When Creativity Meets Theology: I-To Loh and the Invention of the Yellow Spiritual

Abstract

This essay explores how the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan (PCT) and its church musicking intersect with theology and culture. The focus is on Rev. Dr. I-To Loh's Yellow Spirituals–a term coined by Loh–refers to a genre of church music that blends Taiwanese folk elements with Christian hymnody. These infuse Taiwanese cultural narratives with Christian spirituality, showcasing a unique genre of church music. An analysis of one such contextual hymn, “Watch the Bush of Thorns,” reveals how Loh effectively marries elements of Taiwanese culture with Christian spirituality to construct the unique contribution of Yellow Spirituals to church music and the broader cultural identity of the Taiwanese people. This analysis features Loh's innovative adaptations in spiritual composition, thereby illuminating his significant role in embodying the collective ethos and faith of the Taiwanese PCT community. This inquiry parallels broader discussions of how music enhances cultural and spiritual life. It accentuates the dynamism found in music when uniting the themes of faith, creativity, and identity through performance.