Hymns and Hymnody: Historical and Theological Introductions, Volume 2: From Catholic Europe to Protestant Europe
Overview
Hymns and the music the church sings are tangible means of expressing worship. And while worship is one of, if not the, central functions of the church along with mission, service, education, justice, and compassion, and occupies a prime focus of our churches, a renewed sense of awareness to our theological presuppositions and cultural cues must be maintained to ensure a proper focus in worship.
Hymns and Hymnody: Historical and Theological Introductions is a 60-chapter, three-volume introductory textbook describing the most influential hymnists, liturgists, and musical movements of the church. This academically grounded resource evaluates both the historical and theological perspectives of the major hymnists and composers that have impacted the church over the course of twenty centuries. Volume 1 explores the early church and concludes with the Renaissance era hymnists. Volume 2 begins with the Reformation and extends to the eighteenth-century hymnists and liturgists. Volume 3 engages nineteenth century hymnists to the contemporary movements of the twenty-first century.
Each chapter contains these five elements: historical background, theological perspectives communicated in their hymns/compositions, contribution to liturgy and worship, notable hymns, and bibliography. The mission of Hymns and Hymnody is (1) to provide biographical data on influential hymn writers for students and interested laypeople, and (2) to provide a theological analysis of what these composers have communicated in the theology of their hymns. We believe it is vital for those involved in leading the worship of the church to recognize that what they communicate is in fact theology. This latter aspect, we contend, is missing—yet important—in accessible formats for the current literature.
- Provides biographical data on influential hymn writers
- Presents a theological analysis of what these composers have communicated in the theology of their hymns
- Examines contributions to liturgy and worship
Top Highlights
“and it is before God that the whole reality of worship should be performed” (Page 54)
“Watts believed in singing the ‘regular way,’ with the congregation all singing together as opposed to lining out, one line at a time, with the congregation repeating what a precentor (cantor) sang. Singing in unison allowed a congregation more fully to enter into praise and joy instead of being slowed down by continual repetition, line after line.” (Page 207)
“While they were faithful in theological content and metrical arrangement, their beauty was often lacking, rendering them neither attractive nor singable.” (Page 125)
“‘imitation’ meant that he sought to write words which would do the same thing for people of his time and for his nation” (Page 205)
“the transition from psalmody to hymnody is most obvious in the latter half of the seventeenth century. This” (Page 124)
Covering three centuries that were ‘the most momentous for the development of congregational hymnody,’ these essays help us understand how hymns were finely tuned to the vernacular liturgies and denominational nuances that proliferated during this period. The editors have carefully planned the volume so that it is both comprehensible and useful. From the engaging prefatory explanation of hymns to the diverse range of first-rate contributors, this is an invaluable collection and is highly recommended for anyone interested in hymnology.
—Andrew Shenton, Boston University
- Title: Hymns and Hymnody: Historical and Theological Introductions, Volume 2: From Catholic Europe to Protestant Europe
- Editors: Mark A. Lamport, Benjamin K. Forrest, and Vernon M. Whaley
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Publication Date: 2019
- Pages: 354
- Resource Type: Introduction
- Topic: Hymnody
Mark A. Lamport (PhD, Michigan State University) is a graduate professor in the United States and Europe. He is coeditor of Encyclopedia of Christianity and the Global South (2 vols., 2018); Encyclopedia of Martin Luther and the Reformation (2 vols., 2017); Encyclopedia of Christianity in the United States (5 vols., Selected: “Notable Books of 2016”); Encyclopedia of Christian Education (3 vols., Winner, Booklist Editors’ Choice: Adult Books, 2016).
Benjamin K. Forrest (EdD, Liberty University) is Professor of Christian Education and Associate Dean at the College of Arts and Sciences at Liberty University. He is coeditor of A Legacy of Preaching (2 vols., 2018), Biblical Leadership: Theology for Everyday Leaders (2017), and Biblical Worship: Theology unto the Glory of God (forthcoming).
Vernon M. Whaley (PhD, University of Oklahoma) is Dean of the Liberty University School of Music. His publications include, Exalt His Name (2018), Worship Through the Ages (2012), The Great Commission to Worship (2011), and The Dynamics of Corporate Worship (2001).