The Importance of Hymns in Worship

It would be a mistake to reduce hymns to the status of simple songs because they are much more than that. Under the gifted hands of church musicians, they take new valances and become vessels of devotion and emotion. These simple but inspiring messages invite theological reflection and enable worshipers to better express their hopes and struggles while strengthening their fate. Under these circumstances, it is wiser to view hymns as conduits between the musician, congregants and divinity.

The beauty of hymns is that even though they changed little over the years, they constantly evolve and are as relevant today as the day they were written. Church musicians use them with electrifying effect, as the songs send shock waves of energy throughout the room. The congregation is brought together and embarks on a spiritual journey like a single person. Few melodies can produce this effect, which feels like a collective deep breath before a spiritual plunge.

The divine is sometimes simple, and hymns are mirrors of emotions that serve as a shining example of this belief. Their simple and few lyrics are easy to learn, so when church musicians start singing them, the words are instantly on the minds and lips of everyone. When the selection of melody resonates with the theme of the worship service, the effect is multiplied. The most talented musicians decide in advance what spiritual journey the worshipers should embark on. This way, the power of hymns becomes self-evident and it is felt by every member of the congregation. Some of the most famous hymns are:

1. Amazing Grace
2. How Great Thou Art
3. It Is Well with My Soul
4. Great Is Thy Faithfulness
5. Be Thou My Vision

Discover the Stories Behind Hymns

One of the frequent complaints issued by music lovers is that modern songs lack consistency and a compelling story. This doesn’t apply to hymns, as behind every one of them lies a personal experience or a moment of inspiration. Church musicians have the merit of bringing these stories to life and helping people connect with the hymn’s deeper meaning through music. A little storytelling goes a long way, and people tend to get more immersed when told the story behind the song.

Hymns tap into an ocean of emotion, ranging from inspiring and soothing to grief and sadness. They also help worshipers understand how the protagonists of the stories they depict found peace, usually through faith. The beauty of such stories is that they transcend time and generations, so even the oldest hymns appeal to modern people. Church musicians have the merit of using them to create a strong connection between the present, past and future.

When the congregation joins voices to sing the hymn, they are brought together by the music while tapping into its history of worship. The feeling of sharing a song that was enjoyed by so many generations is incredible and highlights the continuity of religion. It is also reassuring to know that the hymns will endure and those singing them today will resonate with future generations. Preserving this incredible heritage and keeping it vibrant in the hearts and minds of people is a beauty and a privilege.

Spiritual Connections Across Generations

Unlike other forms of music, hymns never fell from grace and continue to serve the same important purpose today. Church musicians have curated some melodies while preserving the rich historical context to engage contemporary worshipers. Through innovative techniques, they create arrangements that brilliantly mix traditional elements with modern melodies. The resulting experience appeals to worshipers from different backgrounds with various musical preferences.

The music remains actual because modern people can easily resonate with what inspired the original authors. Worshipers feel like they are part of a broader community that includes not only members of the congregation but the generations before. Hymns are a universal language that unites individuals and creates a profound spiritual connection through music. That’s why people instinctively join voices and sing as one, united by their shared belief and faith.

Inspirations Behind Hymn Writing

The art of hymn composition finds its creative spark in many inspiring origins. Delve into the diverse sources that kindle hymn writers’ spiritual and poetic journey.

1. Personal Testimonies of Faith
2. Scripture and Biblical Reflections
3. Nature and Creation’s Beauty
4. Overcoming Life’s Challenges
5. Experiences of Worship and Community

Rooted in personal faith, biblical wisdom, the wonders of the natural world, life’s triumphant struggles, and the camaraderie of communal worship, these profound inspirations persistently shape hymns that resonate with the profound aspects of human existence.

A Melodic Embroidery of Faith

Hymns have passed the test of time with flying colours and minimal changes, and they are here to stay. They continue to strongly impact worshipers and bring people together in a sublime manifestation of faith. Church musicians find new valances for a classic genre that enriches the religious experience through stories and insights. The beautiful music is just the tip of the iceberg, as the deeper meanings and powerful messages reach the hearts and minds.

Church musicians have a unique gift and use it generously to preserve and enhance this timeless musical genre. Hymns have always been devotional songs addressed to divinity but have become even more than that over centuries. They continue to bring worshipers closer to God and help them channel their prayers in the most beautiful way possible. At the same time, they create stronger bonds between members of the congregation as they join their voices and souls in prayer.

Check out the source of inspiration for hymns and the role of church musicians in the table below:

Conclusion

Hymns, the enduring fusion of music and faith, leave an indelible mark on generations. These timeless tunes, meticulously cared for by dedicated church musicians, serve as the unbroken bridge that spans time, linking the past, the present, and the future. Beyond their musical charm, hymns dive deeper, touching the essence of those who sing them. They inspire, console, and unify, forging spiritual bonds that transcend time and space constraints.

In a constantly evolving world, hymns serve as a reminder of the enduring strength of tradition and the profound beauty of shared belief. They inspire us to harmonize our voices, bound together by faith, weaving a rich tapestry of devotion. Let the hymns continue to resound within our sanctuaries, for they are more than mere songs; they are the threads that knit our spirits together, connecting us to something greater than ourselves.

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The Spiritual Significance of Music in Worship

Church musicians have been around for centuries, and they play an equally important role today as they did in the distant past. Religious music, in general, has changed many times and evolved to meet better the needs and desires of those seeking a strong connection to divinity. Music has the advantage of being a universal language, equally powerful regardless of where you are born and no matter what language you speak. Not surprisingly, it has been a key part of religious practices worldwide.

Churchgoers and worshipers can tap into the immense potential of music as an instrument that resonates with their deepest feelings. Church musicians have the merit of conveying powerful messages through the lyrics, but also the feelings of reverence, joy and contemplation. It is also a highly effective medicine for the soul, so even when it evokes feelings of sorrow, it does it in a way that mends the heart. Church music evolved from the early Gospels to contemporary worship music. Here are the most common types of church music:

• Organists
• Choir Directors
• Pianists
• Worship Band Members
• Vocalists

Each religion has a distinct way of using music to bring congregants together and create a sense of unity in the halls of worship. Church musicians have the merit of creating an atmosphere where the sacred and profane coexist in perfect harmony. Each has a distinct role in a complex arrangement that delivers a heartfelt performance through music. Regardless of individual differences, melodies help worshipers experience a feeling of togetherness and communion.

Church Musicians are more than Performers

Reducing church musicians to the stature of regular performers would be a mistake because they accomplish significantly more. Just like regular artists, they use their native and honed skills to create true masterpieces that are pleasant to hear. Whether they play the piano, perform as an organist, vocalists or choir directors, they aspire to deliver the best musical performance possible. Experienced church musicians shine brightly and are a pleasure to listen to even outside the place of worship.

What makes church musicians special is that they also have a thorough understanding of the spiritual context. Every choice they make regarding the songs and hymns is aimed at complementing and enhancing the theme of their service. In many cases, the goal is to add to the sermon’s message and use music as a conduit for congregants. Instead of simply delivering the message plainly and straightforwardly, they encourage them to embark on a musical journey. The most significant role of church musicians:

• Spiritual Ambassadors Through Music
• Conveying Worship’s Emotions and Themes
• Enhancing the Worship Experience
• Encouraging Congregational Participation
• Facilitating Moments of Reflection and Prayer

Experienced church musicians have a broad selection of songs that can fit any narrative and also the ability to improvise. This is an important quality of their artistry, enabling them to turn a regular sermon into a memorable experience. Sometimes, the music is used to set the stage for worshipers, on other occasions, it acts as a link between the segments of the service. In any case, it captures the essence of the worship experience and immerses participants.

The Evolution of Church Musicians

Religious beliefs have not changed much over the centuries, so it is no surprise that church musicians followed a similar trajectory. However, they inevitably find themselves compelled to evolve while trying to maintain the delicate balance between tradition and innovation. The goal is the same, and in their quest to encourage congregational participation, a mix of classic and modern techniques is used. When done properly, most participants find themselves overwhelmed by emotions and join voices in a sense of unity.

Church musicians have always tried to create arrangements that are both appealing and accessible so that everyone can participate. Back in the day, traditional hymns and psalms were the mainstay of their artistry, but new forms of art have been immersed in recent years. Contemporary worship songs beautifully succeed at integrating electronic elements and modern instruments. They can enhance the quality of classic songs while producing new art that appeals to the younger generations.

Change is necessary even in areas where sacred traditions are essential and continue to shape generations of churchgoers. The most talented musicians can blend new and old songs that capture the essence of the past while embracing new trends. They succeed in creating a feeling of continuity while remaining relevant and serving the same higher purpose. Church musicians are committed to the service of fate; every artistic effort is channelled in this direction.

The beauty of church music is that it turns our regular moments into memorable ones while also having a long-lasting effect. There is tremendous effort and countless hours of practice involved, with a beautiful service being the culmination of thorough preparation and rehearsals. Worshipers will enjoy a fantastic Sunday morning in church, but those few delightful hours are the result of hard work. The best gospel bands and musicians have a dedicated fan base who listen to their great songs.

A Hidden Gem Worth Exploring

Religious people can be regularly exposed to the delightful melodies prepared and sung by church musicians. For the most authentic and immersive experience, the songs should be enjoyed in a place of worship on a beautiful Sunday morning. However, even those who haven’t had the chance to listen to this niche musical genre would be right to give it a chance. There’s a high likelihood of falling in love with the lyrics, vibes and feeling of communion this music delivers.

Check out the incredible contribution of church musicians in a concise table:

The best-case scenario is to discover a gem hidden in plain sight, and the worst that can happen is to check it off the list. This applies to everything in life, including new forms of entertainment never tried before. It’s not surprising that online casinos offer free 20 spins no deposit and other deals with no strings attached to new players. If they enjoy the experience, they can always return for more. Otherwise, they can focus on other forms of entertainment that are better suited to their needs.

Conclusion

Church musicians have made an incredible contribution to religion and continue inspiring worshipers. Their wonderful music creates an atmosphere that transcends the mundane and touches the divine for a brief moment in time. Churchgoers have the unique opportunity to walk a bridge between the profane and the divine in a bonding worship experience. Through music, anyone can feel this binding spiritual connection and catch a glimpse of the divine.

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Theological Reflections on the Role of Music in Worship

Music and song continue to play a vital role in the life of God’s people today. Contemporary culture and modern technology bring new possibilities and new challenges to the music ministry of the church. People’s lives are surrounded with music—television and radio, the background music of video games, the muzak of shopping malls, CDs, and synthesizers. Yet much of the time music functions as “background” rather than as an opportunity for serious listening, much less participation. Outside the church there are few occasions or opportunities in North American culture for people to sing together. Much of the popular music (including popular Christian music) composed today is for performance rather than for participation.

The church also has greater access and has shown greater openness to a greater variety of music—from classical hymnody to Christian rock, from European cantatas to South African choruses. Such diversity is to be welcomed and celebrated; it reflects the diversity and richness of God’s creation. But greater variety and options in music call for greater discernment and care in planning and implementing the music ministry of the church. The people of God sing; what they sing and how they sing are important issues.

1. Music is a gift of God and part of the created order.

From its inception, “when the morning stars sang together and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy” (Job 38:7), to its consummation, when “every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them” will sing to the Lamb on the throne (Rev. 5:13), creation is musical. “All nature sings and round me rings the music of the spheres.” Human music-making participates in the music of creation and reflects the order, beauty, and diversity of God’s creation.

2. Of all the musical instruments that may be employed in the praise of God, the human voice has priority.

Other instruments are to be used primarily in the service of the singing of God’s people. 

Reformed theologian Karl Barth points out that singing is not an option for the people of God; it is one of the essential ministries of the church:

“The Christian church sings. It is not a choral society. Its singing is not a concert. But from inner, material necessity it sings. Singing is the highest form of human expression….What we can and must say quite confidently is that the church which does not sing is not the church. And where…it does not really sing but sighs and mumbles spasmodically, shamefacedly and with an ill grace, it can be at best only a troubled community which is not sure of its cause and of whose ministry and witness there can be no great expectation….The praise of God which finds its concrete culmination in the singing of the community is one of the indispensable forms of the ministry of the church.”

3. Singing is a ministry that belongs to all the people of God.

The congregation is always the primary choir. The role of professional or volunteer choirs and musicians is to aid the whole people of God in their worship. While anthems or vocal and instrumental solos may be offered, they do not have to be. Congregational singing, however, is essential. While it is possible to be actively engaged in worship and in prayer while listening to an anthem or solo, a diet of worship which does not regularly include ample opportunity for all the members of the congregation to join in song will be impoverished worship, and the life of the church and the faith of its people will suffer.

4. Of all the art forms that may be employed in worship, singing is especially corporate.

Indeed, it is the art form most suited to expressing the church’s unity in the body of Christ. Different voices, different instruments, different parts are blended to offer a single, living, and unified work of beauty. John Calvin recognized the power of congregational singing and unison prayer in helping the church express and experience the unity of the body of Christ. Asserting that the human tongue was especially created to proclaim the praise of God, both through singing and speaking, he noted that “the chief use of the tongue is in public prayers, which are offered in the assembly of the believers, by which it comes about that with one common voice, and as it were, with the same mouth, we all glorify God together, worshiping him with one spirit and the same faith” (Institutes of the Christian Religion).

5. The church’s ministry of song is for the glory of God.

The principal direction of congregational singing is to the Lord (Ps. 96:1). Music is made first of all to the Lord and only secondarily to each other. Music should communicate and express a sense of awe and wonder in the presence of God; it should lead our thoughts toward God rather than toward ourselves.

God can be glorified by beautiful sounds and spirits may be uplifted by a pleasing melody, but it is primarily the joining of the tune to a text that gives meaning to Christians’ songs. Not only should both text and tune glorify God and be consistent with each other, but the tune must serve the text. Music is always the servant of the Word.5 Calvin cautioned that “we should be very careful that our ears be not more attentive to the melody than our minds to the spiritual meaning of the words….[S]uch songs as have been composed only for the sweetness and delight of the ear are unbecoming to the majesty of the church and cannot but displease God in the highest degree.”

6. The church’s ministry of song is for the edification of God’s people.

Through congregational singing Christian faith is not only expressed; to a very real degree it is formed. Since people tend to remember the theology they sing more than the theology that is preached, a congregation’s repertoire of hymnody is often of critical importance in shaping the faith of its people. Here again, it is the meaning of the text that is of primary importance. It is through the sense of the words that God’s people learn of the nature and character of God and of the Christian life. Noting that if one prays in a tongue, the “spirit prays,” but the “mind is unfruitful,” the Apostle Paul vows, “I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also” (1 Cor. 14:14-15, RSV).

Christian hymnody contains some of the most tightly packed, concise doctrinal and devotional thought of the church. Through congregational song God’s people learn their language about God; God’s people learn how to speak with God. Songs of worship shape faith. It is, therefore, very important that a congregation have a rich “vocabulary of praise.” Simple, repetitive music such as praise choruses and Taize chants are very appropriate in worship and can be very effective in moving individuals to prayer and to praise. But it is also important for the congregation to know some of the great hymns of faith in order to have a sense that the Christian faith is both relevant and enduring, and to be enriched by the faith of the “great cloud of witnesses.” Hymns, both ancient and modern, which stretch minds, increase vocabulary, rehearse the biblical story, and teach of the nature and the mighty acts of God are essential for the congregation’s growth in faith.

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Why is religious music important?
Religious music is a way for people to express their feelings. Religious music is a way for people to express their feelings. Religious music also has a psychological effect on people by eliciting various emotions and thought patterns. Moreover, religious music serves the purpose of unifying people.

Why is music used in worship?
Admonishing – singing hymns and songs helps Christians to correct one another as they examine their lives against the words they sing. Praising – songs and hymns help Christians to worship God and thank Him for the good things He has done for them.

What is the purpose of music in the Bible?
Purposes of music

The Bible mentions many uses of music including songs of praise, songs of victory, songs of mourning, and above all the Psalms. Dances were also a common music expression along with the combination of singing with instrumental music.

What is the meaning of religious music?
Religious music (also sacred music) is any type of music that is performed or composed for religious use or through religious influence. It may overlap with ritual music, which is music, sacred or not, performed or composed for or as ritual.

What are religious songs called?
A hymn is a type of song, usually religious, specifically written for the purpose of adoration or prayer, and typically addressed to a deity or deities, or to a prominent figure or personification. … The singing or composition of hymns is called hymnody.

What God says about music?
Musical ability is within the hearts of every believer.

Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord (Ephesians 5:19). There’s an incredible beauty and connection between the spirit of believers with the Lord and each other in music. Songs of worship and praise can well up in the soul in times of joy and sorrow.

What is the difference between a hymn and a song?
A hymn is a formal song, sung to God in public worship, typically by the entire congregation. … Technically speaking, a hymn consists of words only, while the music to which a hymn is sung is the hymn tune. For example, “Amazing Grace” is sung to the hymn tune NEW BRITAIN and “Rock of Ages” is sung to TOPLADY.

What is the main purpose of music?
Music’s purpose is to express and modulate emotion. Music’s primary use is mood control. We sing lullabies to soothe babies – which works very well when language fails.

What did Jesus say about dancing?
Ch. 96 Jesus calls them to dance: “Now answer thou unto my dancing” and addresses his followers as “thou that dancest”. This episode is closed in ch. 97 with the words of John: “Thus, my beloved, having danced with us the Lord went forth”; the disciples fly away and Jesus suffers.

Is music a gift from God?
Often those with Christian faith and spirituality could experience the Christian music as spiritual. … Most of them could also experience that some secular music, for example popular music pieces on the radio or some instrumentals, support their Christian spirituality.

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In the early Christian tradition, as with many other religions, one had to be careful with their use of music. According to Weiss and Taruskin’s Music of the Western World, using music for unholy purposes such as pleasure was sinful because pleasure gets in the way of the Lord. If early Christians considered music a pleasure capable of distracting them from their relationship with God, then the impact music had on people of this time must have been significant. Luckily, many religions agreed the sin of music is taken away when it is used for worship. Putting religious text to music allows for a more involved worship experience, incorporating song performance skills that give the performer and the listener a heightened sense of praise. In this way, music can be used as a tool for praise that is appealing to the worshiper.

Music has a way of filling in the gaps in thought, feeling, and emotion that words cannot do justice, which can be incredibly powerful when accompanied by a spiritual belief. Using music for religious reasons also gave early humans the ability to experience and explore the tantalizing effects of music without committing a sin. In the present day, music is used much more widely and for purposes other than worship, which has allowed religious music to grow and expand into many types of praise that have a wider impact many people. Music is a nearly universal part of religion because it appeals to and heightens human senses in a pleasurable way which, in turn, allows humans to praise through a medium that makes worship more enjoyable.

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The relationship between Music and Religion is closely linked and is known as being a “complex and diverse” one. Music is commonly known for being a universal part of religion in a pleasurable way. For centuries music has been a huge part of the religious culture and has helped to ‘promote’ and ‘influence’ religion by engaging and embracing people in religion. An important reason why music is used in religion is to promote religious values by associating music with religious texts such as singing songs in God/s or Prophet/s names. Singing also shows a great deal of respect and appreciation for life and what happens after death depending on what you believe. For example, if you are christian you may sing songs sung within a church and are mostly related to God, Jesus or are about passages inside the bible. Music has the ability to deepen the meaning of words that accompany it, both in a religious context or even on your local radio station on your way to work. Music so important in religious society because by teaching children at a young age they can experience what it is like to be humble and forgiving towards one another with respect and kindness. The reason I chose this question was because from a young age I was interested in understanding how music has made an impact on religion and I was curious as to how other beliefs and cultures view this subject in their worships, certain celebrations and traditions. I am also exploring how music helps us spiritually and what makes hymns so important.

Celebrations and Traditions

Different religious are celebrated in different ways. In most faiths, music is used to express worship during festivals such as Christmas and Thanksgiving, celebrations, as well as rites of passage. In the Christian and Jewish traditions, many songs have been written for children so they can be used in prayers or have been written to give reason for particular celebrations. It is important that we try to find similarities in how we celebrate certain festivals and holidays so we can learn to understand those that we perceive as being different. An example of this is celebrations such as Sukkot (Judaism) and the Harvest Festival (Christianity) share many similarities, the main one being God is being thanked for the food grown. However the method of celebrating the festivals differs. Music is also used in other parts of religion such as doing meditation, holidays and for mourning.

Spirituality

Imagining a world without music can be very difficult. Music plays an important part in all our lives and we may choose to listen to for our own personal enjoyment from many different kinds of backgrounds, culture and history. Music is all around us and sometimes we might not even be aware of how much we are truly influenced by it all. One of the ways we do this is music often communicates with our emotions, culture, thoughts, transcending race and religion playing a vital role in the spiritual and emotional well being of our lives in relation to religion. Whilst some religions might say that they use music for praying or for worship, other religions might believe that music is taking away the attention of followers away from their God/Prophet or even seen as a devils tool.

Why are Hymns so important?

Hymns are important and sometimes considered sacred with regards to worshiping God/s. They often show respect and may be a solemn form of music filled with lyrics that are often sacred but are created to lift your spirit towards the worship of God. Throughout most church services different types of music are produced in different parts of the ceremony. For example, most churches in Nigeria celebrate thanksgiving and during this time they encourage people to do what’s known as “Dance Praises”.The purpose of this is to worship, singing and dancing while feeling encouraged to stand up and have some fun; to really feel the beat of the music whilst they pray to the lord and show gratitude and kindness to others.

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Religions have undergone significant changes since its founding. The associated musical traditions are emblematic of the diverse musical practices originating from religion. For example, bronze instruments from Indonesia are used in Hindu meditative music, while Christian music incorporates musical elements including but not limited to the Gregorian chants, Russian Orthodox choir, rock band music. Even across the same religious traditions, there are divergent musical practices from different regions around the world.

Despite the diversity, musical practices have become an indispensable component of religion and have great values in people’s religious lives. What makes music so important in religions? What purpose does music serve in religions?

Religious music is a way for people to express their feelings

It creates a safe space for people to connect with their deeper thoughts in a way that words may not be able to. People in Zimbabwe make use of music to show gratitude towards their God and to engage in worship activities thanking their religious deity for providing a great harvest season or hunting season. One purpose of religious music is to strengthen the effects of words and lyrics that are being sung.

There is a significant emotional dimension to churchgoing music as it often facilitates an outpouring of emotions by worshipers. Religious music can also be seen as a form of proselytization where potential worshippers are attracted via music to join existing worshippers.

Religious music also has a psychological effect on people by eliciting various emotions and thought patterns.

A study by Bradshaw (et al., 2014) indicates that some religious music like gospel music sends the “message of hope and optimism”. It suggests that the more frequently people listen to religious music, the less anxious one feels about death; they are also more satisfied with their lives and enhance their self-esteem. This psychological effect is further proved by Demmrich (2018) where he found that the musical experience could trigger positive emotions for the religious experience, though it is yet to be answered whether this effect is a pure neuropsychological phenomenon, a cultural thing, or a combination of both.

Meanwhile, scholars propose that religious music could function as a subtle cue associated with moral standards (Lang, et al., 2016). They found that music in religion develops specific meanings and creates sacred cues that could influence the normative behaviors of people. From the perspective of early childhood education, Yeni (2017) indicates that learning and singing Islamic songs are beneficial for children to develop a sense of moral and religious values. As Islamic songs are close to the world of children and are rich in moral messages, Yeni believes that teaching Islamic songs will increase the active participation of children and let them apply the messages contained in the music.

Moreover, religious music serves the purpose of unifying people.

As Nash (2018) wrote, the values of religious music are to “encourage participation and build community”. Group solidarity is evident in group behaviors and mentalities especially when people are giving praise and expressing gratitude to a higher power together. Myrick (2017) made some observations about worshippers, where he noticed that when religious music is performed, the audience began to physically engage with the music by swaying side to side.

Myrick described such engagement to be stronger over time in the way that the swaying was more synchronized and unified; even those who did not move started to sway along eventually. Music is a key to building solidarity in their group and facilitating harmony in the church.

In modern times, people of cultural backgrounds who share the same religious beliefs may come together to worship in the same church, where religious music functions as developing a sense of belonging to the community as well as a sense of collective identity. It is through music that people feel connected and included no matter they are with different ethnic backgrounds or being in diaspora.

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A simple but moving form of praise is the spiritual, a form of music that evolved from the oral tradition of early blacks in America.

Within the early American churches, the colonists pursued a hymn-singing tradition that has remained strong to this day, as has the spiritual.

These two forms of religious song are captured on a Telarc CD (80325) by the Ohio State University-based Robert Shaw Festival Singers with choral veteran Shaw conducting. The result is a blend of favorites such as “Ride On, King Jesus” with “To God Our Strength.”

Some may argue that the organ symphonies of Louis Vierne are not religious music. I can assure you that, sitting in Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and hearing the organ at which Vierne died while playing a concert in 1937, it becomes apparent that Vierne’s works are inspired by a higher authority than man.

One of the great French organs on which this blind virtuoso performed during his career was the Cavaille-Coll Organ at St. Ouen in Rouen. It is this organ on which Michael Murray plays Vierne’s first and third organ symphonies for Telarc (80329). The music and the recording are both magnificent.

From Chandos comes a CD (9021) holding the premiere recordings of the Mass in the Dorian Mode by Herbert Howells and the Mass for Double Choir by Bernard Stevens.

Stevens lived from 1916 to 1983 and wrote the mass in 1939 while studying at the Royal College of Music. The manuscript surfaced among his papers after his death. Howells, born in 1892, also died in 1983 and was a major figure in 20th century English liturgical music.

The Finzi Singers are splendid in these works, and they also offer five short pieces from the young Howells as well. A major addition to the recorded repertoire of English choral music.

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The values of liturgical music and religious songs are to encourage participation and build community — while giving praise and thanks to a higher power. Roots of these traditional music forms permeate themselves into the work of our favorite contemporary musicians, both secular and nonsecular.

Like belief in a higher power, our ability to create and comprehend music is a defining feature of humanity. Although the world continues to evolve, religious institutions and predominant spiritual practices continue to be preserved through music. Most musicians have been noticeably shaped and influenced by traditional religious music and themes.

Within hip-hop, rappers use samples, references or vocals inspired by the Christian church — a objective example being Kanye West’s “Jesus Walks,” which uses a mixture of choir vocals, harmonies and swoons. He touches on the intersection between church and rap music, rapping, “that means guns, sex, lies, videotape, but if I talk about God my record won’t get played, huh?”

The style can also be seen more subtlety in songs like “Blessings” by Chance the Rapper. In addition to using a choir, this song also relies on traditional liturgical instruments. Blending organ, trumpet and piano sounds, it’s an upbeat hip-hop tribute heavily influenced by traditional Christian music styling.

Traditional liturgical music is characterized by organs and harmony — two musical functions that play a major role in contemporary gospel songs like “Silver and Gold” by Kirk Franklin. In order to appeal to an American audience, the modern gospel style borrows from church hymns, pop, jazz, hip-hop and classical music. Gospel music intertwines tradition, religion and musical styling, while retaining the core ideals of compassion, love and faith in God.

Rooted in what many call “the Bible Belt,” country music is a genre which has long been understood as having a basis in traditional Christian values. Artists like Carrie Underwood have built their careers citing the influence of God on their lives. In her Grammy acceptance speech for “Best New Artist” in 2006, she said, “There’s so many people to thank, I’m gonna start at the top, thank you God.” At that same Grammys, she won “Best Female Country Vocal Performance,” for “Jesus, Take the Wheel.” Her relationship with God and the way she integrates it into her music creates relatable music for millions of people.

And in mainstream pop music, classic songs like “One of Us” by Joan Osborne, “With Arms Wide Open” by Creed and “Every Grain of Sand” by Bob Dylan have each topped off the charts while featuring a central message about God.

Religion will continue to play a role in the evolution of music. While its impact isn’t quantified in record sales or mainstream appeal, the value of this music comes from how it encourages participation and thanks giving amongst its listeners. As opposed to industry music, based on the talent or popularity of individual artists, most religious music functions through the participation and harmony of its members. By fulfilling us sonically, while allowing a medium for reflection and connection, religious music — whether it’s mainstream or not — allows us to form solidarity with a higher power, as well as one another.

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There was music outside of the church.  Secular musicians were among the most inventive and virtuoso of the time.  The troubadores and trouveres of France, and the Minnesingers and the Meistersingers of Germany; these being the most common secular musical performers and composers of this time.  With that said, music was mostly influenced and progressed by the Roman Catholic Church, and even as the Protestants arose this remained so.  The Renaissance saw more secular music unfolding, and more with the Baroque (despite Bach writing most of his music for the Church, I do not feel his music was actually “inspired”, as his genius and artistic precision says otherwise.  It may have just been a job, but I can only speculate at this point), but the Classic era saw even more pulling away from the religious world.  Eventually in the Romantic, most music was secular, if I may.  Until now most artistic music (in the 20th century and beyond) is mostly secular with maybe an influence from religion here and there among composers.

History lesson aside, I want to really get some feedback on this point:  how would music have evolved if there were no religion?  Why was it so tied to the church?  For religious reasons, or something else?  Perhaps the most intersting question is, would it have evolved faster?  As we see music becoming increasingly secular, we also see a faster evolution of harmonic language, form, and the very sound of the music becoming an extension of the composer and his emotions rather than an inspiration from god.  After careful thought, the answer may just be yes.  Without religious restrction on philosophy, science, etc., those practices would, perhaps, be even more greatly advanced.  Could the same be said of musical concepts, theory, harmony, and language?

I would prefer thoughtful and intelligent answers within this discussion board.  I am preparing to research this topic, and want to find more sources for it (as well as find answers through discourse), so if any one of you know a few sources that might be good to research this topic, that help would be appreciated.

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