Musical Theology:
Past Lessons, Present Perspectives

Richard Plantinga
Calvin College

Clayton Schmit
Fuller Theological Seminary

June 20-24, 2005

Co-sponsored by the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
Funds provided by the Lilly Endowment Inc.

Workshop Description
This five day workshop for pastors and church leaders will take a musical look at some of the great issues of theology in the Christian Church. Our survey will begin with the origins of plain chant and trace the theological dimensions of music as they have been articulated in the work of Catholic composers of the mass, the Reformers, and early hymn writers; by Bach and other classical composers; in Spirituals and Gospel songs; through Jazz and the Blues; and in contemporary modes of worship music, including Taizé chants, Iona Community Songs, and Emerging Church music. Our engagement in the church’s song will lead us not only to understand how theology can be expressed musically, but how music can be used theologically.

During our five days together, participants will be involved in an array of activities. In the mornings, we will engage with the faculty and their guest presenters in lecture, demonstration, and discussion. In the afternoons, we will listen to and discuss examples of the music under consideration. Throughout our time together, we will worship together by singing the church’s songs, praying, and seeking understanding. Events permitting, we may have the opportunity to attend performances.

The core text for our time together will be Andrew Wilson-Dickson’s fascinating collection of articles, art, and photography called The Story of Christian Music. (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2003). In addition to this text, selected articles and a limited discography will provide the grist for our conversations about theology and music. The faculty guides for this musical tour are: Professor Rick Plantinga, Calvin College, and Professor Clay Schmit, Fuller Theological Seminary.

Day 1:
Introduction to theme
Music and Theology in the Bible
The relationship of church music history and the history of Christianity
Plainchant
The Ordinary of the Mass: Palestrina and the Council of Trent

Day 2:
The Reformation
Luther’s love of music and use of it theologically
Heinrich Schütz
The liturgical calendar (G.P. Telemann and J.S. Bach)
J.S. Bach: The cantata cycles

Day 3:
J.S. Bach: The Passions

Day 4:
Theology in Hymns
Other Reformers: Calvin, the Geneva Psalter
English Psalm Use and the birth of English Hymnody
Key Figures: Isaac Watts, John and Charles Wesley
American Hymnody
Spirituals and Gospel Songs
Other American Expressions, Jazz, the Blues

Day 5:
Contemporary Expressions
Iona, Taizé, World Church music
Issues in “contemporary” church worship and music
Emerging Church music and theology

Past Events

For further information contact:
Seminars in Christian Scholarship
Calvin College
1855 Knollcrest Circle SE
Grand Rapids MI 49546-4402
616.526.8558
fax 616.526.6682
seminars@calvin.edu