There is no doubt that music plays an enormous part in many people's lives. Matthew Turner discusses this reality in his own life, but from a perspective of a childhood rooted in an extremely strict version of Christianity. From what I gather, anything except hymns was basically considered evil. The humor and pain I felt as he discussed his family sneaking out to a Sandy Patti concert resonated with me. Not that I was ever a Sandy fan myself, but more of a closet Petra fan.
Without ever coming out and saying it, Turner questions the validity of both Christians openly judging the motives of musicians that happen to be Christian, and the musician themselves who seek fame as a so called humble servant of Christ. This hit home because I have both heard criticism of Christian musicians for their weaknesses (uh...they are human), while also seeing musicians that claimed God had called them to their ministry (and corresponding popularity), but seemingly forgetting at the same time to give them any talent.
This seems like deep and painful things to consider, but I give Turner credit for writing from his own life experiences and doing so with humor. I can't honestly say that I agree with everything, but the book gets the mental juices flowing in a simple read. With that said, I think the book is worth picking up and reading.
Publisher's Info
If you’ve ever had the opening bars of a song transport you back in time or remind you of a pivotal spiritual moment, Matthew Paul Turner’s honest—and frequently hilarious—musings will strike a chord. Straightforward and amusing, Hear No Evil is Turner’s “life soundtrack,” a compilation of engaging personal stories about how music—and music’s ability to transform—has played a key role in his spiritual life.
Groove along on his journey as young evangelical Turner attends forbidden contemporary Christian concerts, moves to “Music City” Nashville, and dreams of becoming the Michael Jackson of Christian music.
Cosmic and compelling, keen and funny, every page is a new encounter with the people, places, and experiences that have taught the music-editor-turned-author some new things about God, forced him out of his comfort zone, and introduced him to a fresh view of grace along the way.
Author Bio
Matthew Paul Turner is a blogger, speaker, and author of Churched: One Kid’s Journey Toward God Despite a Holy Mess, The Christian Culture Survival Guide, and several other popular books. After a childhood in rural Maryland, Turner attended Nashville’s Belmont University, where he received a BBA in music business, and was the editor of CCM magazine before leaving to pursue writing as a career. Turner has written for Relevant, HomeLife, Christian Single, and other magazines. He and his wife, Jessica, have one son, and live in Nashville, Tennessee.
My favorite place to buy books is Amazon and you can find the book there. Or of you are inclined, you can find out more about it from the Random House web site.
This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah, a division of Random House.
On Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.
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