Date

5-22-2024

Department

School of Music

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy

Chair

Scott Connell

Keywords

Hallel, cross-talking, convergent mixed methods, contemporary worship song, Jesus' hymn, Passover, worship, CWS, worship song

Disciplines

Liturgy and Worship | Music

Abstract

The Last Supper of Jesus Christ and his disciples is one of the most iconic events in Christendom. One of the fewer talked-about scenarios in this historical event is Matthew 26:30 and Mark 14:26, when Jesus and his disciples sang a hymn before his crucifixion. This study examines the Hallel or Psalms 113–118, which Bible scholars believe was the hymn that Jesus sang with his disciples. The primary themes and emphases of these psalms are identified and coded. The goal of this research is to provide a metric for how the teachings from the Hallel may serve as a reference for evaluating and selecting songs for local church worship. The psalm assessment is the resource for examining the Top 25 contemporary worship songs from 2021–2023 for comparable themes and emphases. The research used a convergent mixed methods design, including the process of cross-talking, to examine Psalms 113–118 and the contemporary worship songs from 2021–2023 for theme and topic comparison, word use, and categorical placement. The research identified several songs that align with similar themes and messages of the Hallel, which speak of God’s redemption, faithfulness, and praise from his people from all nations. However, the most consistent theme found in these contemporary worship songs is that of personal testimony, a theme not found in Psalm 113–118. Churches may benefit from studying the Hallel and using the themes of Psalms 113–118 to assess old and current worship songs for a more consistent thematic practice with that of the hymn likely led by Jesus himself.

Download

Share

COinS