Wonderful Words of Life: Hymns in American Protestant History and Theology

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Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2004 M08 2 - 288 pages
While many evangelical congregations have moved away from hymns and hymnals, these were once central fixtures in the evangelical tradition. This book examines the role and importance of hymns in evangelicalism, not only as a part of worship but as tools for theological instruction, as a means to identity formation, and as records of past spiritual experiences of the believing community.

Written by knowledgeable church historians, Wonderful Words of Life explores the significance of hymn-singing in many dimensions of American Protestant and evangelical life. The book focuses mainly on church life in the United States but also discusses the foundational contributions of Isaac Watts and other British hymn writers, the use of gospel songs in English Canada, and the powerful attraction of African-American gospel music for whites of several religious persuasions. Includes appendixes on the American Protestant Hymn Project and on hymns in Roman Catholic hymnals.

Contributors:
Susan Wise Bauer
Thomas E. Bergler
Virginia Lieson Brereton
Esther Rothenbusch Crookshank
Kevin Kee
Richard J. Mouw
Mark A. Noll
Felicia Piscitelli
Robert A. Schneider
Rochelle A. Stackhouse
Jeffrey VanderWilt
 

Selected pages

Contents

The Defining Role of Hymns in Early Evangelicalism
3
Were Marching to Zion Isaac Watts in Early America
17
Hymnody and Politics Isaac Watts s Our God Our Help in Ages Past and Timothy Dwights I Love Thy Kingdom Lord
42
HYMNS AND THE ORDERING OF PROTESTANT LIFE
67
Jesus Shall Reign Hymns and Foreign Missions 18001870
69
Marketing the Gospel Music in EnglishCanadian Protestant Revivalism 18841957
96
I Found My Thrill The Youth for Christ Movement and American Congregational Singing 19401970
123
Protestant Hymnody in Contemporary Roman Catholic Worship
150
Singing about Death in American Protestant Hymnody
179
Stories and Syllogisms Protestant Hymns Narrative Theology and Heresy
205
Some Poor Sailor Tempest Tossed Nautical Rescue Themes in Evangelical Hymnody
234
American Protestant Hymns Project A Ranked List of Most Frequently Printed Hymns 17371960
251
Hymns Recommended for Ecumenical Use in Catholic Hymnbooks
265
Hymns in Roman Catholic Hymnals
269
Index of Names and Subjects
273
Index of Hymn and Song Titles
281

White Folks Get Happy Mainstream America Discovers the Black Gospel Tradition
164
HYMNS AS GOOD OR BAD? THEOLOGY
177

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About the author (2004)

Richard J. Mouw is the former president of Fuller Theological Seminary and former director of the Institute of Faith and Public Life. He has authored over twenty books and served as an editor of Reformed Journal. Mark A. Noll is the Francis A. McAnaney Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Notre Dame. His other books include A History of Christianity in the United States and Canada, America's God: From Jonathan Edwards to Abraham Lincoln, and Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity.

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