Annotated Bibliography

Arrandale, R. (2002). Watching Chariots Pass By: A Personal Reflection on Being Inspired by
the Work of Asphodel. Feminist Theology, 11(1), 16-26.
This article written by Arrandale was primarily about the topic of feminist theology;
however, I used it for other reasons related to music, and thus, to extend much of
Arrandales thoughts and ideas supporting her argument of a feminist theology to use also
in support of my own argument for a theology of indie and alternative rock. The specific
portion of Arrandales piece that became my main focus was the portion in which she
actually cited a quote from a song by the Smiths to argue a point of hers; it was from this
portion of the essay which I drew the beginnings of my ideas on one of the core concepts
of what I would define as a theology of indie and alternative rock, based on her original
ideas about a feminist theology. The main idea I drew out of this portion of the piece was
the idea of identification as a core theme in not only the feminist theology that Arrandale
was presenting, but also a theology of indie and alternative rock that I was presenting, as
I extending her ideas to demonstrate that it is central to any theology, whether it be one of
feminism or music, and especially that is central to a theology of indie and alternative
rock, going against the grain, to have at its core the concept of the person practicing the
theology being able to identify with it, as it should say something about that persons life
and speak to that person in some sort of way. Thus, I used this piece to show that just as
this concept of identification is a the core of the feminist theology Arrandale is
presenting, so it is also present at the core of any theology as well, especially a theology
of indie and alternative rock, where being able to identify with a movement that is
inherently separated from the mainstream and inherently going against the grain, similar
to feminism sometimes, is so key to the theology.

Beaudoin, T. (Ed.). (2013). Secular Music and Sacred Theology. Liturgical Press.

This book edited by Beaudoin was primarily about the connections between popular
music and theology in todays society. I used it primarily to formulate many of my ideas
about the theology of indie and alternative rock that became the foundation for how I
structured my arguments about it, as well as for a specific footnote that in itself formed a
central part of my argument for how the lyrics of one particular song by the Smiths were
exemplary of all three of what I found to be the core concepts of a theology of indie and
alternative rock in one song itself. This footnote had primarily to do with the song
Panic, by the Smiths, guiding my thought process on the song and directing me the
most important lines of the lyrics that I determined I should start my explanation of the
songs message about the core concepts of a theology of indie and alternative rock at. It
was also from the ideas in this footnote about the sentiments present within The Smiths
song Panic, that I formed another one of my core concepts that I argued was part of the
larger theology of indie and alternative rock, with that concept being liberation from the
mundane, unfulfilling and unsatisfying life, in search of greater things in life, by way of
taking down the music of the time to demonstrate breaking free from the mundane life in
the world of the time. Thus, I used this piece not only to begin laying the foundations of
what I would come to define as a theology of alternative and indie rock, but also to
analyze a specific song I found demonstrative of all three of its core concepts, and to
derive another one of the three concepts from which I built the core of a theology of indie
and alternative rock.

Bellini, Jason. "Kanye West's Work-in-Progress." ChristianityToday.com. CT, 24 Feb.

2016. Web. 05 Dec. 2016.
This article was from Christian today website. It was written in february 24, 2016 by
Jason Bellini. It focuses on Kanye West saying that he released a gospel album with a lot
of cursing. Christians were wondering what is going through his mind. They discussed
about the availability of the album to people as so many music stream sites were denied
the privilege of streaming the song. Kanye uses christian themes and imagery in his work.

This album as well as his past ones continue to show us that Kanye writes his music to
relay messages and for a purpose. The writers touch on the effects of the lyrics. Even
people who know what sins are in the bible because they follow the word are still able to
look past some of the wrong doing. The feedback he was getting from his album was
people confessing their sins because his album brings out confessions to grow ones faith
and seek revelation and a deeper meaning for life. The article helps to illustrate what rap
music is doing today and how artists are able to intermingle entertainment and religion in
their work.

Fonarow, W. (2006). Empire of dirt: the aesthetics and rituals of British indie music. Wesleyan
University Press.
This book written by Fonarow was primarily about the structure, influence, and scene of
British indie music itself as a whole, detailing how it formed and evolved and what its
core concepts were as a movement. It was from those core concepts that I formed the
original bases for what would become my own three core concepts of what was to
become a theology of alternative and indie rock, regarding how each of its three concepts
had to do with going against the grain at the time and forming a theology outside of the
mainstream and opposed to it. I also used Fonarows ideas on what she had described as
indie musics underlying theology to create the final of my three core concepts for what
was to become a theology of indie and alternative rock music, with that last concept
being rejection, of, by, and from the mainstream of the time. I derived this final concept
at the core of a theology of indie and alternative rock music from Fonarows points about
the role of taste in indies underlying theology and how indies underlying theology
created a hierarchical structure for itself based on taste and opposed to the mainstream
as a result. As Fonarow points out how someones taste denotes who is inside and
outside the scene of indie music, so I see that it also dictates how the core concept of
rejection in a theology of indie and alternative rock music functions as well, as taste is
the main factor that determines whether you will be rejected by the indie music scene and

thus from participation in the practice of a theology of indie and alternative rock itself.
Therefore, I used this source to form my final of the three concepts of what would
become the core of a theology of indie and alternative rock, by using Fonarows ideas to
demonstrate how the concept of rejection functions in a theology of indie and alternative
rock, in order for me to apply the concept to songs.

Gutierrez, Gustavo. A Theology of Liberation: History, Politics, and Salvation. Maryknoll,

NY:
Orbis, 1973. Print.
This work acknowledges marginalized groups and how individualism and liberation have
given way to a new approach to theology that represents their voices. The incorporation
of politics and theology establishes that God is in all of us, regardless of where we come
from. Music and different media can act as a way for voices to be heard and expressed, as
with underground movements in various genres in the industry. This source helps to
determine the diversity that is encompassed within theology, and music can be a great
way to appeal to a broad range of individuals in a society where the personal has very
much become political.

Herring, Ryan. "Red Letter Christians." Red Letter Christians. R L C, 29 July 2016. Web.
05 Dec. 2016.
The article written by Ryan Herring talk on how religion has become a part of popular
music today. Herring begins with Kanyes past concerts where an actor portraying Jesus
is brought out. He goes into the feelings that many have, that the portrayal is disrespectful
and not right. Kanye is looking to illustrate that Jesus is someone that we are all able to
reach out and talk to. The article also touches on the origins of rap music and the agony
and frustration felt by many of the artists that are included in this genre. Many look to
religion to relieve some of the hurt and pain from their past and to help console others
through what they may be going through.I also found it important that he touched on the
contradictions found in many of these artists lives. Although they incorporate religious

themes in their work, much of their work also included drugs, violence and vulgar
language. It shows just how different people are who still look to God for salvation and
as a beacon of hope.

Hughes, Trystan Owain. "How Great Thou Art: Elvis Presley and His Faith." Trystan Owain
Hughes. N.p., 04 July. 2014. Web. 06 Dec. 2016.
As a follow up to his other article, Rock of Ages, the author turns his focus to Elvis
Presley and his strong faith in Christianity. He focuses on his two main purposes in life:
to create music that will help others and to perform a higher purpose for God. This article
relates to the individualism theme we are discussing as well as providing another
example for how artists utilize their platforms as celebrities to explore their faith and
express their thoughts and opinions.

Hughes, Trystan Owain. "Rock of Ages: Pop Music, Faith, and the Challenge to the Church
Today." Trystan Owain Hughes. N.p., 07 Oct. 2013. Web. 06 Dec. 2016.
The author of this article discusses his belief that a conversational approach to pop music
should be an integral part of the Churchs outreach, especially in connecting with younger
generations. Pop music has always had religious undertones, but especially in todays day
and age, it is more evident than ever. The Church is starting to lose the interest of younger
generations; the hope is that, by connecting with them through a medium they enjoy
(music), they can become more relatable and foster the community and relationships that
were once there.

Knox, John. "Religious Radical Individualism in the Modern World Christ & Cascadia." Christ
& Cascadia. Fuller Institute of Theology and Northwest Culture, n.d. Web. 06 Dec. 2016.
With societal evolution has come acceptance of alternative ways of thinking and
generally more progressive thinking. As this has occurred there has been a push towards
the rejection of tradition in favor of individualist thinking. For this reason many facets of
the human experience have been affected by this change, including the focus of this

project, music. This phenomena has led to the church making adaptations in its ecology
in order to respond to changing times and appeal to the diversity that in some ways has
been responsible for this shift. The article helps to contextualize how our themes have are
reflected and explored by different artists.

Lamb, Matthew. Liberation Theology and Social Justice. Liberation Theology and Social
Justice. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Dec. 2016.
This article is a reflection on liberation theology in Christianity and how it pertains to
current social justice issues. Liberation theology is a movement in Christian theology,
developed mainly by Latin American Roman Catholics, that emphasizes liberation from
social, political, and economic oppression as an anticipation of ultimate salvation. He
focuses on five major social justice issues, such as the unjust distribution of wealth and
goods, oppression of women, and the repression of minorities. After explaining each of
these issues, he states that he feels every religion and theological organization should
address these issues if they are to remain relevant in the eyes of their publics. There are
many issues in our world today that are shaping future civilizations and communities;
each of these must be addressed and discussed in order to ensure that it is a good change
in the world.

Lew, Lawrence. "Sketching A Theology Of Song." New Blackfriars 94.1052 (2013): 415-424.
ATLA Catholic Periodical and Literature Index. Web. 6 Dec. 2016.
The importance of the spirit and message conveyed through song is stressed in this piece.
Drawing upon the natural inclination for humans to identify with the idea of a creator, as
both primal and spiritual beings, song becomes an outlet to make sense of the world and
emotions that humans experience. Whether it is through expression and articulation or
observance and listening, music helps humans to contemplate the Other and stimulate
intellectual and critical thinking. This source helps to understand and explain the New

Song and how Christians should partake in it and the sanctification of the human person
that follows in the new order. In relation to the project, this gives substance to the idea of
how song brings meaning to our lives, therefore making the purpose of the project less
personal and more overarching and thematic.

Mortland, Stephen. "Theology of Rap Music." Stephen Mortland. N.p., 12 May 1970. Web.
05 Dec. 2016.
This article is from Stephen Mortlands blog post. It was written on May 12 about the
theology of rap music. He states that the Christian gospel tradition plays a significant role
in our society. During 1979 rappers established hip hop which gained a huge impact in
American cultural expression. The origin of rap song which he believes started from
West Africa has transformed various genres of music as well as crossed over into other
aspects of our lives. Stephen touches on the continued connection between rap and
religion. There is a main theme of liberation from the constraints that existing power
structures. Religion provides the support to encourage persevering and believing in
something higher to help free us and look toward a better path for ourselves. He goes into
how religion has brought hope to many groups including the marginalized and how the
liberating language can be found in the rap music. Artists such as Meek Mill and
Kendrick Lamar are talked about when relaying how their lyrics provide meaningful
lessons and incorporate theological meaning behind their words.

Other Sources
Langner, Daniel Jones Carolin. Divine Shrines: An Interview with Purity. Electronic
Beats. 09 July 2015. Web.
Robbins, Dale A. "The Power of Praise and Worship." Dale A Robbins. Victorious Publications,
1990. Web. 05 Dec. 2016.
Soukup, Paul. Theology Through Communication: A Media Ecology Tour. Communication

and Theology Course, October 2016, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA. Lecture.