A Song to Sing, A Life to Live: Reflections on Music as Spiritual Practice - Don Saliers and Emily Saliers
The father daughter team of Don Saliers (a professor of theology and worship) and Emily Saliers (most known for her work with the Indigo Girls) have produced an excellent reflection on the spirituality of music. They demonstrate the power of music to promote solidarity, touch the transcendent, move beyond words, express deep feelings, recall life experiences, and call for justice. The whole body is caught up in creating and listening to music. The difference between "secular" and "sacred" music is hard to discern since "secular" songs can be so spiritual and "sacred" songs can easily be sung without reflection. The Saliers lament the "Worship Wars." Dividing over one's preference for a certain musical style is narrow and unwelcoming. All in all, this is a fine introduction to the importance of music in all of life.