I have been wondering which built number to use for contemporary Christian music. I see two options: 782.25/164 or 782.42/171. I have been using the first of these two numbers. Is that correct?

Neither number is correct for the comprehensive works number. However, both are good numbers, because most of this music is vocal. If the vocal music is a popular song that has a Christian theme, use 782.42171. For example, these are the songs Christian pop groups sing in concerts. If the vocal music is a song that was written to be sung at church or a similar religious setting, use 782.25164. If in doubt, prefer 782.42171.

"Contemporary Christian music" is a type of modern music (both vocal 782-783 or instrumental 784-788) that expresses the teaching of today's Christian church. Thus, 781.71 is the comprehensive number.

Last revised: 23 October 2003