Christian musical innovation and changing ecological relationships

ABSTRACT This article surveys recent musical innovation at the intersection of Christianity and changing ecological relationships. Drawing on a series of extended interviews carried out in late 2019 and early 2020 with participants involved in the evangelical song-writing project Doxecology, musical aspects of Christian Climate Action protests, the creation of forest church songbooks, and requiems for lost species, the author describes the experiences and concerns of individuals who are currently active in or beginning to explore new forms of musical activity in this area. The article seeks to document the range of motivations, concerns, and issues surrounding recent musical innovation, drawing attention to the diverse nature of the current scene and highlighting the potential importance of musical and ritual activity in negotiating the current climate crisis. The author suggests that music participates in broader inter-religious tensions present in this area while providing an additional space for negotiation, experience, and activity.