A Small Catechism: Understanding Church Music in the Lutheran Tradition

What are Lutheran churches to do about the increasing pervasive secular influence in our society on the church?

In this brief volume, Lutheran church musician Carl Schalk suggests that a part of the answer to that question can be found in going back to our roots, in remembering the power of worship and music to teach and to shape Christian lives.

Alone among the reformers, Martin Luther identified music as a gift of God, not a human invention. In so doing, he recognized and made effective use of the power of music to teach and persuade both mind and heart. Twenty-first-century neuroscience has confirmed this unique power of music—in both singing and playing. Nothing lights up the brain quite like music; nothing creates as many connections and paths within the brain. Luther also created a strong bond between the preacher and the church musician in their shared responsibilities.

In this small handbook on the Lutheran fundamentals of worship and church music, those dynamic understandings from the Lutheran heritage are celebrated, affirmed, and even reclaimed.