AP

Review of Humphrey Dobson, Music to the Glory of God, Wapwallopen: Shepherd Press, 2024.

            It takes some courage to wade into the worship wars, but Humphrey Dobson does so in a most helpful and instructive way. His judgments are judicious and careful, and he avoids wild claims for or against whatever aspect of music is in his purview. Music cannot simply be subjective, whose beauty is solely in the ear of the listener; there must be something objective about it. John Milton was surely right when he referred to Voice and Verse as ‘harmonious sisters.

            Yet, as Humphrey Dobson comments, ‘the Bible does not come with sheet music.’ Birds sing, but human beings have the instinct without the inbuilt wherewithal to do it to the glory of God. We can all use some clear biblical guidance, and this is a book which provides it. One needs to be aware that there are sections of this book which only a reader who is trained in music theory could follow, but this is mainly confined to chapter 7.

            The omission of any treatment of the music of Keith Getty and of Bob Kauflin is a loss, in my view, but it is one of the few points that one might contend with. The book is a mine of information, and delightful information at that.

            ‘Take it and read,’ said Augustine. In this context, we might say: ‘Take it and sing.’ And do so with a more sanctified understanding of the place of beauty in God’s plan for His people. This is well worth the effort of careful study.

– Peter Barnes