SINGING PRAISES TO THE LORD : MUSIC AND PERFORMANCE IN TWO CHARISMATIC CHRISTIAN CHURCHES IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Musical activity is a prominent component of charismatic Christian worship. "What exactly is its significance, and why?" is the question that this study will try to answer, with reference to two charismatic churches in Singapore. The situation of music and musical activity in the social-cultural context is a fundamental assumption on which its arguments are based. Boundary creation and maintenance and the conception of self and other in Christian worldview gives rise to a multiplicity of meanings accrued to the very same music. The performative nature of music-making and worship as a religious practice is investigated and linked to the construction of reality and the creation of Christian identity through worship. By looking into what it means for a church member to be a worshipper or a Christian musician this study illustrates the ways in which charismatic Christian worldview influences the use of music, the role it plays in the social setting and the way in which it is perceived.