Includes bibliographical references (p. 263-269) and indexes.

SECTION I: Laying the foundation -- Biblical authority in matters of faith and practice -- What is worship? -- Understanding sanctification -- Affections: the missing link -- Pop goes the music: music, culture, and the church -- SECTION II: Music in lifestyle worship -- What does the music mean? -- Beauty and glory -- Sanctifying the emotions -- Making musical choices -- SECTION III: Music in assembled worship -- Worshiping God in the assembly -- Why do we need sacred music? -- Congregational worship music: God-oriented -- Congregational worship music: Doctrine-oriented -- Congregational worship music: Affection-oriented -- Congregational worship music: Congregation-oriented -- Making sacred musical choices -- Preparation and participation in the worship service -- Conclusion -- Appendix A: A plea to teach children hymns -- Appendix B: Classic hymns categorized by doctrine -- Appendix C: A guide to building a classical and sacred music library.

Contending that much of the confusion about the music issue is primarily a theological misunderstanding, Aniol discusses such issues as what does Sola Scriptura really mean?, the nature of biblical affections, the essence of biblical worship, and the purpose of music in the church. Cultural issues discussed include meaning in music, the nature of pop culture, and different kinds of emotion. --from publisher description.