The Poetic Wonder of Isaac Watts

Page 1

of simplistic and repetitive worship

(continued from front flap)

I n a n age

By taking Watts’ words as their own,

songs, the church must not forget Isaac Watts,

Bond writes, Christians can share in his

“the Father of English Hymnody.” In this profile

world to come, and learn how to better

of the great hymn writer, Douglas Bond writes

praise God.

that Watts’ life and words can enrich the lives

Douglas Bon d

is the head of the

and worship of Christians today.

English Department at Covenant High School in Tacoma, Wash. He holds degrees in education and history from St. Martin’s University, and a preliminary certificate

in

theology

from

Moore

“All people will find a wealth of enrichment and encouragement by learning more of the poetic wonder of Isaac Watts.”

— Douglas Bond

Theological College in Australia. He has written numerous works of fiction, many of them for young people, including the Crown & Covenant trilogy (focusing on a Covenanter family in

The Long Line of Godly Men Profiles, conceived by Series Editor Steven J. Lawson, are designed to introduce giants of

Scotland) and the Faith and Freedom

the Christian faith and to show how they used their particular

trilogy (following the same family to

spiritual gifts, personality traits, or ministry abilities in serving

Revolutionary America). His fictional also

include

a

novel

about

John Calvin, The Betrayal. Among his nonfiction titles are The Mighty Weakness of John Knox, Stand Fast in the Way of Truth, and Hold Fast in a Broken World.

to history as “the Father of English Hymnody.” In his lifetime, he wrote some 750 hymns, including “Joy to the World” and “When I Survey the Wondrous

T h e P o e t i c Wo n d e r o f

however,

songs, neglecting many great hymns. In The Poetic Wonder of Isaac Watts, beauty, and joy of Watts’ lyrics, with their rich biblical and theological content, can help the church regain a sense of wonder at the majesty of God, leading to a reform of worship.

D o u gl a s

B ond

Bond demonstrates how Watts used his poetic gifts in multiple ways for the good of the church in his day.

A Long Line of Godly Men Profile RELIGION / Christian Rituals & Practice / Worship & Liturgy

Today,

as evangelical churches embrace new

Bond and his wife, Cheryl, have four sons and two daughters. They live in Tacoma.

Cross.”

Watts’ work is increasingly forgotten

Is a ac Wat t s

God. The goal of the series is to set forth followers of Christ who are themselves worthy to be followed.

I s a ac Wa t t s ( 1674 –174 8 ) i s k n ow n

Douglas Bond argues that the grandeur,

BON D

works

The Poetic Wonder of Isaac Watts

wonder at Christ and the glories of the

(continued on back flap)


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