Directory of Theology Resources

Home > Arts > Music > Composition > Composers > B > Bach, Johann Sebastian > Theology

Known for his music, Bach spent much of his life studying theology and the Bible, setting Lutheran doctrine and Biblical teaching to music.

Resources in This Category

• An Evangelical Musical Genius: "J. S. B.: S. D. G."

  http://www.faithalone.org/journal/1996i/Farstad.html
  Evaluation of Bach's overt Christianity, Lutheran heritage, and commitment to Reformation doctrine.

• Bach and Dürer: Passion Music and Imagery

  http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/cas/ashp/oconnor/freedom/pcpage.html
  Series of woodcuts matched with selections from the St. Matthew Passion. Includes scenes from late in the life of Christ, his suffering, death, burial.

• Bach: The Fifth Evangelist

  http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2000/julyweb-only/52.0c.html
  Emphasizes the religious education and theological understanding of the composer as a means of understanding and appreciating his compositions.

• Canons: Why Did Bach Write Them?

  http://jan.ucc.nau.edu/~tas3/whycanon.html
  Essay concludes that canonic processes may have held profound theological significance for the composer.

• Fugue No. 4: C-Sharp Minor

  http://jan.ucc.nau.edu/~tas3/wtc/i04.html
  Theological connotations of the piece from the Well-Tempered Clavier Book I with an analysis and performance in Shockwave format. From Sojourn by Timothy A. Smith.

• J. S. Bach: Orthodox Lutheran Theologian

  http://www.xrysostom.com/bach.html
  A brief study his theology, examining whether he was an Orthodox Lutheran, a Pietist, or a Rationalist. Includes endnotes, annotated bibliography, and a brief time line.

• J.S. Bach in Japan

  http://www.firstthings.com/article/2000/06/j-s-bach-in-japan
  Uwe Siemon-Netto makes claims that the composer's religious music is evangelizing Japan and preparing hearers for Christianity.

• Meaningfulness in Bach's Cyclical Works

  http://jan.ucc.nau.edu/~tas3/intentional.html
  This article examines pattern and meaning in the canons and other parts of the composers' works, both sacred and secular. Includes VCD sound.

• Table Talk: What Language Shall I Borrow To Thank You, Dearest Friend?

  http://www.lmsusa.org/tt-08-00.htm
  Lutheran Ministerium and Synod of the United States newsletter includes article on the religious works of Bach.

• When Did Bach Find Time to Pray?

  http://www.adoremus.org/11-00-mattingly.html
  Brief examination of the gematria, or number patterns in his compositions, suggesting that their careful placement was part of his prayer and meditation.

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