The Origin of Hymns by Robert J. Morgan

The Origin of Hymns

It Is Well With My Soul

Robert J. Morgan

Thomas Nelson · Print & ebook · February 17, 2026

A written and visual complement to the critically acclaimed movie, I Can Only Imagine 2.

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Who it’s for
Robert J. Morgan traces hymn histories, the lives behind them, and their redemptive thread.
Themes
faith, redemption, history
Pacing
Reflective

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About this book

A written and visual complement to the critically acclaimed movie, I Can Only Imagine 2. In The Origin of Hymns, Pastor Robert Morgan explores the history, evolution, and redemptive thread of 50 beloved hymns of the faithful. Ever wonder how a simple hymn can carry the weight of centuries, heal broken hearts, and inspire unshakable faith?

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The Origin of Hymns isn’t just a book—it’s a time machine for your soul, taking you on a journey through the stories behind the songs that have shaped generations. Let’s uncover the faith, heartbreak, and triumph that birthed the hymns we know and love. A written and visual complement to the critically acclaimed movie, I Can Only Imagine 2. In The Origin of Hymns, Pastor Robert Morgan takes you behind the music, revealing the deeply human stories of faith, loss, and triumph that inspired beloved hymns. Morgan explores the history, evolution, and redemptive thread of 50 beloved hymns of the faithful, including the tragic yet uplifting story of how faith inspired Horatio Spafford to write the beloved hymn, “It Is Well with My Soul.” Selectively curated from Morgan’s bestselling Then Sings My Soul series, these devotional-style stories show the emotion and drama behind the hymns of faith that have changed many lives throughout history—from the people whose faith led them to write these wonderful hymns to the people whose faith was affected by reading, hearing, and singing them. Readers will find inspiration and help to: - Deepen Your Faith: Gain a richer understanding of God’s redemptive work through the lives of hymn writers. - Strengthen Worship: Use the full lyrics and music provided to enhance personal or congregational worship. - Find Hope in Hardship: Be inspired by stories of how faith transformed tragedy into triumph. An instant classic, The Origin of Hymns is perfect for anyone looking to explore the history of hymns and discover how God can use us to impact the world. Don’t just sing the hymns—live them. Dive into the stories that have carried believers through the darkest valleys and highest peaks.

Stories Behind Hymns

Robert J. Morgan traces hymn histories, the lives behind them, and their redemptive thread.

Come here for

  • Stories behind hymns, including Horatio Spafford’s “It Is Well with My Soul.”
  • The history and evolution of 50 hymns.

Expect

  • Devotional-style stories of hymn writers and faith.
  • Full lyrics and music for personal or congregational worship.

Where it sits

Hymns82%
Devotional Readings42%
Worship & Liturgy28%

Percentages are BookFrontier’s reading of the book.

Publisher categories

  • Hymns
  • Musicals, Film & TV Scores
  • Film & Cinema
  • Devotional Readings
Authors
Robert J. Morgan
Publisher
Thomas Nelson
Published
February 17, 2026
Format
Print & ebook
Theme
faith · redemption · history
Reading lane
Hymns