John S. McClure
Baylor University Press, 2011, 250 pp., $24.95
John McClure has rendered a valuable gift to music and theology with Mashup Religion. In fact, this book offers a unique view of music-writing and theology practice. Combining the two disciplines in a mashup of overlapping systems and cultures provides new methodologies and ends for the practice of both. Anyone who enjoys music (especially writing/recording music) or being a practical theologian will find much in this academic approach to self-discovery and creativity.
McClure uses the modern-day practice of musical mashup to describe how church leaders—and youth directors—can and do glean thoughts, practices and ideas from a variety of resources, religious and secular. Through this method of the mashup, we create new ideas, theological sounds and fresh thoughts that expose others to the life-giving grace of God. New models for church and practice emerge in this same way.
Given the fact that much of youth culture is centered on music—and there are ample numbers of teenagers who derive their ideologies, practices and culture from musical sources—Mashup Religion is most insightful. McClure, a creative artist, is able to bring his academic acumen (Vanderbilt Divinity School Professor of Preaching) into a mix that can help pastors and youth leaders create new ministries, ideas and practices in the modern world.
