Abstract:
At a time when the emphasis in liturgical practice is shifting increasingly away from intellectualisation
towards experiential understanding and connectedness, or embodiment, the church music leader
is presented with new challenges. This paper takes the form of a spirituographic literature review
in which the concepts related to embodiment are presented to the reader, and an understanding
of spiritual embodiment is extended to musical embodiment. Numerous traditions of praise
and worship exist, and liturgical music-making is constantly in a process of evolution. In some
traditions the focus is going increasingly inwards and the value of contemplative and meditative
practices is extolled. Traditional organ accompaniment in the service is increasingly being
supplemented with instrumental, music bands and guitar accompaniment. Emphasis is shifting
toward acceptance of dance and movement in worship. The question whether, and in which ways,
these changing trends are in fact a revival of Biblical traditions, is discussed. Special significance is
given to the importance of the body as instrument through which the Creator’s children function
in the world, the primary example being Christ who became a human being. The literature survey
draws on the work of writers representing very diverse religious and spiritual backgrounds,
including Baptist, Dutch Reformed, Anglican, Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox.
