A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Religious Popular Music: Between the Instrumental, Transcendent and Transgressive
Authors: Kahn-Harris K, Moberg M
Publisher: FINNISH SOC STUDY RELIGION
Publication year: 2012
Journal:: Temenos
Journal name in source: TEMENOS
Journal acronym: TEMENOS
Volume: 48
Issue: 1
First page : 87
Last page: 106
Number of pages: 20
ISSN: 0497-1817
Abstract
The use of post-rock 'n' roll popular music genres by religious groups is accompanied by a notable ambiguity: Is religious popular music designed to be an instrumental tool for outreach/evangelism, or does it have an intrinsic value in summoning and exploring the transcendent? The article focuses on the previously rarely explored idea that the instrumental use of popular music in Christian and Jewish settings is often much more important than its transcendent qualities. The importance of the instrumental in Christian and Jewish popular music reveals itself in subtle and not-so-subtle signifiers and practices that point to an anxious desire to discipline music's possible transgressive force.
The use of post-rock 'n' roll popular music genres by religious groups is accompanied by a notable ambiguity: Is religious popular music designed to be an instrumental tool for outreach/evangelism, or does it have an intrinsic value in summoning and exploring the transcendent? The article focuses on the previously rarely explored idea that the instrumental use of popular music in Christian and Jewish settings is often much more important than its transcendent qualities. The importance of the instrumental in Christian and Jewish popular music reveals itself in subtle and not-so-subtle signifiers and practices that point to an anxious desire to discipline music's possible transgressive force.
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