MUSIC AND MORALS

When the lyrics of modern songs extol cop killing, deviant sexual behavior, Satanism and suicide; and when rock concerts sometimes turn violent, lives are lost, and communities trashed in the aftermath, people begin to wonder about the link between music and morals. Does Scripture reveal anything applicable in this area? What does moral theology say about it? Has the Church made any pronouncements relevant to the problem? These interesting and provocative questions, and many others like them, are asked and answered in this timely volume concerning music and its effects on individuals and society. The history of sacred and secular music is traced through the centuries from both philosophical and theological perspectives, and includes insights from persons such as Jacques Maritain and Pope John Paul II. Does music have a subtle but definite influence over our attitudes and behavior? Is there a way of judging between “good” and “bad” music? The answers contained in this book may surprise you!

About the Author: Basil Cole, OP, a priest of Most Holy Name of Jesus Western Province of the Dominicans, is the co-author with Paul Conner, OP of Christian Totality: A Theology of the Consecrated Life (Alba House, 1997) and a lecturer at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas in Rome.