Producing worship: how might a biblically informed theological understanding help better shape praxis for contemporary church technical artists?

Way, Josiah (2018). Producing worship: how might a biblically informed theological understanding help better shape praxis for contemporary church technical artists? University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Over the past two decades, the church has sought to incorporate technology into its worship services in ways that mimic modern society; professional audio consoles, stage lighting, projection screens, and theatrical sets are now customary. Because how people experience sacred space forms their views about it, what technical artists do in practice also shapes the congregation’s beliefs about God. Therefore, this thesis addresses the research question, how might a biblically informed theological understanding help better shape praxis for contemporary church technical artists?

The tabernacle construction narrative (Exodus 35:30–36:1), Christ’s mediation from within the church (Hebrews 2:12–13), and Paul’s exhortation to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Colossians 3:16) are exegeted and viewed in light of current practice to form a portrait of the role of the technical artist. This thesis offers an original argument that technical artists are mediators of modern church worship and establishes the technical arts as a biblically sanctioned vocation within the theological school of ecclesiology. The technical arts are aligned with the long-standing tradition of the musical arts as a worship-centered activity and those “producing worship” are worshipers themselves.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):