Send us a textEver wondered why you can't remember last week's sermon, but "Amazing Grace" has been stuck in your head for decades? In this episode of The Theology Pod, hosts Alex and Michael dive into the hidden theological power of hymns – those songs that have shaped what billions of Christians actually believe about God, often more profoundly than any sermon or creed.From the ancient theological battles encoded in your favourite Christmas carols ("begotten, not created" isn't just poetic flourish – it's a fourth-century controversy set to music) to the modern worship wars over changing "the wrath of God was satisfied," this conversation reveals how every hymn is a theological statement, forming us at a level deeper than conscious thought.Discover why Charles Wesley might be Methodism's greatest theologian (6,000 hymns!), how African American spirituals created liberation theology before it had a name, and why that controversial line about "perfect submission" reveals more about power and gender than about God. Alex and Michael explore everything from Gregorian chant to contemporary worship, from military metaphors to inclusive language, asking the crucial question: what theology are we actually absorbing when we open our mouths to sing?Whether you're a church musician, a curious sceptic, or someone who just loves a good hymn, this episode will forever change how you hear the songs of faith. Warning: You may never sing "Onward, Christian Soldiers" the same way again.The Theology Pod brings together two scholar-practitioners for honest, accessible conversations about the questions that matter. No prerequisites required – just curiosity about how theology shapes real life.Support the showThanks for joining us on The Theology Pod. We hope today's conversation has given you something meaningful to wrestle with as you continue your own spiritual journey. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform—it really helps other seekers find our conversations. You can find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. For show notes, reading recommendations, and to join our ongoing discussion, visit us at TheologyPod.com. You can also follow us on social media @TheologyPod on Facebook for reflections and updates on upcoming episodes. We love hearing from our listeners. Feel free to send us your questions, topic suggestions, or just let us know how these conversations are impacting your faith journey via our social media platforms. Remember, theology isn't just an academic study—it's the lived experience of wrestling with the divine in our everyday lives. Keep asking the hard questions, keep seeking, and keep engaging with the mystery. Until next time, may you find grace in the questions and peace in the seeking.

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