Sacrifice is essential to all religions. Could there be a natural, even biological, reason? Why are sacrifice and numerous other religious rituals and concepts shared by so many different cultures? In this extraordinary book, one of the world’s leading authorities on ancient religions explores the possibility of natural religion.

In Sacred Song in America, Stephen A. Marini explores the full range of American sacred music and demonstrates how an understanding of the meanings and functions of this musical expression can contribute to a greater understanding of religious culture.Marini examines the role of sacred song across the United States, from the musical traditions of Native Americans and the Hispanic peoples of the Southwest, to the Sacred Harp singers of the rural South and the Jewish music revival to the music of the Mormon, Catholic, and Black churches. Including chapters on New Age and Neo-Pagan music, gospel music, and hymnals as well as interviews with iconic composers of religious music, Sacred Song in America pursues a historical, musicological, and theoretical inquiry into the complex roles of ritual music in the public religious culture of contemporary America.

"This innovative book explores religion through music - the source of spiritual elation, social cohesion, and empowerment in cultures around the world."--BOOK JACKET.

A classic collection of hymns and choruses, Sankey's Sacred Songs and Solos was developed by Ira D. Sankey as a resource for his concerts and revival meetings in the late 19th century. This collection is still popular today, with a wide selection of hymns and songs on many different themes. Now the Music edition is available again at long last, enabling churches to restock and be sure of continuing to access the deep riches of Sankey's compilation for years to come.

Holy Treasure and Sacred Song explores the complex interplay between relic cults and the liturgy in medieval Tuscany. Drawing on documentary, literary and visual evidence rarely considered together, it reveals that liturgical texts, music, and ritual were integral to the clergy's well-informed promotion of saints buried in their churches.

Simple Sacred Songs for Children is the perfect resource for beginning children’s choirs. The tuneful, easily learned melodies employ timeless "classic" formal structures that foster the establishment of a lifelong love of singing and sow the seeds of the choral art. Spanning the entire church year, the six songs include titles for Advent, Christmas, Lent & Easter, as well as general occasions. As an added bonus, this comprehensive collection includes reproducible song sheets for the singers, featuring both melody and lyrics.