Congregational Song in the Worship of the Church: Examining the Roots of American Traditions
Ebook
This book is a study of how congregational song developed and has been used in the worship of Western churches in general and specifically churches in the United States. Beginning with the worship of ancient peoples, the Hebrews, and early Christians and continuing to the present, the author examines historically how song has been and is used as an intentional sacred ritual action, like prayer or Scripture reading. Written primarily as an introductory text for college and seminary students, the overall goal is to make a historical journey with the people, events, and ideas from which have evolved the various types of song we have in American worship today. To help readers think more deeply about the material, study questions are given at the end of each chapter.
“One might assume that the subject of music in Christian worship
has been, at least, fully researched, reported, argued, and
forecast. But the subject will not lie dormant. Music in Christian
worship continues to develop, explore, get it wrong, and get it
right. Music in Christian worship continues to move forward; so,
too, must our scholarship. William Hooper’s research, experience,
and insight gathered here deserve a voice in the conversations of
researchers, teachers, and practitioners, alike. Pause for a
moment: Read. Agree. Disagree. Bill Hooper has something to
say.”
—Terry W. York, Professor of Christian Ministry and Church Music,
George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University
“This volume provides a welcome breadth of coverage from
pre-historic religion through to contemporary rock and pop.
Hooper’s consideration of music as an integral component of
different worshipping traditions helps to showcase the diverse
range of roles which music is able to play in Christian devotion
and the rich variety of ways in which it can be deployed and
understood.”
—Mark Porter, Max-Weber-Kolleg, University of Erfurt
“From the beginning, our human impulse has been to worship God
through music. Bill Hooper’s thorough survey of worship
practices—from ancient times to current trends—helps us make sense
of why we do what we do. Chock full of vital information,
Congregational Song in the Worship of the Church will prove
to be a helpful resource for many years to come.”
—Rodney Reeves, Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church, Jonesboro,
Arkansas
“William Hooper’s Congregational Song in the Worship of the
Church is a refreshing update to the study of the ‘song of the
church’ and its development through history. Hooper provides the
reader with a historical maturation of congregational song to an
analysis of contemporary hymnody. His work is a great addition to
all students of congregational song.”
—Ed Steele, Professor of Music, Leavell College, New Orleans
Baptist Theological Seminary
Product Details
- Title : Congregational Song in the Worship of the Church: Examining the Roots of American Traditions
- Author: Hooper, William L.
- Publisher: Pickwick Publications
- Publication Date: 2020
- ISBN: 9781532690747
William L. Hooper is Professor of Music Emeritus at Southwest
Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri. He is a published composer
and the author of several books on church music.