The Department of Philosophy and Religion invite UTC Faculty, Staff,
Students, and the general public to the following lecture on Monday, March
3, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. in Holt 205.

 " 'Wonderful Words of Life':  Gospel Hymns and Evangelical Identity"

Much can be learned about the broad sweep of American religious life from
studying the writing, publishing, and singing of Christian hymns. Throughout
American history<for men, women, and children, across ethnic groups, and
among practitioners of high, low, and middle-brow culture, especially for
Americans associated with Protestant churches and at the critical moments of
life<hymns have created and sustained community, expressed aspirations,
invigorated religious convictions, promoted religious fellowship across
boundaries, allowed otherwise inarticulate people to voice their most ardent
longings, summarized with power complex doctrines, comforted the grieving,
and nerved people for social service.
Nineteenth-century evangelical gospel songs offer a lens on the values
common among evangelicals across denominations.