As mentioned previously, one of the books I'm slogging through is Diarmaid MacCulloch's The Reformation: A History.

I came across the following in the first chapter of the book. MacCulloch is running through the 11th-15th centuries noting the development of the church, specifically mentioning things that may have an effect on later development (read: the Reformation). He writes:

The Lollards [Wyclif's followers] can hardly be blamed for not enjoying Luther's access to printing, for that revolution in information technology was yet to arrive in Europe in their days of open activity, but they did fail (unlike Luther and the Protestants) to gain a significant foothold among the Church's leading popular communicators, the friars — and it seems they also missed the secret weapon of the sixteenth-century Reformation, popular music and hymn writing. (p. 35, italics mine)

I'd never quite looked at it that way before, particularly the bit about hymns and popular music, but it certainly makes sense. During the reformation times (Luther posted his 95 Theses on Oct. 31, 1517) virtually all forms of media were absorbed in the topic. Popular speakers (Luther, Calvin, Zwingli and others) preached directly to people about Reformation principles. Their writings and the writings of their followers were swiftly printed and found a ready audience. And the word was spread musically as well. I'll surely remember this the next time I sing Luther's A Mighty Fortress is Our God. The message of the reformers was being communicated by almost every available means.

One could make similar generalizations about the Great Awakening. Edwards, Whitefield and the Wesleys preached constantly to immense audiences. Their written works were devoured. And we all know of Charles Wesley's prolific hymn writing.

We're going to have to do the same thing to make it happen again. If there is to be anything of similar scope happen in the future, it will have to be across the most popular media of the day. For us, this means TV (network and cable, not just whatever is on PAX); that means radio (air and satellite); that means iPods and other “personal music devices”; that means web sites, blogs, and newsgroups. And not just talk (or preaching), but musically too.

It's a tall order. Especially in the area of music. So much of what I hear when I happen to brave Christian radio is ... er ... unchallenging. We don't need more praise songs that make the singer feel good about what he's singing (some of these songs are fine, but admit it — many are terrible); we need songs that clearly reflect the teaching of Scripture and challenge one to a deeper walk with God and deeper study of His Word (which is the primary method, along with prayer and fellowship, that we have of getting to know Him). We need songs that praise God, not songs that make us feel good first and offer some sort of non-specific praise second. We don't need to sing “Lord we praise you” or “Lord we lift your name” ad infinitum; we need to sing why we're praising Him and “lifting” His name (whatever “lifting” means in that context). We need Scripture-steeped poets writing lyrics that will become the hymns and praise songs of tomorrow.

I could go on, but I've started to ramble and need to think about this stuff a bit more. But this task begins with each of us, individually and personally. We need to focus on the Word of God and steep ourselves in His wisdom. We need to study His Word, personally and corporately (“corporately” meaning both small-group Bible study and the typical larger-group preaching/teaching). We need to be able to give compelling accounts of why we are Christians when folks ask us (1Pe 3.13-17). We need to use our gifts (Ro 12; 1Co 12) to glorify Him. And we need to do much better at prayer. Ok, at least I need to be much better in my own life in these areas; y'all can evaluate your own lives in these areas and come to your own conclusions.

Yeah, I'm still rambling. I'll stop now, but the original thought — about how the Reformation had the advantage of the printing press and the “secret weapon” of hymns and popular music is still a provocative thought. Mull it over some over the next few days; let me know if you come to any further insight or conclusion.