ABSTRACT
This chapter explores that for the Moravians, sensual experience of Christ's suffering was a necessary component of theological learning. The most powerful transmissions of Moravian theology occurred when worshippers channelled Christ's body into their through improvised hymn singing. Improvising hymns was a religious practice, and demonstrated a commitment of body, mind and soul to the community. The idea of 'heart religion', or comprehending theology through the senses, was not unique to the Moravians. Moravians crafted graphic Crucifixion narratives and paintings to elicit such sensual encounters. They touching Christ's body on the cross, and bathing in the blood that flows from his wounds. Moravians hymn texts were also designed to transform, to teach morality and theology, a technique not uncommon in early eighteenth-century religious poetry. The Moravian way of singing was a reflection of their determination to live the tenets of their 'heart religion'.
