Hymns

Synopsis

Hymns are a style of song. Traditional Christian hymns became widely popular from the sixteenth century onwards and many are closely tied to Protestantism. Martin Luther was a prolific hymn writer, with hymns such as A Mighty Fortress Is Our God. Hymns continued to be popular throughout the following centuries, although in recent decades their popularity has been falling in the west, with more modern songs becoming more commonly sung.

Related topics

• Hymns Index
• Christmas carols

Comments, Personal Articles, Studies and Sermons

Hymns (discussion) (For short comments and opinions)

For related quotations see Hymns (quotes)

Main article

A hymn is a type of religious song, usually written for praise and prayer. Traditional Christian hymns became widely popular from the sixteenth century onwards, but in recent decades their popularity has been falling in the west, with more modern songs becoming more commonly sung, often referred to as "choruses"

Hymns are often written with special or seasonal themes and these are used on certain days such as Christmas (see Christmas carols) and Easter. Others are used more widely to bring a sense of reverent worship or exuberant praise to God. Some hymns, particular used in Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy and "High Church" Anglicanism, may praise or address individual saints, particularly the Virgin Mary.

Etymology

The word hymn derives from Greek hymnos (ὕμνος) which means "a song of praise".

A writer of hymns is known as a hymnist or hymnodist, and the practice of singing hymns is called hymnody. A collection of hymns is called a hymnal.

Strictly speaking a hymn consists of words only, and the music to which a hymn may be sung is a hymn tune. For example, the hymn "Amazing Grace" is sung to the hymn tune "New Britain". Many hymns are sung to several different hymn tunes.

History of hymns

Early Christian hymns were inspired by the Psalms.

Links

• Christian Hymn Internet Radio Station

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