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{{Infobox_Contents | topic_name ==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.Hymn |subtopics ==Contents== {{topics}}* [[Hymns Index]]* [[Christmas carols]]| opinion_pieces = {{opinionsshort_opinions}}| {{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"
===History of hymns===
Early Christian hymns were inspired by the [[Psalms]]. Since there is a lack of musical notation in early writings, the actual musical forms in the early church can only be surmised. During the Middle Ages a rich hymnody developed in the form of Gregorian chant or plainsong. This type was sung in unison, most often by monastic choirs. While they were written originally in Latin, many have been translated. A familiar hymn of this type is the 11th century plainsong [[Divinum Mysterium]]. The Protestant [[Reformation]] produced a burst of hymn writing and congregational singing. [[Martin Luther]] is notable not only as a reformer, but as the author of many hymns including "Ein' feste Burg ist unser Gott" ([[A Mighty Fortress Is Our God]]) which is sung today, even in [[Roman Catholicism]]. Luther and his followers often used their hymns, or chorales, to teach tenets of the faith to worshipers. The earlier English writers tended to paraphrase biblical text, particularly Psalms. [[Isaac Watts]] followed this tradition, but also credited as having written the first English hymn which was not a direct paraphrase of Scripture. Later writers took even more freedom, some included allegory and metaphor in their texts. Multiple-part harmony also became the norm, rather than unison singing. [[Charles Wesley]]'s hymns spread [[Methodism|Methodist]] theology, not only within Methodism, but in most Protestant churches. He developed a new focus - expressing one's personal feelings in the relationship with [[God]]. Wesley's contribution, along with the [[Second Great Awakening]] in [[USA|America]] led to a new musical style called [[Gospel music|gospel]]. African-Americans developed a rich hymnody from spirituals during times of slavery to the modern, lively black gospel style. Christians today are using hymn words in the rock music style. This sometimes leads to some controversy between older and younger congregation members. Some modern churches include within hymnody, the traditional hymn as well as praise choruses in a more modern style of music. This distinction is not perfectly clear; and purists remove the second two types from the classification as hymns.
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==Video==
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title=Christian Lyrics
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[[Hymns Index]]
==Links==
* [http://www.hymnswithoutwords.com A collection of free MP3 popular hymns for use in public and private worship from Hymns without Words]
* [http://www.abidingradio.org Christian Hymn Internet Radio Station]