40 Favorite Hymns of the Christian Faith: A Closer Look at Their Spiritual and Poetic Meaning

“Though we are beyond the heated worship wars of the previous century, we are often still confused about many aspects of current church songs. Young people, though not hostile to traditional hymnody, are simply ignorant of their very existence. Without engaging in polemics concerning CCM, Scripture songs, and the like, Leland Ryken has done us an enormous service in bringing to the fore a number of the great, often neglected, hymns from Christian tradition. He brings to this study not only musical wisdom, but his considerable gifts in literature and poetry. May we dare hope this lovely anthology will contribute to the revival of a love for the immortal hymns from our heritage? Let the fair-minded reader decide.”

“The perennial clog to devotion is mindlessly going through the motions. Leland Ryken helps people to think about the meaning of classic hymns by looking at them as what they were before they were sung as hymns--namely, carefully crafted poetry. Yet Ryken accomplishes more than enhancing artistic appreciation; he teaches us to worship God with understanding.”

“Professor Ryken combines his Christian faith with his knowledge of poetry in this rich anthology. He reminds us of the legacy of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Reading and singing these poems of faith is like attending a family reunion where we share the memories of those who have already gone on before. His commentary connects us with these saints and prepares us for the next stage of our lives where we will offer . . . honor and blessing, with angels above, / and thanks never ceasing, and infinite love. (Charles Wesley)”