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.
Do you belong to a church where the number of songs approved for worship is limited? Has your church used the same songbook for decades? Perhaps you think it is time for a change. You can point to the many deficiencies, real or perceived, in the approved songbook. And maybe you are a bit weary of singing the same songs over and over again. I won't say that it is impossible to revise or improve a songbook. But the article I call to your attention below demonstrates that we have far more reason...
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org