Musical Nature of Christian Worship in the Context of Balancing Emotional Expressiveness and Theological Content

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to determine the principles of harmonising the emotional-aesthetic and theological-content components of Christian musical worship, taking into account its impact on the spiritual experience of believers and the sociocultural dynamics of religious communities. The methodological basis of the study is built on an interdisciplinary approach that integrates methods of religious studies analysis, musicological research, and sociocultural critique. The primary focus is on the analysis of Christian singing as a multifunctional phenomenon that encompasses liturgical, communicative, aesthetic, and sacred-pedagogical aspects. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the development of a methodological approach to musical ministry aimed at maintaining a balance between emotional expressiveness and theological doctrine. Innovative principles for forming musical repertoire have been proposed, considering its alignment with liturgical traditions, aesthetic significance, theological correctness, and emotional sensitivity. It has been revealed that musical ministry is a key component of sacred practice that not only shapes collective religious experience but also functions as a means of spiritual socialisation. Conclusions. The article emphasises that musical service facilitates the integration of traditional and modern elements by utilising a wide range of instrumental, vocal, and technical means. Contemporary Christian worship transcends being a mere vocal phenomenon, transforming into an interactive audio-visual experience that engages believers in collective action and enhances the atmosphere of sacred involvement. The principles for forming the repertoire have been analysed in detail, including its alignment with liturgical traditions, aesthetic significance, theological correctness, and emotional sensitivity. The harmony of emotional-aesthetic and theological values fosters the creation of an integrative space that meets the needs of modern religious communities, ensuring the preservation of traditions and the innovative approaches to musical art in the Christian context.