The Matter and Manner of Praise: The Controversial Evolution of Hymnody in the Church of England, 1760-1820

by Thomas K. McCart

Overview

It may seem unexpected to assert that controversy surrounds the introduction of hymns in religious life in England. Though many scholars have worked to catalog and index hymns, few have investigated the evolution of hymns, and their proposed meaning to religious celebration.

A historical as well as a critical project, The Matter and Manner of Praise undermines the compulsion to assume that hymn-making and religion were always considered to coexist effortlessly. Most histories of hymnody and evangelical movements in England have elided the depth of feeling and concern that surrounded the debate over hymns and their use during liturgy. McCart uncovers, reexamines, and comments upon this debate. He illuminates a partly unexplored topic in English church history, by tracing the controversial shift from metrical psalms to hymnody, and also takes into account legal issues and litigation that developed over the introduction of hymns into church life.

An insightful study that should be fascinating reading for anyone interested in teasing apart the historical nature of religious ceremonies and hymns.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780810834507
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	08/13/1998
Series:	Drew University Studies in Liturgy , #5
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	5.72(w) x 8.82(h) x 0.71(d)

About the Author

Thomas K McCart (Ph.D., Vanderbilt University) is the Rector of St. Mark's Episcopal Church and School.

Editorial Reviews

Combining a readable style with copious footnotes, McCart chronicles the events which led to the long prevented but deeply desired singing of hymns in Anglican churches. In light of the controversy still simmering today about the liturgical use of hymns in some places, this historical study indicates a remarkable similarity in eighteenth- and nineteenth-century human perceptions of hymnody's potential both to lead and mislead the faithful. This book gives clear indication of what the fight is all about and provides us with a ringside seat for the match.

Worship

To those who take for granted the rich tradition of hymn singing in the Anglican communion, it may come as a surprise to find that this tradition is less than two hundred years old, and that it became established only after much debate and even legal action. Thomas McCart, a church historian and clergyman of the Episcopal Church, presents in this book an episode of Anglican history that has been the victim of unexamined assumptions by writers on hymnody, church history, and social history....In this study McCart has performed a valuable service by providing a more detailed prelude to the landmark publication, in 1861, of Hymns Ancient and Modern.

ECCB: The Eighteenth-Century Current Bibliography

...a useful foundation for further research...carefully documented research...A compelling work that should encourage further research in the field and stand as the starting point for any study.

Religious Studies Review

Intended...as...a spark to further research and debate.

Reference and Research Book News

McCart's book offers an overview in a few very long chapters.

Journal of Religion

Combining a readable style with copious footnotes, McCart chronicles the events which led to the long prevented but deeply desired singing of hymns in Anglican churches. In light of the controversy still simmering today about the liturgical use of hymns in some places, this historical study indicates a remarkable similarity in eighteenth- and nineteenth-century human perceptions of hymnody's potential both to lead and mislead the faithful. This book gives clear indication of what the fight is all about and provides us with a ringside seat for the match.--Worship

...a useful foundation for further research...carefully documented research...A compelling work that should encourage further research in the field and stand as the starting point for any study.--Religious Studies Review

McCart's book offers an overview in a few very long chapters.--Journal of Religion

From the Publisher

To those who take for granted the rich tradition of hymn singing in the Anglican communion, it may come as a surprise to find that this tradition is less than two hundred years old, and that it became established only after much debate and even legal action. Thomas McCart, a church historian and clergyman of the Episcopal Church, presents in this book an episode of Anglican history that has been the victim of unexamined assumptions by writers on hymnody, church history, and social history....In this study McCart has performed a valuable service by providing a more detailed prelude to the landmark publication, in 1861, of Hymns Ancient and Modern.

ECCB: The Eighteenth-Century Current Bibliography

McCart's book offers an overview in a few very long chapters.

Journal of Religion

To those who take for granted the rich tradition of hymn singing in the Anglican communion, it may come as a surprise to find that this tradition is less than two hundred years old, and that it became established only after much debate and even legal action. Thomas McCart, a church historian and clergyman of the Episcopal Church, presents in this book an episode of Anglican history that has been the victim of unexamined assumptions by writers on hymnody, church history, and social history....In this study McCart has performed a valuable service by providing a more detailed prelude to the landmark publication, in 1861, of Hymns Ancient and Modern.

Eighteenth-Century Current Bibliography

A historical and critical account of the introduction of hymns as part of the liturgy, showing that such a bonding is neither very ancient nor inevitable. Traces the controversial shift from metrical psalms to hymnody and discusses legal issues and litigation that developed over the change. Intended not as a definitive study but a spark to further research and debate. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

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