What Are John Calvin’s Views on Music?
John Calvin’s views on music can be found in his 1543 “Letter to the Reader,” his Institutes 3.20.31–32, and his commentaries on Colossians 3 and 1 Corinthians 14. In a recent article published in the Calvin Theological Journal, I argue that Calvin’s reliance on early Christian writers in the promotion of singing reveals that early Christian writers […]
Translations & Tunes for the Oldest Early Christian Hymns
Here are English translations and tunes for the oldest early Christian hymns. This is meant to be a worship resource if you are attempting to incorporate the oldest Christian hymns in your gathered worship. If you’re interested in learning what Early Christian music might have sounded like, then check out my article on the Oxyrhynchus […]
What Was Early Church Worship Music Like?
This is an important question because many earnest believers desire to worship on the Lord’s Day in form and content the same way that Christ and the Apostles worshiped. The New Testament is very clear about the purpose of music for the church, but it does not give explicit indication as to what the form […]
Justin Martyr Does Not Mention Music while Describing Christian Worship
In his First Apology, a letter to the Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius in defense of Christian practice, Justin Martyr (c.100–c.165) describes a Christian worship service in great detail. Because Justin Martyr was born around the same time that the Apostle John died, Justin’s record is just one generation removed from the practice of the Apostles. […]