ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses the origin, dignity, effects and necessity of music and its various functions in civil life, drawing upon classical mythology and the philosophy of music. It presents the ‘lawful use of music in the church’ grounded in the patristic theology of music, which is the acme of the treatise. The book illustrates how religious views advocate or impede musical education and practice as an agent of ethical formation and development for both individual and society. It suggests a historical perspective which offers critical insights into the relationship among religion, ethics, education and music. It is a significant contribution to the history of musical theory and apologetic literature. Although the Anglican criticism of musical abuse resonates with its continental Reformed counterpart, it steered its own course owing to the unique political and religious situation.
