SWU (Sing with Understanding)

An Introduction to Christian Hymnody, 2nd Edition, Revised and Enlarged

by Hugh T. McElrath and Harry Eskew

[“I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.” - I Corinthians 14:15]

The basic purpose of Sing with Understanding is to encourage more meningful congregational singing of hymns. It seeks to address the needs of those who lead in corporate worship -- clergy and muicians -- and also attempts to bring others, including lay persons, to a greater appreciation of their hymnals and the fascinating heritage of church song. Its primary use, however, is as a textbook for college and seminary classes in hymnology and relatd areas. Alng with increased understandiing, it is hoped that this book will contribute to helping persings “sing with the spirit” with true inspiration and enthusiasm.

[From the Introduction]

Publisher: Church Street Press, Nashville, TN, 1995

ISBN: 0-8054-9825-7

Subject Heading: Hymnody

Chapter Headings:

Part I: The Hymn in Perspective

1. The Hymn and Literature
2. The Hymn and Music
3. The Hymn and Scripture
4. The Hymn and Theology

Part II: The Hymn in History and Culture

5. Early Church and Pre-Reformation Traditions
6. Reformation Traditions
7. British Traditions
8. American Traditions
9 Cultural Perspectives

Part III: The Hymn and Practice

10. The Hymn in Proclamation
11. The Hymn in Worship
12. The Hymn in Education
13. The Hymn in Ministry

Epilogue

14. Trends and Issues in Hymnod

Appendix 1: A Service of Worhip in song
Appendix 2: Hymn Analysis checklist
Selected Bibliography
Indexes

Visit Harry Eskew's bio page: Harry Eskew