Debates in sacred music from the protestant reformation to the modern United States : Martin Luther, John Calvin, and modern reformed Baptist

Christianity has two kinds of public prayer: one involves only words, and the other uses music. These public prayers have been evolving since the earliest writings of the Bible and continue to the present day. Often times, music can be seen in the Bible as a powerful way to bring people together or teach lessons. However, in the history of Christianity, music has also served as a dividing force, separating churches and indirectly encouraging the development of new denominations. During the sixteenth-century Reformation, reformers such as Martin Luther and John Calvin were dissatisfied with the way that the Roman Catholic Church was operating. Musical disagreements and debated theological matters eventually led to Protestant Christianity as separate from the Roman Catholic Church. This thesis will evaluate these sixteenth-century reform debates, especially the viewpoints of Martin Luther and John Calvin. With the transition of these branches over to the Unites States, continual divisions have led to further development of denominations including the modern Baptists and Reformed Baptists. Through evaluating primary sources from these reformers, comparative analysis of their theological beliefs, and analysis of the musical structures of their compositions, this thesis seeks to understand the continued divisions within the Protestant church. An ongoing reform continues among Protestant and Reformed churches, and this project will show that these debates are likely to continue as modern Protestant believers evolve and seek relevant ways to worship through music