Publication Date
Spring 4-25-2019
School
School of Divinity; School of Music
Major
Worship and Music Ministry
Keywords
Lyrics, Church, Worship, Bible, Church History
Disciplines
Biblical Studies | Other Music | Practical Theology
Recommended Citation
May, Michael, "Lyrics in Congregational Song: A Biblical and Historical Survey" (2019). Senior Honors Theses. 878.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/honors/878
Abstract
Is there a standard as to what constitutes biblical, God-honoring congregational song lyrics? In this paper, I will seek to address this question through a review of relevant biblical principles and positions of prominent leaders throughout church history. The Bible provides a language of worship in the Psalms and includes some information regarding singing in the New Testament. Biblical principles have been applied throughout the centuries by various church fathers. The synthesis of biblical principles and historical contributions will produce a set of guidelines by which congregational song lyrics may be evaluated for the purpose of contextual application in modern services.
