Christian History Magazine—Issue 95: The Gospel according to J. S. Bach
Overview
Johann Sebastian Bach was certainly one of the greatest musical geniuses of all time. Today’s Bach festivals, concerts, recordings and biographies testify to his immense worldwide popularity. Few realize, however, that Bach was firmly rooted in a musical tradition begun by Martin Luther two centuries earlier. In fact, Bach composed most of his music for Sunday morning church services. In this issue you will learn about Bach’s faith and its expression in his music, the early Lutheran music tradition from which he came, and how Bach’s music continues to proclaim the Christian story. Finally, you are invited to reflect on how we could incorporate Bach’s music into today’s worship services.
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Top Highlights
“The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.—J.S. Bach” (source)
“God gave music to humanity as a way to impress men and women with the glory of divine gifts.” (source)
“Luther often expressed the conviction that music was, under God, of supreme importance. In comments he made at meal times, which eager disciples recorded as his ‘Table Talk,’ Luther several times described music as ‘the greatest gift of God which has often induced and inspired me to preach.’” (source)
“Luther thought it was biblical to use every form of God-honoring expression to praise the God of grace, just so long as that praise did not violate biblical truth.” (source)
“Bach lived and worked in a part of the world where, as James R. Gaines put it, ‘Luther was a great deal more compelling than gravity.’” (source)
- Title: Christian History Magazine—Issue 95: The Gospel according to J. S. Bach
- Author: Christian History Institute
- Series: Christian History Magazine
- Publisher: Christianity Today
- Print Publication Date: 2007
- Logos Release Date: 2009
- Era: era:Contemporary
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Germany › 17th-18th centuries; Music; Bach, J. S. › Biography
- Resource ID: LLS:CH95
- Resource Type: Magazine
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-10-05T16:41:08Z