{"id":2329725,"date":"2024-08-23T03:26:01","date_gmt":"2024-08-23T07:26:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/a-new-hymnody-for-christian-classical-schools\/"},"modified":"2024-08-23T03:36:42","modified_gmt":"2024-08-23T07:36:42","slug":"a-new-hymnody-for-christian-classical-schools","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/a-new-hymnody-for-christian-classical-schools\/","title":{"rendered":"A New Hymnody For Christian Classical Schools"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">14<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fa-new-hymnody-for-christian-classical-schools%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2329725&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>The \u200cclassical schooling movement is gaining \u2063momentum as it\u200b seeks to revive knowledge and practices that modernity has largely neglected, particularly in the context of \u2063Christian\u200b education. Preston Atwood\u2019s newly published hymnal,\u2064 *Cantate\u2063 Domino: A Liturgical Songbook \u2062for Classical Christian Schools*, aims to enrich the educational experience by emphasizing \u2063the significance of hymn singing in \u200ccultivating theological understanding and moral imagination. <\/p>\n<p>Historically, hymn singing and systematic theology have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/newsom-california-agree-to-pay-more-churches-in-settlements-over-lockdown-discrimination\/\" title=\"Newsom, California Agree To Pay More Churches In Settlements Over Lockdown Discrimination\">played key roles<\/a> in church education. The work of Bernard\u2062 of Clairvaux serves \u2063as a prime example, with his hymn \u200b\u201cO Sacred Head, Now Wounded\u201d encapsulating deep theological truths about Christ\u2019s dual nature and\u200c redemptive suffering, providing insights that can be more impactful \u200bthan traditional\u200d academic study. <\/p>\n<p>However, the \u200cdecline\u2062 of congregational hymn singing in\u200d modern evangelical churches raises concerns, as contemporary worship styles often lean towards praise \u200cbands,\u2062 which \u200cmight feel more accessible \u200cto some attendees but lack\u200c the depth and theological richness \u200cfound\u2063 in traditional hymns. Atwood&#8217;s intention goes beyond preservation; he aims to engage students with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/this-is-your-sign-to-catechize-your-kids-and-yourself\/\" title=\"This Is Your Sign To Catechize Your Kids \u2014 And Yourself\">profound truths<\/a> that\u200b shape \u2063their identities and understanding \u200bof God.<\/p>\n<p>*Cantate \u200dDomino* successfully presents a comprehensive collection of hymns, prayers, and liturgical\u200d elements designed for \u200ceducational settings, making it also suitable for churches and family worship. The structure of \u200bthe hymnal enhances\u2062 participation, featuring call-and-response formats and passages \u2062that instill core\u200d truths\u200c in students. Additionally,\u2063 it \u2062includes prayers from church history\u2063 and a diverse range of hymns, emphasizing a\u2062 shared Christian heritage.<\/p>\n<p>Atwood&#8217;s work underscores the necessity of hymnody and liturgy in nurturing a\u200d well-rounded Christian education that \u2062connects\u200b students \u2062to the broader narrative of faith,\u2063 countering cultural trends \u200dthat\u2063 dismiss\u200c <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/landon-starbuck-all-ages-drag-show-at-tennessee-tech-reflects-a-national-moral-crisis\/\" title=\"Landon Starbuck: All-Ages Drag Show at Tennessee Tech Reflects a National Moral Crisis\">objective truths<\/a>.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<div>\n<p>The classical schooling movement has become a source of retrieval, revival even, of so many sources of knowledge and human flourishing abandoned by modernity. The classical Christian school can also renew the rich Christian heritage and vitality of hymn singing. To that end, Preston Atwood&rsquo;s just published hymnal,&nbsp;<em><a href=\"https:\/\/hymnworks.com\/product\/cantate\/\">Cantate Domino: A&nbsp;Liturgical Songbook for Classical Christian Schools<\/a><\/em>, shows how hymnody is of great&nbsp;educational&nbsp;benefit.<\/p>\n<p>In church history, two simple actions constantly emerge: systematic teaching of theology, and imaginative engagement through singing hymns.<\/p>\n<p>Consider the depths of theology involved in processing the dual nature of Christ: fully God, and fully man, united in his sacrificial death. A course in systematic theology might spend three months and several thousand pages explicating the notions of a &ldquo;sacred head&rdquo; &ldquo;weighed down&rdquo; by thorns, abuse, and scorn, drawing the contrast with a &ldquo;visage&rdquo; that was &ldquo;bright as morn.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Bernard of Clairvaux took these concepts, arranging them poetically and musically, and his hymn &ldquo;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=R_OBbjAfVrI\">O Sacred Head, Now Wounded<\/a>&rdquo; has taught deep Christology to millions of Christians, of all ages, since the 11th century.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>O sacred head now wounded<br \/>With grief and shame weighed down<br \/>Now scornfully surrounded<br \/>With thorns thine only crown<br \/>How pale Thou art with anguish<br \/>With sore abuse and scorn<br \/>How does that visage languish<br \/>Which once was bright as morn<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Through his hymn, Bernard draws the mind of the worshiper to the heights of Christian theology: Christ as fully God and fully man, with his two natures united in suffering to bring about the redemption of mankind. In this manner, a Christian absorbs far more theology through singing in weekly worship than through academic study.<\/p>\n<p>This indicates the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/macarthur-the-end-of-frivolous-religion\/\" title=\"MacArthur: The End of Frivolous Religion?\">evangelical church<\/a> of the 21st century is in trouble. Hymn singing is on the decline (see <a href=\"https:\/\/research.lifeway.com\/2016\/12\/30\/finding-our-voice-why-the-decline-of-congregational-singing-matters-and-how-to-fix-it\/\">here<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.adw.org\/2014\/06\/dust-on-the-hymnal-pondering-the-decline-of-hymn-singing-in-american-denominations\/\">here<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/organforum.com\/forums\/forum\/blower-room\/general-chat\/647967-mourning-the-decline-of-congregational-singing\">here<\/a>); evangelical Protestant churches typically favor praise bands and contemporary Christian music for their weekly gatherings. Such songs are far more comfortable for some guests and unbelievers. Such an environment, however, comes at a cost.<\/p>\n<p>In his preface, Atwood articulates a larger goal than preservations. Atwood seeks:<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>to cultivate [students&rsquo;] affections, stir their moral imaginations, and develop their aesthetic sensibilities by putting in their hands a compendium of abiding creeds, music, and prayers. I wanted to provide an effective means of &lsquo;soulcraft,&rsquo; turning students&rsquo; hearts through exposing them to objectively true, good, and beautiful expressions of the Gospel&rsquo;s realities. I desired that they establish deep roots, learn their place in God&rsquo;s story, know their dependance on Christ, and experience the much larger and older tradition of which they are a part. Such moorings are necessary in a culture that disavows metanarratives and objective truths.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><em>Cantate Domino<\/em> succeeds. It highlights the doctrinal unity of Christianity organized around the highest days of the Christian calendar. It contains elements clearly written for the life of a school, but it could also work for churches, para-church ministries, or families worshiping at home.<\/p>\n<p>Atwood uses a clear pattern of bolded and unbolded text to structure call-and-response passages throughout the hymnal. Scripture passages, confessions, assembly moments, famous quotations from C.S. Lewis and G.K. Chesterton, and responsories are all arranged for clear audience participation. Consider two of the &ldquo;Assembly Sayings&rdquo;:<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&ldquo;Why are we in school today? <strong>To glorify and honor God.<\/strong>&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;How can we glorify God at school? <strong>By working hard and loving one another.<\/strong>&rdquo;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>As with the poetry, historical timelines, math facts, and other key knowledge students memorize in classical schools, these lines help engrain eternal truths in student memory.<\/p>\n<h2>Prayers<\/h2>\n<p>The prayers section includes prayers from saints across the ages. Arranged in morning, midday, and dismissal sections, the hymnal&rsquo;s structure makes it clear which sections apply to which purposes. Early Christian, Catholic, Celtic, and Puritan prayers are arranged chronologically, showing students the breadth of Christian prayer.<\/p>\n<p>Consider this &ldquo;Prayer before Study&rdquo; from Thomas Aquinas, c. 1250 A.D.:<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Creator of all things, true source of light and wisdom, origin of all being, graciously let a ray of your light penetrate the darkness of our understanding. Take from us the double darkness in which we have been born, an obscurity of sin and ignorance. Give us keen understanding, retentive memories, and the ability to grasp things correctly and fundamentally. Grant us the talent of being exact in our explanations and the ability to express ourselves with thoroughness and charm. Point out the beginning, direct the progress, and help in the completion. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen!<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><em>Cantate Domino<\/em> strikes the right kind of ecumenical note by celebrating the common Christian tradition. It opens with Anglican priest Mark Hamilton explaining the value and nature of Gregorian chant: &ldquo;Good chanting, at its core, is the <em>rhythm of speech<\/em> (as one would recite a poem aloud, with the proper word\/syllable stresses), sung on the printed pitches.&rdquo; Chanting is a way for students, as all Christians, to learn the arts of vocal unity.<\/p>\n<p>Hymns old and new are present: &ldquo;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=YqWiIp_KLUc\">Matt Papa<\/a>,&rdquo; &ldquo;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=m_063OI38RQ\">Keith Getty,<\/a>&rdquo; and &ldquo;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=-2-ymEwgUxY\">City Alight<\/a>&rdquo; fit alongside &ldquo;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1aVWBSmghAs\">Martin Luther<\/a>,&rdquo; &ldquo;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ypvXPiBmRs4\">Charles Wesley<\/a>,&rdquo; and anonymous &ldquo;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Lh5QCv7aW2g\">Irish poets<\/a>.&rdquo; Liturgies are included from collections both ancient and contemporary; hymnody and liturgical formation are not just ancient practices; they continue into the present.<\/p>\n<figure>\n<p><span><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Be Thou My Vision\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Lh5QCv7aW2g?feature=oembed&amp;enablejsapi=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><\/span> <\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<h2>Virtue Formation<\/h2>\n<p><em>Cantate Domino<\/em> equips leaders to structure time with an eye on student formation. Schools need ways to help students recall that the purpose of their education is not just knowledge acquisition, but virtue formation.<\/p>\n<p>The &ldquo;character call-out&rdquo; recognizes the role short, pithy sayings have in forming the moral imagination. Children need abstract virtues made concrete. Note the specificity which these statements direct the speaker to consider:<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Attentiveness&hellip;<strong>Listening with ears, eyes, and heart.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Faith&hellip;<strong>Trusting God to do what he says.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Responsibility&hellip;<strong>Doing what I have been entrusted to do<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Liturgies written for the Christian classical school equip school leaders with elevated speech and substantive passages to make every moment in the school count for the formation of students.<\/p>\n<p>The classical renewal movement is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/four-jailed-over-islamist-killing-of-french-catholic-priest-during-mass\/\" title=\"Four Jailed Over Islamist Killing of French Catholic Priest During Mass\">making great strides<\/a> in recovering core knowledge in the humanities and sciences. It cannot abandon, either, what our forebears considered the &ldquo;queen of the sciences&rdquo;: theology. With Atwood&rsquo;s contribution, the rapidly expanding coalition of these beautiful schools has a single volume that brings together the prayers, hymns, and liturgies of the Christian tradition to redeem every moment for the glory of God.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<p>      Josh Herring is Professor of Classical Education at Thales College, where he oversees the development of the Classical Education teacher training program. He also serves as Director of Debate for the Thales Debate Network, and hosts The Optimistic Curmudgeon podcast. He tweets at @TheOptimisticC3.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The classical education movement has emerged as a means to recover and revitalize numerous forms of knowledge and pathways to human flourishing that modernity has overlooked. Classical Christian schools have the potential to rejuvenate the deep Christian tradition and enthusiasm for hymn singing. In this context, Preston Atwood&#8217;s newly released hymnal, *Cantate Domino: A Liturgical Songbook for Classical Christian Schools*, illustrates how hymnody can significantly enhance education. Throughout church history, two fundamental practices consistently arise: systematic theology instruction and creative engagement through hymn singing.<\/p>\n<p>For instance, consider the profound theological implications of understanding Christ&#8217;s dual nature as both fully divine and fully human, united in his sacrificial death. A systematic theology course might take months and thousands of pages to explore concepts like a &#8220;sacred head&#8221; burdened by thorns, scorn, and suffering while contrasting it with a &#8220;visage&#8221; that was &#8220;bright as morn.&#8221; Bernard of Clairvaux skillfully transformed these ideas into poetry and music with his hymn \u201cO Sacred Head, Now Wounded,\u201d which has imparted deep Christological insights to countless Christians since the 11th century.<\/p>\n<p>Through this hymn, Bernard elevates worshipers&#8217; understanding of core Christian theology: Christ\u2019s complete divinity and humanity united in suffering for humanity\u2019s redemption. This suggests that Christians may internalize more theological truths through congregational singing than through academic study alone.<\/p>\n<p>However, this indicates a troubling trend within 21st-century evangelical churches where hymn singing is declining (as noted in various sources). Many evangelical Protestant congregations now prefer praise bands and contemporary Christian music during services\u2014styles that may be more appealing to some visitors but come at a cost.<\/p>\n<p>In his preface, Atwood expresses aspirations beyond mere preservation; he aims to nurture students\u2019 affections, stimulate their moral imaginations, and refine their aesthetic sensibilities by providing them with enduring creeds, music, and prayers. His goal is effective \u201csoulcraft,\u201d guiding students\u2019 hearts toward objective truths about the Gospel while helping them establish strong roots in God\u2019s narrative amidst a culture skeptical of overarching narratives or absolute truths.<\/p>\n<p>*Cantate Domino* achieves its purpose well by emphasizing doctrinal unity within Christianity organized around significant dates on the Christian calendar. While designed primarily for schools, it is also suitable for churches or families worshiping at home.<\/p>\n<p>Atwood employs an organized format using bolded text for call-and-response sections throughout the hymnal. It includes scripture passages alongside confessions from notable figures like C.S. Lewis or G.K. Chesterton arranged clearly for audience participation\u2014such as assembly sayings like \u201cWhy are we in school today? To glorify and honor God\u201d or \u201cHow can we glorify God at school? By working hard and loving one another.\u201d These phrases help instill eternal truths into students&#8217; memories alongside other essential knowledge they learn in classical education settings.<\/p>\n<p>The prayers section features selections from saints throughout history categorized into morning prayers, midday reflections, or dismissal blessings\u2014showcasing early Christian traditions alongside Catholicism&#8217;s rich heritage over time.<\/p>\n<p>For example:<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCreator of all things&#8230;graciously let a ray of your light penetrate our understanding&#8230;\u201d <\/p>\n<p>This prayer from Thomas Aquinas emphasizes seeking divine guidance before study\u2014a practice rooted deeply within historical Christianity.<\/p>\n<p>*Cantate Domino* strikes an ecumenical chord by honoring shared traditions among Christians; it begins with Anglican priest Mark Hamilton discussing Gregorian chant&#8217;s significance\u2014highlighting how chanting fosters vocal unity among believers.<\/p>\n<p>The hymnal includes both classic pieces from figures such as Martin Luther or Charles Wesley alongside contemporary contributions from artists like Matt Papa or Keith Getty\u2014all demonstrating that liturgical practices remain relevant today just as they were historically significant.<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore,<\/p>\n<p>*Cantate Domino* equips educators with tools aimed at fostering student development\u2014not merely focusing on knowledge acquisition but also virtue formation through concise character statements encouraging children towards concrete expressions of abstract virtues such as attentiveness (\u201cListening with ears&#8230;\u201d) faith (\u201cTrusting God&#8230;\u201d), responsibility (\u201cDoing what I have been entrusted&#8230;\u201d).<\/p>\n<p>As part of broader efforts within classical renewal movements aiming towards recovering foundational humanities knowledge along sciences disciplines\u2014it must not neglect what past generations deemed paramount: theology itself! With Atwood\u2019s work contributing significantly here\u2014the growing network surrounding these beautiful educational institutions now possesses an invaluable resource uniting prayers,hymns,and liturgies reflecting upon centuries-old wisdom meant ultimately redeem every moment lived out glorifying God! <\/p>\n<p>Josh Herring serves as Professor specializing in Classical Education at Thales College overseeing teacher training programs while directing debate initiatives across Thales Debate Network hosting The Optimistic Curmudgeon podcast sharing insights via Twitter @TheOptimisticC3<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1005,"featured_media":2329726,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/thefederalist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/9326364114_44f18cc317_k-e1724265365940.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[546],"tags":[4592,34783,39038,3863,13040],"class_list":["post-2329725","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-federalist","tag-christian","tag-classical-education","tag-hymnody","tag-music","tag-worship"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/thefederalist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/9326364114_44f18cc317_k-e1724265365940.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2329725","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1005"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2329725"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2329725\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2329726"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2329725"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2329725"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2329725"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}