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Music

Cedarville University

Journal

Reformation

Articles 1 - 6 of 6

Full-Text Articles in Arts and Humanities

Making Music In The House Of God: How Augustine Influenced Jean Calvin And Martin Luther's Opinions On Musical Worship, Emma N. Ross Apr 2024

Making Music In The House Of God: How Augustine Influenced Jean Calvin And Martin Luther's Opinions On Musical Worship, Emma N. Ross

Musical Offerings

Music for worship has been a divisive topic throughout church history. Augustine of Hippo influenced Jean Calvin and Martin Luther’s theology of music, although in different ways. Their opinions differed, but all three men cared deeply about applying a correct interpretation of the Bible to church music. Augustine’s opinion of music was that, when correctly understood, it had the capacity to glorify God. However, music could become a dangerous earthly pleasure if the senses were allowed to have control. Calvin argued that music must be used with care, not due to the problem of music, but rather the weakness and …


Re-Forming Music: Martin Luther’S Impact On Church Music Through The Lutheran Reformation, Soraya Peront Oct 2021

Re-Forming Music: Martin Luther’S Impact On Church Music Through The Lutheran Reformation, Soraya Peront

Musical Offerings

Martin Luther is regarded as a seminal figure in 16th-century Europe, having a profound impact on the development of the Protestant Church as it separated from the Roman Catholic Church. Though Luther is most commonly known for his theological influences during the time, his upbringing and musical education strongly influenced his theological beliefs. Not only did this result in a development of a new Christian denomination, but Luther permanently changed the way music was written and performed in the church. How is it, though, that we can credit this musical change to Luther? Through an examination of Luther’s musical understanding …


Music As A Means To Spread Martin Luther’S Message, Emily A. Brubaker Sep 2020

Music As A Means To Spread Martin Luther’S Message, Emily A. Brubaker

Musical Offerings

While Martin Luther’s message of the Reformation was circulated through a variety of sources, music was highly regarded by Luther and had an undeniably crucial role in spreading his ideas. Luther’s theological stance determined his purpose for music. He emphasized the value of God’s Word and saw music as a means to share truth from the Bible. Luther even compared the importance of music to that of theology. He claimed that music was a gift from God, capable of fighting evil and promoting good. This research traces the effects of music on the transmission of Luther’s message by considering Luther’s …


Music Next To Theology: The Impact And Influence Of Martin Luther's Reformation On Johann Sebastian Bach, James H. Ryan Oct 2019

Music Next To Theology: The Impact And Influence Of Martin Luther's Reformation On Johann Sebastian Bach, James H. Ryan

Musical Offerings

The artistic figure and music of Johann Sebastian Bach looms large in the history of Western arts and culture. His influences were many, but one strong influence in his life's work was that of the Protestant Reformation and the theology of the Lutheran church. Through this research, it is evident that Bach strongly held to the doctrines and theology of the Lutheran church and that his employment in the Lutheran church was not merely a vocation for him, but an outward expression of his inward religious and theological conviction. This position is evidenced by the writings and teachings of Martin …


Sing To The Lord A New Song: John Calvin And The Spiritual Discipline Of Metrical Psalmody, Brandon J. Bellanti Nov 2014

Sing To The Lord A New Song: John Calvin And The Spiritual Discipline Of Metrical Psalmody, Brandon J. Bellanti

Musical Offerings

The purpose of this essay is to evaluate the way that psalmody - specifically metrical psalmody - serves as a sort of spiritual discipline. In other words, this essay seeks to demonstrate how the singing of psalms can be a tool to aid in spiritual growth. Much of the research for this essay focuses on the theological writings of the Protestant reformer John Calvin, as well as the way in which he incorporated metrical psalmody into his liturgical framework. The research also comprises primary writings from Aristotle, Plato, Saint John Chrysostom, Saint Basil, and Saint Augustine - all of whom …


Conservative Radical: Martin Luther’S Influence On Congregational Singing, Jonathan T. Knight Jan 2010

Conservative Radical: Martin Luther’S Influence On Congregational Singing, Jonathan T. Knight

Musical Offerings

Martin Luther played an influential role in the transition from the priest-dominated Catholic worship to congregationally accessible evangelical services. This study demonstrates that, though his musical reforms were not dramatic, they were intentional and effective. Luther’s understanding of music theologically, theoretically, and practically enabled him to effectively utilize available musical resources to make music increasingly accessible, for the purpose of teaching the Word of God. Through Luther’s hymns, people began proclaiming the Word of God musically. Through liturgical reform, Luther provided congregations with a framework through which to incorporate congregational song in the liturgy. Through music education, Luther increased musical …