Author and pastor Robert J. Morgan is passionate about contemporary Christian music. However, he feels a strong responsibility to ensure that believers continue to embrace and celebrate the timeless hymns of the past. He believes that abandoning this musical heritage leads to a significant loss for the church.
Morgan’s most recent book, Origin of Hymns (Thomas Nelson), shares the inspiring stories behind 50 cherished hymns that Christians have sung for many years, and in many cases, for centuries. It’s a noteworthy release in an era where music seems easily disposable.
This book also ties into the forthcoming film I Can Only Imagine 2, which explores the inspiration behind the band MercyMe’s hit song Parable. The film touches on themes from Horatio Spafford’s classic hymn It Is Well With My Soul (1873), among others.
Although the book was finalized post-filming, it makes a brief appearance. The film’s production team realized they wanted to offer viewers deeper insight into the hymns mentioned, so they enlisted Morgan, who is well-versed in hymn history.
“I appreciate new music, but my heart is with the hymns,” Morgan expressed. “I believe the church can sing both new and old songs. It’s part of tradition.”
His book contains the lyrics and background stories of 50 hymns, featuring works by Fanny Crosby, like Blessed Assurance (1873), Charles Wesley’s O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing (1739), and Isaac Watts’ Our God, Our Help in Ages Past (1719). According to Morgan, these songs are “theologically rich” and have provided blessings to millions over the years.
He refers to hymns as “tested theology,” describing them as compact Bible studies that are singable. “Many contemporary songs tend to repeat a single truth multiple times, while true classic hymns weave together deeper theological messages,” he noted.
One example is the hymn Holy, Holy, Holy from 1823, which he described as a robust “progression” of theological truths. “Hymns are a structured way to uplift our souls and glorify God,” he added.
Morgan pointed out that when churches stop singing hymns, they may lose their historical connection. “What we primarily lose is longevity. A modern worship song may not resonate long-term; it’s often forgotten quickly,” he remarked. “These songs can feel disposable and fail to embed in our hearts as hymns do over a lifetime.”
He likened this to how, like the Biblical Israelites, worshippers can carry hymns throughout their lives, from childhood to old age. “This is especially vital in later years when facing illness or mental challenges. The lyrics of hymns remain with us, sometimes longer than other types of music,” he explained, emphasizing that neglecting hymns also means missing out on rich theological insights.
Morgan believes that an understanding of hymns grants Christians a glimpse into the church’s history and the beliefs of earlier generations. “Recognizing the history of hymns is akin to understanding the history of Christianity itself. When we sing these hymns, we add our voices to the eternal chorus praising the Lord,” he said.
