church alongside situations where spirituality


and music are explored with sometimes distant echoes of Divinity and ancient theologies


reinterpreted for the contemporary world.

Series edited by: June Boyce-Tillman