British Methodist Hymnody ― Theology, Heritage, and Experience

Hymnody is widely recognised as a central tenet of Methodism’s theological, doctrinal, spiritual and liturgical identity. Theologically and doctrinally, the content of the hymns have traditionally been a primary vehicle for expressing Methodism’s emphasis on salvation for all, social holiness and personal commitment, while particular hymns and the communal act of participating in hymn singing has been a key element in the spiritual lives of Methodists. An important contribution to the history of Methodism, British Methodist Hymnody argues that the significance of hymn-making in British Methodism is best understood as a combination of its official status, spiritual expression, popular appeal and practical application. Seeking to consider what, when, how and why Methodists sing, British Methodist Hymnody examines the history, perception and practice of hymnody from Methodism’s small-scale eighteenth-century origins to its place as a worldwide denomination today.

Martin Clarke is a Lecturer in Music at The Open University. He has research interests in the relationships between music and theology, hymnody, Methodist history and British music of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. He has published his research in several book chapters and journal papers and speaks regularly at academic conferences in music, theology and religion and interdisciplinary studies. He was an invited participant at the Yale ISM Consultation on Music and Theology in 2013 and has twice been the recipient of Visiting Fellowships at Bridwell Library, Southern Methodist University. At The Open University, he is Director of Teaching in Music and has contributed research-led teaching materials to undergraduate and postgraduate modules.