Current Issue: Winter 2008
The Human Imagination by Elder Lindahl
The question of the place of music in worship settings has been around in the world’s religions for a long time. Currently, the great divide for Protestants is between traditional and contemporary music. Though Pietists give singing a central place in the sanctuary, they do not always agree on how it fits in. In early times, spiritual words put to drinking-song tunes were considered irreverent and jazzy by some. Youth for Christ choruses of the 40s and 50s disturbed parents who liked the old, classic hymns better. In one way or another, the clash between traditional and contemporary music has been, and will be, with us for years and years.
Communication with Children by David Mampel
David Mampel, a clown by calling, is known as Daffy Dave. He has entertained and educated children in the San Francisco Bay area for years. His article “The Ministry of Laughter” appeared in Pietisten, Fall 2004. This article is a reprint of an address he gave to The Ethical Society of St. Louis in February.
Waldenström Goes to China by Norman Dwight
In 1907 Peter Waldenström made a trip to China and wrote about his experiences in Till Kina. I don’t read Swedish but pictures can tell a story. In that way I found the book interesting. As a missionary kid growing up in China, I saw pictures and names I knew from my childhood.
Sightings in Christian Music by Glen V. Wiberg
There are three sightings in Christian Music that I wish to report on: “Mystic Chords of Memory: Some Thoughts on Music and Communication in the Evangelical Covenant Church, Past and Present,” “An Open Letter to Covenant Church Leaders Regarding Our Hymnody,” and Royce Eckhardt on songs of Covenanters.