The influence of music on the development of the Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee)

Vaughan, Stephen Benson (2015). The influence of music on the development of the Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee). University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

Preview

Vaughan15PhD_Redacted.pdf
PDF - Redacted Version
Download (3MB)

Abstract

This thesis examines the \(influence\) of music on the development of the Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee). The dissertation is historically driven, but relies upon an interdisciplinary approach to draw on the insights of ecclesiology, theology, liturgiology, church development, and music. This thesis utilizes a chronological and systematic approach to the relationship between music and the Church of God in the United States during the first 125 years of the denomination’s history, from 1886 – 2011.
The study focuses upon eight major themes: historical roots, education, publishing, evangelism, transition, nurturing, liturgiology, and worship, to show that music had a widespread influence on the development of the denomination. The musical underpinnings for these broad themes include: Spirited-singing and exuberant worship; traveling music groups for the purpose of promotion; the shaped-note tradition; technological advancements; the amalgamation of both music and the youth of the Church of God; the establishment of a leadership structure for music; the music styles used in the Church of God; and finally highlighting worship as a lifestyle. For over a century music has been an often-neglected dialogue partner at the table of academic discussion and literature, and this thesis argues for recognition and a proper place in Pentecostal history.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):