Articles in this Issue
The Hymn Born in a Synagogue
How a Hebrew text and synagogue melody became a well-known Christian hymn.
The Forgotten Wesley
Often overshadowed by his famous older brother, Charles Wesley has emerged as perhaps “the greatest hymnwriter of all ages.”
Why Wesley Still Dominates Our Hymnbook
Two centuries later, what’s the secret of Charles Wesley’s undiminished popularity?
The Hymn Explosion
In 1700, there were precious few English hymns. In 1800, there were hymnbooks galore. What happened?
Where Did We Get The Doxology?
The story behind what may be the world’s best-known hymn.
The Golden Age of Hymns: A Gallery of the Hymn Writers’ Hall of Fame
The poets who put words in our mouths.
America’s Hesitation Over Hymns
Why did colonial churches resist the first British musical invasion?
Were Hymns Good Poetry?
They have endured. But does their lasting popularity prove their quality?
The Spiritual
In the furnace of slavery, a lasting musical form was forged.
A New Species of Christian Song
Where did the English hymn come from?
Irrational Music Sung By a Mob of Extremists?
Why the Church of England disliked hymns
Three Hymnals That Shaped Today’s Worship
The hymnbooks of John Wesley, John Newton, and John Rippon endured for generations.
Who Puts the Gideon Bible in Your Hotel Room?
Nearly 100 years ago, two traveling strangers met by chance, never dreaming what they would start.
Down and Out From Beverly Hills
One man’s encounter with a Gideon Bible