Broken hallelujahs

Book Description

In a world where sacred and secular often seem worlds apart, Christian Batalden Scharen invites readers to discover the divine presence woven throughout contemporary music and culture. This thoughtful exploration challenges the traditional boundaries that separate church from world, revealing how God's redemptive work extends far beyond sanctuary walls.

Scharen guides readers through an illuminating journey across diverse musical landscapes, from the raw honesty of blues and hip-hop to the anthemic power of rock. Through careful examination of artists like Arcade Fire, Kanye West, Leonard Cohen, and Billie Holiday, he demonstrates how authentic spiritual expression emerges from the most unexpected places. Rather than dismissing popular culture as spiritually barren, this work reveals the profound theological insights embedded within contemporary music.

Drawing inspiration from C.S. Lewis while developing his own theological framework, Scharen presents a vision of faith that embraces both suffering and hope. He argues for trusting in God's active presence within our broken world, finding sacred meaning in the midst of human struggle and artistic expression. This approach offers readers a more expansive understanding of where divine love and redemption can be encountered.

Written with both scholarly depth and accessible warmth, this book speaks to anyone seeking to integrate their spiritual life with contemporary culture. Whether you are a pastor, youth minister, or simply someone curious about finding God in unexpected places, this work offers fresh perspectives on faith's intersection with the music that shapes our daily lives.