Round the Sphere Again: Hymns

Disappearing Treasure
David Kjos writes that the “most valuable memory of his religious upbringing” might be the hymns from the Concordia Hymnal. (The Thirsty Theologian) He plans to post hymns from it on Saturdays. I’m looking forward to reading them.

Done in a Classic Way
C. Michael Patton argues that something is missing when our churches don’t ever sing the old hymns in the classic (or epic, to use his term) way.

…[M]ore and more the great hymns of the faith are being ushered out. Now, even when they are played, their sound is contemporary. It is not really the same. The best way I can express it is that hymns are epic and epic songs need an epic sound. (Parchment and Pen)

I agree. But you already knew that, didn’t you?

Comments

[WhiteStone]

Unfortunately, the younger generation CANNOT sing hymns because they do not have the musical training in chords, timing, phrases, etc. We received that training every Sunday as well as in an excellent music program at school.

Our church habitually sings three "praise" choruses and then, to mollify or accomodate the "older crowd", sings two hymns. Unfortunately the hymns chosen are "old time gospel" type songs and not the doctrinally sound hymns of even an older generation. And in this attempt to be modern and contemporary we have again passed into something that feels more rote than worship, something that the "young" ascribe to the older liturgical worship service.

Sigh!

[rosemary]

Bet you're not surprised that I agree too! And I don't like it when the old hymns I love are diddled with and put to a new tune. It does change them, and not in a good way.

[Kim in ON]

You would like this book I'm reading, Why Johnny Can't Sing Hymns.

[Becky @ Daily On My Way to Heaven]

Kim, I am waiting to hear your review on that book! My book list is full now, but I want to learn more about it.

Rebeca, thank you for posting this.

Have a most blessed weekend.