Hymnody 101

Online Course

 

 

 

Session 1

Hymnody 101 - The Biblical Era

From the beginning of recorded history, we see music and songs as part of every culture. In this first session Dr. Morgan gives us some insight on how the Bible has been at the very center of Christian music. From the time of Jubal and Moses in Genesis, to the cherubim singing Holy, Holy, Holy around the throne of God in The Revelation to John we see how music and song has been an inspiration to us since the beginning of time itself.
Session 2

Hymnody 101 - The Ancient Greek Era

After the resurrection of Christ the early Christians spread the Gospel through Asia Minor, Greece, and eventually the entire Roman Empire. Along with the Gospel came the music and song that sprang from the hearts of the early believers. Many ancient historians and rulers mention the hymns of the “Christ followers”. Persecution did not dampen the deep desire to give voice to praise and worship of our great God. Dr. Morgan recalls the writings of Roman rulers, historians, and early hymnists from this often-forgotten era.
Session 3

Hymnody 101 - The Latin-Medieval Era

The Greek language was slowly replaced by Latin as the Roman Empire spread across the known world. From a time of great worship music through a 1,000-year period where congregational singing was essentially banned in the church, we see how God continued to fill His people with rhyme and song to praise Him. Hymn writers like Ambrose, Aurelius Prudentius, Bernard of Cluny, St. Francis of Assisi, and many others brought the Church words of worship that remain even today.
Session 4

Hymnody 101 - The German Hymn Era

Congregational singing went through a difficult time during the “Dark Ages” but once the Reformation broke out so did the call for music in the church once again. John Hus, Martin Luther, and many others encouraged singing and created hymns of all sorts. Wherever reformers preached singing flourished, even amid severe persecution, especially in the German church where Luther was translating the Bible from Latin to German.
Session 5

Hymnody 101 - The English Hymn Era

The Reformation of the Church moves westward bringing with it the belief that only the Psalms should be sung in the churches. This lasted for a time but, eventually, inspired and gifted hymn-writers sprang up and many of the classic hymns of faith were born during this period. This “Golden Age” was brought about by believers like Thomas Ken, Benjamin Keach, and the prolific hymnist Isaac Watts.
Session 6

Hymnody 101 - The Gospel Song Era

The Gospel Song Era laid the groundwork for the contemporary music of today. Due to efforts of Francis Scott Key, Sunday Schools began to spring up all over America and the cry went out for easier and friendlier music for that generation. The preaching of D.L. Moody and his huge evangelistic campaigns were also a huge influence in this period that produced so many of cherished hymns that we still love today.
Session 7

Hymnody 101 - The Praise, Worship & Contemporary Era

This period was ushered in by an unpopular war, an expanding drug culture, and the sexual revolution. God, with His redeeming grace, also poured out His Spirit on this new generation and the Jesus Movement was born. Thousands came to Christ, and with these new believers came new music and song that changed the face of praise and worship.