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Apr. 6, 2008
Where are the hymns?

Posted in philosophy

There is a trend that I have been noticing lately with many of our modern churches.  As more and more churches are outfitting themselves with screens and projectors to display the lyrics to their songs, the use of hymnals is dying down.  And as the use of hymnals dies, the use of hymns dies too.

Over the last few months, my parents and I have noticed that our church is gradually decreasing the use of the hymns in favor of more modern choruses.  I have no problem with choruses, but if they replace traditional hymns, that just doesn't seem the same.  My mom wants us to be able to sing hymns and become familiar with the works of some of the most influential theologians ever.  Charles Wesley, Martin Luther, Isaac Watts, Fanny Crosby, and many others make up the group of people who authored these songs.  Each hymn that was written has some story behind it.  There is a depth of theology and history within the pages of our hymnals that our churches are throwing away too hastily.  There is over one thousand years of history behind these books, and we have the opportunity to connect with the writers through the songs they have written.

Once again, I have no problem with modern music.  There are some wonderful songs written by modern writers.  I just think that church is not the same without hymns.  If the worship time begins to feel like a rock concert, it just doesn't feel right.  I don't think that we should just stop using the hymns merely because they're ancient and archaic.  What do you think?

(Yes, I am probably the only person any of you (besides you, Amanda) will ever meet who has put hymns on his mp3 player.  Well, when I had an mp3 player.)

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Comments

Apr. 7, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by grelb32


You're just bitter at Relient K, that's all. You just SAY that you think they stink, but really you don't like them because you can't sing along to their songs, since they don't sing them in your key. :-)

~Nick


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Apr. 8, 2008 - It's true...

Posted by gemstone


We Americans barely use hymns anymore. I, for one, grew up in a church that had worship basically based on hymns, but when we moved our new church was totally different. Hymns are so cool- they're really old but still true. And while i cann't really remember a lot of contemorary christian songs unless the words are in front of me, I know a lot of hymns by heart...
then again, I also love the modern worship songs! They can be just as good. I think we need to find a happy medium between the two...
You probably don't even read your comments, lol, and here I am going on... Oh well. I'll jsut keep commenting.

~Allie~


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Apr. 9, 2008 - I agree

Posted by SuperAngel


with you, but I think you already knew that, huh? ;)

I don't mind some of the newer songs, but it just seems most of them are more about the worshipper rather than the One who we are supposed to worship.

Great post, Jake!

and lol to Nick's comment. hahahaha! that is really funny!
:))

Laters,
Amanda
http://superangelsblog.com


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Apr. 13, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by cousintrav


I agree. Although my church tries to do at least two hymnals a week. But they have them on the powerpoint. I do like the new age music though.


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