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The Reformation Sings

May 25, 2017 - 1 minute read


When Luther published an evangelical revision of the Latin Mass (The Order of Mass and Communion, 1523), he called for poets to write new hymns. A prolific period of Christian hymnody began almost immediately. Some hymns were German translations of earlier texts. Some were adaptations of religious folk songs, and some were newly written. (One of the most enduring myths of the Reformation is that Luther turned drinking songs into hymns. Despite the popularity of this idea, there is no evidence to support it.)

Luther himself wrote 38 hymns, many of which are still in use today. His most famous hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is our God,” is a paraphrase of Psalm 46. He wrote both the words and the music.

Luther’s first known hymn is less familiar. On July 1, 1523, two Augustinian friars in the Netherlands were burned at the stake when they would not recant the evangelical teachings that they learned from Luther. Deeply moved by their faithful confession, Luther wrote a ballad so that their story would be remembered. It begins with a common line for opening a ballad and continues with their story.

A new song here shall be begun—The Lord God help our singing!

Of what our God himself hath done, Praise, honor to him bringing,

At Brussels in the Netherlands By two boys, martyrs youthful

He showed the wonders of his hands, Whom he with favor truthful

So richly hath adorned. (LW 53:214–216)

In twelve stanzas, he goes on to tell the story of their martyrdom.

Luther penned many more hymns. He wrote songs that paraphrased the major parts of the liturgy. Each chief part of the catechism had a corresponding hymn that helped people learn and remember the Ten Commandments, the Apostles Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and other teachings. And, of course, he wrote hymns that summarize biblical texts.

Like many others before and after him, Luther used music to worship God and to communicate Christian teaching effectively.

Still today, many carry out this same work of creating music for the Church. You will find three new hymns and other music in the musical resources.

The Reformation sings as the Church is always reforming.

Always Reforming

Reflections on the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation

by Steven P. Mueller

The brief essays in this volume explore various aspects of Reformation theology and its implications. They were written by faculty of Concordia University Irvine in commemoration of the Reformation's 500th anniversary.

Available on Amazon
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