How Like a Gentle Spirit

C. Eric Lincoln (Charles Eric Lincoln, 1924–2000) was an American scholar, minister, and occasional hymn writer, best known for his influential work in the study of religion and African American Christianity. Born in 1924, Lincoln rose from humble beginnings to become a prominent academic voice, deeply engaged in examining the role of the church in social and cultural life. He pursued higher education with distinction and went on to serve as a professor of religion and sociology, most notably at Duke University, where he contributed significantly to the academic understanding of the Black church in America.

In addition to his scholarly work, Lincoln was also involved in ministry and religious writing, which extended into hymn composition. Though not primarily known as a hymn writer, he authored a small number of hymn texts that reflect his theological depth and concern for the life and mission of the church. His hymns, such as “How Like a Gentle Spirit Deep Within,” “Lord, Let Me Love; Let Loving Be the Symbol,” and “The Church of God Must Now Prevail,” emphasize themes of Christian love, spiritual transformation, and the active witness of the church in the world.

Lincoln’s legacy is especially significant in the field of religious scholarship, where his writings helped illuminate the spiritual, social, and prophetic dimensions of the church, particularly within the African American experience. His hymn texts, though few, echo these same concerns, expressing a vision of Christianity that is both deeply rooted in faith and actively engaged with the moral and communal responsibilities of believers.