Difference between revisions of "Gospel Music"

Latest revision as of 19:54, 24 December 2024

The singing of sacred hymns is an integral part of worshipping for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 2024, the Church began to release in batches new hymns that were selected from thousands of contributions from Latter-day Saints worldwide. “We cannot overstate the power of sacred music to unify the Saints worldwide,” said Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “Singing from the same body of hymns and songs, all children of God — regardless of ethnicity, country, culture or language — will unite their voices in praise of our common Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.”[1]

Value of Gospel Music

Latter-day Saints love good music. They especially love good religious or sacred music. One leader pointed out a reason why when he said that “sometimes . . . we get nearer to the Lord through music than perhaps through any other thing except prayer” (J. Reuben Clark, Jr., Conference Report, Oct. 1936, p. 111). Another leader agreed. He said that “there is something in the spirit of song . . . an influence . . . and inspirational power . . . that fires the soul in a way that it can't otherwise be touched or fired (Charles W. Nibley, Conference Report, Oct. 1917, p. 75). Past Church president and prophet Spencer W. Kimball was more specific about how music has such great effect. He said that “some of the greatest sermons that have ever been preached were preached by the singing of a song.”[2] Others have pointed out that hymns and other religious music can lift and elevate our thoughts and actions and help establish a feeling of worship and love toward God and others.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught: "The singing of hymns is one of the best ways to learn the doctrine of the restored gospel. Elder Stephen D. Nadauld captured this unique strength in some lines he wrote and shared in a General Authority meeting:

If I would teach with power

The doctrine and the plan,

I’d wish for gentle music

To prepare the soul of man.

And then to press forever

These truths upon his mind,

We’d sing the hymns of Zion,

With their messages sublime.[3]

Since Old Testament days music has played a part in worship. The Psalms of David and other books encourage worshipers to praise God and express their gratitude to him in song. Latter-day Saints believe that God delights in “the song of the heart” and that singing it will bring them blessings (Doctrine and Covenants 25:12).

The apostle Bruce R. McConkie wrote in Mormon Doctrine that “Good music is eternal.” He pointed to the angelic choirs that sing hymns of praise throughout scriptures. Job mentions “the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” Notable, of course, was the angelic choir that sang at Jesus' birth in Bethlehem. McConkie also said that “Music is given of God to further his purposes” (MD, p. 521) and says that music helps soften people's hearts to receive the gospel and to sanctify and cleanse their souls after they receive it.

The world renowned Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square[4] represents the extensive reach of gospel music. This 360-member choir, started in 1847, tours the world, singing for heads of state, religious congregations, and the general public, giving their testimony in song. They've performed at the inauguration of U.S. Presidents,[5] and President Ronald Reagan named the choir “America's Choir.” Of their numerous recordings, five have achieved "gold record" and two, "platinum record" status. The Battle Hymn of the Republic with the Philadelphia Orchestra won a Grammy in 1959 and the Choir was awarded the National Medal of Arts (for artistic excellence) in 2003. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ are proud of their choir, and those who have great voices jump at the opportunity just to audition for it. To sing in the choir is a formal calling in the Church, and Latter-day Saints who are privileged to serve this way spend many hours each week practicing and performing.

Prominent Latter-day Saint singers such as Gladys Knight also record gospel music, praising God and expressing their testimony in song. Over the years, the Osmond Family, including Donny and Marie, have sung religious songs in their performances, too. Numerous other members of the Church of Jesus Christ are well-known among the Latter-day Saint community but may be less well known among non-members.

Latter-day Saint Gospel Music

The Prophet Joseph Smith asked his wife Emma to gather hymns together to form the first hymn book which has been periodically updated, often adding children's hymns that contain particularly touching lyrics. The book also contains holiday hymns, patriotic songs, and songs such as Onward Christian Soldiers and How Great Thou Art which can be heard in many other churches across the country.

The most recent updated version, Hymns—for Home and Church, is extensive and will be completely released in 2026.

Latter-day Saint Sunday meetings begin and end with the congregation, accompanied by organ or piano, singing from the Latter-day Saint hymn book. Occasionally large meetings may include “rest hymns,” chosen from the growing number of hymns (expected to reach up to 500). These allow the congregation to stand as directed before proceeding with the meeting. Except for special performances by members (which may be classical music, with voice and instrument), almost all music in Church meetings are from the standard selections in the hymn book.

During non-Sabbath meetings, such as Family Home Evening, youth gatherings, and other special activities, Latter-day Saints sing and play other kinds of music, but they always prefer uplifting and wholesome lyrics, even in secular songs.

General Conference Messages about Music

• Jeffrey R. Holland, "Songs Sung and Unsung," April 2017 General Conference
• Dallin H. Oaks, "Worship through Music," October 1994 General Conference
• Wilford W. Andersen, "The Music of the Gospel," April 2015 General Conference
• Patrick Kearon, "Welcome to the Church of Joy," October 2024 General Conference