On hymnody…

Hymns bring our great theology to the whole congregation. While not everyone reads the Lutheran Confessions or theological treatises, by being in church they get a large helping of solid theology. Good hymnody is important because people will eventually learn what they sing. If they sing “This is the air I breathe” or “Shine, Jesus, shine,” that is what they’ll learn. There is more orthodox theology in one stanza of a hymn like “Awake, my heart, with gladness” than in all the songs sung during a “contemporary” service. This topic is important, because just as bad theology is dangerous, bad hymnody is also dangerous. The words people sing will take root in their hearts and minds. What seeds are being planted by the hymns sung in your church? And just remember: Arius spread his heresy by using music. It can be a powerful tool, both for good and evil.