Lyrical Theology.

HYMNS; THEOLOGY; SPIRITUALITY; CHRISTIANITY; FAITH

Lyrical theology is a term first used by S T Kimbrough. Jr. in 1984 to describe theology that is couched in poetry, hymns/songs, and liturgy. It is characterized by rhythm and is expressive of emotion and sentiment. It often includes a digestion of theological concepts and ideas in brief, sometimes telescopic, terse lyrics. Most discussions of theology in hymns address the functionality, content, context, style, and liturgical appropriateness of hymns. The effectiveness and ineffectiveness of "traditional" hymns and "contemporary" praise and worship songs are also being explored quite carefully, as well as the effect of all these realities on the theological memory of the church. Few discussions, however, treat the questions addressed in this article: What is the spirituality behind the hymns/songs that gave them birth? Out of what spiritual ethos did they emerge? A response to these questions is essential if one is to grasp the theological import and impact of Christian hymns/songs in the community of faith today and in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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