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CURRENTLY IN MUSIC
Illuminating Scripture with music

Carol Riediger

Songs from the Book
Word Entertainment, 1999.

Songs from the Book is an exciting, inspiring compilation of many contemporary Christian recording artists singing songs inspired by verses from the Bible, or “The Book”. The title refers to a special edition of the Living Translations published by Tyndale House. In 1999, Tyndale Publishers and Christian Broadcasting Network began a Bible readership campaign in partnership with Word Entertainment.

The purpose of this CD is to illuminate the Scriptures and combine it with music based on God’s Word. It is estimated that 90 million people in the US have never read the Bible, and, likewise in Canada, there is a high percentage of people who are unaware of God’s love, His Word, and the fact that they can have a relationship with Him.

Artists on this CD include Michael Card (who wrote the title song), Amy Grant, Jaci Velasquez, Crystal Lewis, Ron Kenoly, Bryan Duncan, Sandi Patti, BeBe Winans, Winans Phase 2, Sixpence None the Richer, Steven Curtis Chapman, Point of Grace, Anointed, 4HIM, the Ragamuffins and Ginny Owens. Titles include “Beauty for Ashes”, “God So Loved”, “Thy Word” and “My Deliverer”.

The music has variety and vitality, with high quality instrumentations backing up top-notch vocals. A lot of the pieces have groupings of artists such as Crystal Lewis and Ron Kenoly, and Sandi Patti and BeBe Winans. The new renditions of some older songs (El Shaddai) are great and powerful. I was uplifted and strengthened in my faith while listening to this CD and reading the Scriptures accompanying each song.

The lyrics also speak a strong and clear message to the preChristian. This CD is able to reach a large cross-section of the populations. A music book corresponding to this CD can be purchased separately.

Carol Riediger teaches piano privately and leads worship at Central MB Church, Chilliwack, B.C.

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Last modified May 4, 2000.

© 2000 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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