Voices of Belonging: Congregational Singing and Social Identity Formation

Is congregational singing merely a "warm-up" for the sermon, or is it a profound site of spiritual and social transformation? While many acknowledge singing as an act of doxology, its power to shape the very identity of the worshiper is often overlooked. In Voices of Belonging, Carson Mok explores the formative qualities of group singing, moving beyond aesthetics to examine how music informs our relationship with God and one another. By weaving together biblical theology with the social psychology of "identity hierarchy," this book offers a critical inquiry into the Cantonese worship services of the Greater Toronto Area. Through a combination of participant observation and qualitative research, this study reveals the intricate process of identity renegotiation that happens every time a congregation lifts its voice.