Worship in Spirit and Truth: A Refreshing Study of the Principles and Practice of Biblical Worship (P&R Publishing, 1996) by John M. Frame. 171 pages. Reviewed by Dr. Barry Liesch.

Frame has taught Systematic Theology in Presbyterian Seminaries for over 25 years, and he is also an organist/pianist and worship leader, a rare combination. His academic credentials are impressive, having graduated not only from Princeton but Yale University. Yet Frame is thoroughly evangelical and holds to the inerrancy of Scripture. Frame believes that Presbyterians need to do some rethinking in the area of worship that would allow more flexibility and creativity in the style and delivery of Sunday morning worship.

In this book, which deals with the principles of worship, Frame attempts to define where we are bound by God's norms in scripture, and where we are free to develop creative applications of those principles. While Frame doesn't deny the value of various worship traditions and the history of worship, he doesn't regard these traditions as "divinely authoritative." He says, "we must first ask what Scripture says. Scripture must define, limit, and warrant our use of tradition. I intend, therefore, to discuss principles that are of greater importance than anything derived from this tradition alone."

Frame delves into the "regulative principle" that Reformed and Presbyterian Churches have espoused in some detail. It states that "whatever Scripture does not command is forbidden." However, he sees the principle as a "charter of freedom, not a burdensome bondage," as a "principle that sets us free, within limits, to worship God in the language of our time." He maintains we must be "more conservative and more liberal than most students of Christian worship." Though Frame is grounded in Scripture, he is also progressive in outlook relative to musical style and the use of media.

Frame deals with the principles in Old and New Testament worship, the Regulative Principle, the order of worship, the emotions, style and atmosphere of worship, Scripture reading, preaching, drama, and a number of issues related to music including exclusive psalm singing, and dance.

You get to look at worship from the eyes of a mature theologian. You won't find much practical application here, but your thinking and heart for worship will surely be nurtured. There are excellent discussion questions at the end of each chapter. This very readable, clearly argued book would be a great addition to your worship library, or an excellent guide for your Sunday school class or worship team. One of the reviewers on the back cover wrote, "This is the kind of book that you will read and say, 'But of course. Why didn't someone explain it that way before.' "

See my review of Frame's other outstanding book, Contemporary Worship Music.