By Krista Tripodi
Students are finding a better understanding of the gospel by studying the sacred hymns.
Beginning last semester, the Department of Religious Education has offered a class for students interested in learning more about the hymns than just their words.
'Hymns of the Restoration: A Study of the Doctrines and History of the LDS Hymn Book,' is taught by Clyde J. Williams, a BYU associate professor of ancient scripture.
The class is designed to highlight the importance of the hymns and their doctrinal ties, Williams said.
'This class is to help students learn more about the hymns'' connection to the scriptures,' Williams said. 'There are more than just the two scriptures listed at the bottom of the page.'
Williams first proposed the course to the religion department three years ago.
In the last year, he has worked with several others to compile the packet used by the students, he said.
The class also uses 'Our Latter-Day Hymns: The Stories and the Messages,' by Karen Lynn Davidson, to supplement the Hymnbook, Williams said.
The course begins with a study of statements from general authorities about the hymns, the First Presidency''s message in the beginning of the hymnbook and scriptures about music, he said.
Throughout the course the hymns are studied individually or by topic, Williams said.
Students in the class said they can already see the benefits of studying the hymns.
'I just got called as the ward choir director and about half the songs we''re going to sing are because of this class,' said Bridgette Brinkerhoff, 19, a sophomore from Detroit, who has not declared her major.
'It''s a good class. It helps you to focus your worship more,' she said.
Previous knowledge about the hymns or musical ability is not required for the class, Williams said.
'I didn''t know anything about the hymns, but I''m still learning a lot,' said Jesse Walker, 25, a senior from Hemit, Calif., majoring in accounting.
'I think it''s an overlooked and underrated area of the gospel.'
The Department of Religious Education said it hopes this course will help people love the hymns and use them as the First Presidency advises to help set the tone in religious settings, Williams said.
Last winter semester the class had about 50 people in it. This semester the class only has 20 because some say they cannot find it in the registration guide, Williams said.
He is hoping to get at least 50 people for Winter 2002.
The course can be found in the Winter 2002 registration guide under REL A 392R, section 002. The course will be taught by Williams Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 1:50 p.m. in 202 JSB.