Monday, January 28, 2008

Intriguing Book of the Day

Unceasing Worship by Harold Best
Discerning Reader's Best Book of 2003! We are not created to worship. Nor are we created for worship. We are created worshiping.Too often Christians have only thought of worship in terms of particular musical styles or liturgical formats. But a proper view of worship is far larger than what takes place in churches on Sunday mornings. Worship is not limited to specific times, places or activities. God is by his very nature continuously outpouring himself. Because we are created in his image, we too are continually pouring ourselves in various directions, whether toward God or toward false gods. All of us, Christian or not, are always worshiping, whether or not that worship is directed toward God. We are unceasing worshipers.The fruition of a lifetime of study, reflection and experience, this volume sets forth Harold M. Best's understanding of worship and the arts. Widely respected as one of the foremost thinkers and practitioners in his field, Best explores the full scope of worship as continuous outpouring in all settings and contexts. With careful exposition and eloquent analysis, Best casts a holistic vision for worship that transcends narrow discussions of musical style or congregational preference. On this broader canvas, Best addresses popular misunderstandings about the use of music and offers correctives toward a more biblically consistent practice of artistic action.Incisive, biblical, profound and comprehensive, Best's landmark volume is one by which all other statements on worship and the arts will be measured.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Best defines worship as "the continuous outpouring of all that I am, all that I do and all that I can ever become in light of a chosen or choosing god (p. 18)."

On page 20 he states, "No one's worship can possible be self-contained, even when it barely dribbles out. Thus, looking ahead to chapter five, worship and witness are two words for one comprehensive reality. Even self-worship (self-absorbed outpouring) cannot be contained. In its perversity it infects those who come near its self-worshiping center. . ."