Many think of the United States Marine Corps as a second land army, and while it has been employed in that capacity, it is foremost a naval expeditionary force able to seize, secure, and defend advanced naval bases in support of major campaigns. The Corps dates back to the Revolutionary War, but while they served in the conflicts of the 19th century, they are famed for their part in the wars of the 20th century. On the Western Front in World War I they were blooded at Belleau Wood. Between the wars the Corps developed amphibious tactics which were employed to great effect during the Pacific island campaigns during World War II including the infamous battles of Peleliu, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. The names of the Corps is forever entwined with the battles of Inchon and Chosin Reservoir in Korea, and Hue and Khe Sanh in Vietnam. The US Marines have continued their expeditionary role to this day, undertaking not only combat operations but also peacekeeping, peace enforcement, humanitarian relief, and short-notification/limited-duration contingency operations. This concise history charts the evolution of the Corps as it has adapted to changing combat over two centuries.

Originally published in 1988, this practical resource has become a basic text in the study of church music, as well as a handbook for church music leaders, pastors, music committee members, and others. Westermeyer has updated and expanded the volume to reflect the current challenges of contemporary culture, musical and worship styles, and integrity to the gospel.

Besides offering practical suggestions, Westermeyer discusses music in the worship life of a congregation and introduces the concept of cantor as leader of the people's song. More than a "how-to" manual for musicians, this book is an interdisciplinary study of worship, music, and theology accessible to everyone.

Justice has been an urgent concern of twentieth-century hymn writers, but are they the first to place such an emphasis on it? In Let Justice Sing, Paul Westermeyer offers an answer with the hope that it will stimulate dialogue, future studies, and an understanding of the past that can be applied to the present. Let Justice Sing explores the content, context, and importance of justice within the warp and woof" of hymnody. By analyzing these aspects and past hymnic repertoires, it suggests to the Church and others who wish to join the moral deliberation it presumes, that not only have Christians always sung about justice, but the message transcends the messengers. The perspective and dialogue fostered by Let Justice Sing is directed to students in college or seminary courses where hymnody, Church music, or ethics is the topic; adults in forums or classes where questions about music and justice arise; and anyone with an interest in hymnody, justice, or the relationship between the two. Chapters are "Content: The Twentieth Century": "Content: Before the Twentieth Century, I"; "Content: Before the Twentieth Century, II"; "Context"; and "Hymnody and Justice." Paul Westermeyer, PhD, is Professor of Church Music at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota. He teaches, directs music, and administers a master of sacred music degree program with St. Olaf College. His writing includes numerous articles and books. "

A concise introductory text, Te Deum provides a basic framework for understanding within history the development of the vast treasury of psalms, hymns, canticles, spiritual songs, and other sacred music within the Christian tradition. This is the first text which addresses the nature of church music from both a historical and theological context.