Teaching the Truth and Defending the Faith: Theological Themes in the Hymns of St. Ambrose

Abstract

The hymns of Ambrose served numerous purposes. They served to bring the congregation together. They touched the emotions, as Augustine noted. They offered great comfort. They employed God's creation of language. But Ambrose had an even larger purpose in mind. His hymns proclaimed Christian doctrine in a memorable way which touched the emotions, brought consolation to hurting and fearful hearts, and put on the lips of God's people the teachings of the orthodox Christian faith.