Foundations of Christian Music

In the study of Christian liturgical music, the first three centuries of the Christian era are foundational. Seldom, however, does this period receive serious attention from scholars. One of the reasons for this oversight is the fluid auditory environment of this period, and the inadequacy of the Western concept of "music" to describe this environment. Foundations of Christian Music addresses this lacuna by exploring the auditory environment of first-century CE Judaism and emerging Christianity until the time of Constantine (d. 337). Through a consideration of the text, styles, forms, performance, and settings of Jewish and early Christian worship, Foundations offers an unusually rich perspective on the lyrical nature of emerging Christian worship.

Edward Foley is a Roman Catholic priest and member of the Province of St. Joseph of the Capuchin Order. The Duns Scotus Professor of Spirituality and Professor of Liturgy and Music at Catholic Theological Union, he was the founding director of the Ecumenical Doctor of Ministry degree jointly offered by Catholic Theological Union, the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, and McCormick Theological Seminary. An award-winning author and celebrated preacher, he has been honored with lifetime achievement awards from multiple national organizations. He also serves his Capuchin community as the vice-postulator for the canonization process for Blessed Solanus Casey.
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