What is the "Te Deum"?
Q: What is the "Te Deum"?
A: The "Te Deum" is a Christian hymn, named after the first few words of its original Latin text, "Te Deum laudamus" (We praise thee, O Lord).
Q: When was it written?
A: It was probably written around the 4th or 5th century.
Q: Who wrote it?
A: Most say that either Augustine of Hippo or Ambrose wrote it. Some say it was by Nicetas, bishop of Remesiana. Others have said that the hymn was taken from two (or more) earlier hymns.
Q: What are the petitions at the end of the hymn?
A: The petitions at the end of the hymn (beginning "Salvum fac populum tuum") are from verses from the book of Psalms, added to the original hymn later on.
Q: How does Te Deum relate to theology?
A: Te Deum is close in theology to the Apostles' Creed. It has both a poetic view of heavenly liturgy with a declaration of faith.
Q: What does Te Deum sing about? A: Te Deum sings about praising God and naming all people who respect Him, from heavenly creatures to Christians already in heaven to those in churches around world. It also sings about Christ's birth, suffering and glorification and asks for mercy on past sins and protection against future sin as well as hope for reuniting with Christians in Heaven.
