That Lovely Old and Well-known Songbook

Spronk defends the value of traditional hymnals against calls for contemporary worship reforms, arguing that congregational singing—a gift of the Reformation—serves as effective theological catechesis and spiritual formation. The article traces the history of congregational singing from its prohibition in pre-Reformation Catholic practice through its recovery by Protestant reformers, and suggests that contemporary worship practices may be undermining this vital means of doctrinal instruction and male participation in corporate worship.