Singing our Theology: Why Should the Devil have all the Good Music?
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Course Details
Course Content
Course Duration: 4 Weeks
Course Dates: Tuesday 20th January – Tuesday 10th February 2026
We will be exploring:
A historical and theological survey of Contemporary Christian Music and how it has shaped the western church and her theology over the last hundred years.
We’ll wander from sheet music and gospel choirs to radio and Spotify playlists and consider how major record companies bought into the Christian market and made millions. We’ll also observe the role Irish/Northern Irish musicians and writers have influenced the genre. We’ll consider the shape of Sunday morning worship and the role of songwriters and theology and how it has, does, and will shape the church and her songs for better or worse.
To be noted: This is not a hymn sing or a gathering for a worship night. It’s a look behind the curtain…
About the speaker/s:
Rev Dr Ryan David Hawk is from Colorado but has spent time living in Arkansas during university and Tennessee as a rock and roller before moving to Belfast nearly eleven years ago. One of his greatest interests is his family. They’ve been on some great adventure moving across the world and they aim to live out the best story they can by following Jesus and inviting others to come along on the journey of being a disciple. He loves to read, good questions, seeking the truth and questioning everything to find it. Ryan loves food and believes in the shared table and breaking of bread together. He is interested in the engagement of story, imagination, and Scripture as a formative tool for spiritual growth. Ryan completed a PhD on Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the integration of academic and spiritual formation in theological education. He is an academic, artist and minister and believes in the role of scholar priests. He also enjoys Rugby as a supporter and player (though he should hang up the boots!) Music is underneath almost everything he does because it is always playing on the speakers or in his head. He believes in the Church, and the calling to serve Christ’s kingdom through the church, even if it is scary.