And Now Let's Move into a Time of Nonsense: Why Worship Songs are Failing the Church by PAGE NICK (17-Sep-2004) Paperback

by Nick Page

Combining humor with strong argument, Page analyzes how worship song writers have bought into a disposable, "pop-song" model; how they have filled their songs with a kind of semi-Biblical code and how songs suffer from poor technique and a lack of specialist lyric writers. Above all it encourages writers to really think about the words of their songs and whether they really communicate truth about God—truth that should lead to worship.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Church, Music

Paperback

First published September 1, 2004

About the author

Nick Page lives in Oxfordshire, UK, with his wife Claire, their three daughters and a dog called Bill.

As well as writing books, he works with a number of campaign groups and NGOs. He is also a popular speaker for churches, church weekends and other events. events, etc.

His main focus is on church history – particularly the early church. Recent work includes A Nearly Infallible History of Christianity, and the Longest Week trilogy.

As well as writing many books for adults (or at least those who think they are adult) he has also written many books for children.

Reviews

[Laurena Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a bit of a niche subject; the quality of writing and lyrics in modern church worship songs. I enjoyed it (maybe partly because I agreed with the premise before I had even read it...) but I found that the author expanded my views and helped me to understand the subject further. Well-written, witty, and practical.

[Matthew Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐
Very challenging on whether song lyrics are as beneficial as they seem and also challenged me as a hymn lover as to whether or not I truly understand what I am singing.

[Robin Peake · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fantastically flippant, a must-read wrestle for those who lead sung worship or choose songs in church

[Gerald Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was written quite a while ago but is probably as relevant now as when it was written. It should be compulsory reading for all those involved in leading services or choosing songs for use in church. It is quite UK oriented referencing several UK festival events etc so if you’re not British then you may not know these events, but his points are still valid and probably applicable anywhere. I found Kevin’s letters to his publisher hilarious and only slightly exaggerated. If you have read any of Adrian Plass then you should enjoy this. It’s a short book and I read it over two days.

[Turnip · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thought provoking but outdated now I think (published 2004) and ultimately just irritating.
Full of contradiction - it starts by saying hymns are not for this age, then proceeds to say that worship songs should be written like them, ie poetically.
But then I've never understood why people can't mix the best of hymns and worship songs in services.
Some valid points are made, but there is sarcasm in spades.
The best thing about it is Kevin Molecule's imagined letters to Mr Dave Davey at the Songs of Dwellingness Ministries, all about anointedness etc.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great - and rather cynical book - on the subject of Christian worship bands, music, and the like. Anyone who's ever been sitting or standing in a congregation while some inanely-worded, three-chord piece of so-called 'worship music' will instantly appreciate what Page has to say...and his solutions.

[The Jesus Fandom · Rating 4 out of 5]

True to Nick Page form, the book is accessible and funny. The idea of worship with modern allegories was new to me, which was cool.