00875 – Olympic Music Brings Artistic Unity

Imagine the Olympic Games without music. Bleak. Recall moments of the Olympic Games with music—competition is transcended, common humanity and achievements are celebrated. I captured the following moment while watching 2004 Olympic Opening Ceremonies, televised from...

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00837 – Artistic Dilemma in Three Parts

All the above can be boiled down into a three-part artistic dilemma that has faced the church for centuries. First, if art is beautiful, it has to be used whether it is effective or not. This is the idol of quality. Second, if art is effective, it must be used,...

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00815 – Performance vs. Ministry

Years ago, while presenting a piano program to senior citizens, I suggested that we have “request time.” A dear woman sitting close to the front asked to hear “Amazing Grace.” Being certain that I could impress her I sat down at the piano and played a rather...

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