Sound Theology

“An illuminating study of a dramatic, intense, and instructive chapter in the history of Protestant church music, one shaped by strongly worded theological opinions and clashes among and between ecclesial and civic leaders. It is a gift to have new access in the English language to insights from the protagonists involved in these Dutch controversies, and to receive this invitation to pause and consider the remarkable power and influence of music in the Christian life.”


—John D. Witvliet, director, Calvin Institute of Christian Worship





“Randall Engle explores Reformed liturgical theology through a seemingly narrow lens—that of the pipe organ. Narrow, perhaps. Deep, without a doubt. By tracing the controversy of the use of the pipe organ in Calvinist lands, Engle demonstrates how abstract theological tenets fare when exposed to ecclesial and political realities—replete with sparks and explosions! When the dust settles, readers will walk away with a more visceral and grounded conception of early Reformed liturgical theology.”


—Martin Tel, director of music, Princeton Theological Seminary





“Based on thorough investigation of printed and archival resources, Sound Theology presents the reader with a new perspective on the European Reformation history. With his new book, Randall Engle shows us that music and musical instruments were at the heart of Protestant worship.”


—John Exalto, assistant professor of theory and history of education, University of Groningen