Hymns and Hymnody

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. A remarkable group of scholars provides a perceptive set of essays to orient students to the riches of Christian hymnody throughout the first twenty centuries of Christianity. What a remarkable testimony this is to the Spirit's work in and through composers and poets throughout the centuries.--John D. Witvliet, Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Calvin College and Calvin Theological SeminaryMark A. Lamport 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); and Encyclopedia of Christian Education (3 vols., Winner, Booklist Editors' Choice: Adult Books, 2015).Benjamin K. Forrest is Professor of Christian Education and Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Liberty University. He is author of Good Arguments (2017) and co-editor of A Legacy of Preaching (2 vols, 2018) and Biblical Worship: Theology unto the Glory of God (forthcoming). Vernon M. Whaley is Dean of the Liberty University School of Music. His publications include The Great Commission to Worship: Biblical Principles for Worship-Based Evangelism (2011); Worship through the Ages: How the Great Awakenings Shape Evangelical Worship (2012); Called to Worship: From the Dawn of Creation to the Final Amen (2013); and Exalt His Name: Understanding Music and Worship (2 vols, 2018/19).