The practice of borrowing, adapting, and singing hymns across denominational lines is nearly as old as the Christian church itself. In a fragmented…

For many Christians, discovering that some of the most beloved melodies in their church hymnals began as secular folk songs or traditional bar…

Introducing Civil War-era hymns into a racially diverse congregation brings a unique set of challenges that extend far beyond simple musical preferences. These…

In many post-colonial nations, church pews still echo with the exact same nineteenth-century European hymns that were introduced during eras of foreign rule….

For centuries, church hymns have served as a unifying force, designed to transcend social and cultural divisions by gathering diverse groups of people…

The inclusion of patriotic hymns in church services has long been a tradition in many nations, especially during national holidays. Songs that celebrate…

The inclusion of patriotic and nationalist hymns within Sunday worship services is a long-standing tradition in many churches, yet it remains one of…

For over a century and a half, Sabine Baring-Gould’s 1865 hymn, “Onward, Christian Soldiers,” has been a staple in traditional church songbooks. Set…

In traditional, hymn-singing churches, the choir has historically served as a musical engine designed to pull the congregation forward. Their primary role was…

The practice of modifying the language of historic hymns has sparked a passionate debate within modern church culture. To some, changing ancient words…