The Lutheran Worship Podcast

Searching for the "Good Song" (Tönsing)

In this episode, Kip and Steve explore different approaches used to select songs for worship through the work of Gertrud Tönsing. They consider common approaches to song selection—including emotional, evangelistic, aesthetic, theological, and personal meaning—and then turn toward a more integrated approach. Together, they reflect on how text, tune, theology, emotion, and congregational formation belong together as the church considers not only what makes a song effective, but what makes it faithful and durable.

Luther's Theology of Music: Part 5 (Luther)

In this episode, Kip and Steve continue drawing from Kip’s Master’s thesis to explore the theological and practical implications of music in Lutheran worship. They consider tradition and innovation, emotion and expression, instrumentation and musical diversity, showing how Luther’s theology of music makes room for creativity in the church’s song.

Luther's Theology of Music: Part 4 (Luther)

In this episode, Kip and Steve continue their exploration of Luther’s theology of music through themes drawn from Kip’s Master’s thesis. The conversation examines Luther’s understanding of music as both gift and proclamation, reflecting on his musical background, his love for music, and the role of song in the life of the church. Together, they also explore themes of textual freedom, sacred and secular borrowing, and the diversity of musical expression within Luther’s theological framework.

Luther's Theology of Music: Part 3 (Luther)

In this episode, Kip and Steve explore Luther’s theology of beauty, drawing from themes in Kip’s Master’s thesis. The conversation considers the hiddenness of God and the paradox at the heart of Christian beauty, connecting Luther’s doctrine of justification to a richer understanding of creation as gift. Together, they reflect on how the Gospel shapes the way the church perceives beauty—with wonder, humility, and theological clarity.

Luther's Theology of Music: Part 2 (Calvin)

In this episode, Kip and Steve draw from Kip’s Master’s thesis to explore the contrasting views of John Calvin and Martin Luther on music in worship. Focusing on Calvin’s approach, they examine his caution around music—emphasizing a unified sacred style, restrained affect, the absence of instrumentation, and strict attention to text. Together, they set the stage for how these convictions differ from Luther’s perspective and what these distinctions reveal about theology, practice, and the role of music in the church.