Isaac Watts’s Hymnody as a Guide for the Passions

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Abstract

Isaac Watts (1674-1748) argued that the passions, understood synonymously with the affections, were an essential component of the Christian experience. Watts designed a system of hymnody which allowed the worshipper to excite, cultivate, and express their passions. This paper traces the history of the passions and affections in those who were to influence Watts’ thought, before considering the ways Watts’ hymns allowed the passions to be experienced and articulated.


open access | peer reviewed

Presentato: 30 Ottobre 2018 | Accettato: 26 Novembre 2018 | Pubblicato 17 Dicembre 2018 | Lingua: en

Keywords HymnsCalvinismIsaac WattsWorshipAffectionsPassionsDissentSinging