Publication Date
4-12-2024
Document Type
Article
Keywords
Church Music, Reformation, Augustine, Jean Calvin, Martin Luther, Music in Worship, Worship
Abstract
Music for worship has been a divisive topic throughout church history. Augustine of Hippo influenced Jean Calvin and Martin Luther’s theology of music, although in different ways. Their opinions differed, but all three men cared deeply about applying a correct interpretation of the Bible to church music. Augustine’s opinion of music was that, when correctly understood, it had the capacity to glorify God. However, music could become a dangerous earthly pleasure if the senses were allowed to have control. Calvin argued that music must be used with care, not due to the problem of music, but rather the weakness and corruption of man. Martin Luther understood music to be a gift from God—a reference from Augustine—placing it of highest importance second only to theology and the scriptures.
This paper was researched by an examination of primary and secondary sources. It argues that Calvin’s views were greatly influenced by Augustine, and he aligned more closely in practical aspects. Although Luther was impacted to a lesser extent, his writings about music do contain direct references to Augustinian thought that can be demonstrated in Luther’s theology of music. Christians can learn much about the role of music in worship from the example of these God-honoring theologians.
Volume
15
Issue
1
Article Number
2
First Page
13
Last Page
22
DOI
10.15385/jmo.2024.15.1.2
Recommended Citation
Ross, Emma N.
(2024)
"Making Music in the House of God: How Augustine Influenced Jean Calvin and Martin Luther's Opinions on Musical Worship,"
Musical Offerings: Vol. 15:
No.
1, Article 2.
DOI: 10.15385/jmo.2024.15.1.2
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/musicalofferings/vol15/iss1/2
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
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