About the Book The book is an attempt to unfold the treasures of Mysticism and become rooted in Christ, so that we discover a renewed vision of consecrated life and be relevant emissaries of Christ's love in this 21st century. The call to rejuvenate the consecrated Life in this century through effective prophetic witness and profound mystical dimension is very vital to the Church and Society, as we are living in the midst of diverse modern challenges such as materialism, consumerism, subjectivism, fundamentalism, careerism, etc.
The desire to renew our lives as human beings and above all as consecrated persons, invites us to return to the Lord Jesus Christ, the true treasure and the pearl of our lives as mystics and prophets with an undivided burning heart, fully alive in His service. We are challenged to be transformed into other Christs, to reconcile with the world in communion, joy, forgiveness and compassion for His people in the 21st century, to wake up the world.
The book is meant for all consecrated men and women who continue to take on the prophetic task for the Church to flourish in a world that has already been deteriorated by so much division, violence, exploitation, and disillusionment.
About the Author Revd Paolen Haokip, also known as Paul Paolen, is an ordained minister of the Kuki Baptist Convention. He obtained his Bachelor of Divinity (B.D) from Union Biblical Seminary (2005) and Masters in Christian Theology from NIIPGTS, Serampore College (2009). He has given leadership for KSO Pune, as General Secretary (1997- 1998), President (2002-2003), and Chairman of KWS Pune (2004-2005). He has served KWS Delhi, as Sunday School Teacher (1999-2001), Outreach Secretary (1999-2001), Asst. Pastor (2005-2007); and Pastor of KWS, Kolkata (2009-2010). At present, he is pursuing his Doctoral study at the Aizawl Theological College in the Department of Christian Theology.
Foreword Music is part and parcel of worship in the church, and it is meant to bring spiritual nourishment to the worshipers. Unfortunately the choice of music in the churches differs-some prefer traditional while others go for contemporary music. The dichotomy of the choice of music has brought negative ramification on the church. Paolen attempts to bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary music, and he asserts that one need to realize that contemporary or traditional music does not provide the answer to all musical problems. No music is outdated, boring or better. All types of music are equally good as long as the worshipper worship in truth and spirit- it all depends on the attitude of the worshiper; one should not blame tradition or contemporary style of music.
Preface As I pen down my thoughts in the form of topic, entitled as Christian Music: Contemporary and Traditional, for a Meaningful Worship of the Kukis, excitement and amazement triggered the very nerves of my imagination, distributing and supplying me a complete sets of insights that amalgamate interest on my research work. This feeling arises as I feel the subject will assist and enshrine Christian ministry with wider knowledge in the field of music.
Introduction Round the world there is a renewed interest in the music at times of excitement, pain, grief, frustration, loneliness, loss, hate and love. Even those who are ignorant to music, likes to be in the company of musicians. Every nation and every tribe have their own style of music like western, eastern, classical, folk, pop, jazz, rock, disco, soul, reggae, punk. Music is one of the medium through which we express our feelings, sentiments, emotions & ideas. Every occasion has its own music from cradle to tomb. It has been found, noticed, taken to be the satisfactory means of expressing from the deepest sorrow to the highest flight of love. There are songs for war, victory, joy, thrill, and gayety for festal occasions. In religion too, music always has been the means of reaching the depths of the human heart when spoken or written words fail. How pathetic would this world be without music? For Moerner, "Music speaks universal language and breaks across the barriers of race and color". It unites, binds and touches everyone. Singing and music has to be a vital part of a growing Christian.
**Contents and Sample Pages**
