The church's music from the 20th century.

The 17th century.

The 11th century.

The 11th century

The 8th century

The 8th century The fourth century

The fourth century.

The best of the church's music from the past 2,000 years, Lutheran Public Radio.org

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Come you faithful raise the strength of triumphant gladness.

God has brought in Israel into joy from sadness.

Lose from Harrow's bitter young, take of sons and daughters,

and then with unboistened foot through the mercy waters.

The first stanza of the Easter hymn, Come, you faithful, raise the strain. It was written by a man named

John of Damascus. He was a hymn writer. He contributed greatly to the Eastern Church's liturgy. He was also a theologian

a little ahead of his time. He compiled the thoughts of other theologians into one massive

volume that still has great theological influence today. Welcome back to Issues, Et cetera. I'm Todd Wilkin, joining us to talk about

7th and 8th century theologian and hymn writer John of Damascus. Dr. James Busher. He's the Carl

and Erna Wynerick Professor of New Testament and Early Church Studies at Concordia Theological

Seminary of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Dr. Bush, welcome back.

It's good to be here, Todd.

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