"We already affirm together hymns that have source and associational issues. We always have."
“notice that many of these modern hymns have beautiful tunes that have been written to carry these creedal lines. This, in my opinion, is a great contrast to the generic, and often ‘circus-style’ tunes that characterized the ‘Gospel Song’ era…” Of Modern Hymnody at Trinity
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[JG]…for even suggesting such a thing. :)
“I won’t use anything by Graham Kendrick, though, no matter how good it may be”.
Is this not irrational? The disciples complained to Jesus because someone was casting out spirits but wasn’t one of them and Jesus said he who is not against us is for us.
If I can worship the Lord with any of Graham Kendrick’s lyrics then I am overjoyed to do so.
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Richard Pajak
Hi, Richard.
Graham Kendrick’s theology, in trying to merely travel from London to Birmingham, departed planet earth, turned left at Jupiter and departed the solar system, and is lost wandering somewhere in deepest, darkest space without ever remotely approaching its intended target.
If you truly profit by singing his lyrics then, in many cases at least, you don’t mean by them what he meant by them when he wrote them. In which case, I am thankful for that on your behalf, nor am I necessarily going to advocate that you spend time researching his theology, and thus distract from the benefit you are receiving. But as a pastor, that’s my responsibility.
Blessings to you.
Graham Kendrick’s theology, in trying to merely travel from London to Birmingham, departed planet earth, turned left at Jupiter and departed the solar system, and is lost wandering somewhere in deepest, darkest space without ever remotely approaching its intended target.
If you truly profit by singing his lyrics then, in many cases at least, you don’t mean by them what he meant by them when he wrote them. In which case, I am thankful for that on your behalf, nor am I necessarily going to advocate that you spend time researching his theology, and thus distract from the benefit you are receiving. But as a pastor, that’s my responsibility.
Blessings to you.
Brian,
I was unable for technical reasons to post on your blog. I read your article with great interest. The first time I heard the song, “How Deep The Father’s Love,” was at our church when one of my ministerial students presented that musical offering before the message. I was impressed with the theologically rich text, the beautiful melody, the fine composition and arrangement, and the tasteful performance style of the singer. I did not know of the author and frankly had no concern about him or her. The song and performance style spoke for themselves.
Since then I have heard several of the songs mentioned in your article. These songs are now on recordings by Evangelist Steve Pettit and Sound Forth. Some of these songs are even in the new “Rejoice” Hymn Book by Majesty Music. It is true that a negative association can be an issue. It is also true that associations normally diminish with time. Unless a negative association is painfully obvious and would clearly have a detrimental effect on the congregation as a whole, I would suggest that we ask no questions for conscience sake.
Some of the over-the-top reactions to these songs are due to the fact that many of the newer songs reflect a strong, God-Centered soteriology and a promotion of the Lordship of Christ as an object of saving faith. Contrariwise, the incipient Arminianism and destructive Easy-Believism in much of our revivalist hymnody often gets a pass in fundamental circles. As one old-time evangelist once said, “People aren’t always ‘scratchin’ where it’s ‘itchin’”.
Mike Harding
I was unable for technical reasons to post on your blog. I read your article with great interest. The first time I heard the song, “How Deep The Father’s Love,” was at our church when one of my ministerial students presented that musical offering before the message. I was impressed with the theologically rich text, the beautiful melody, the fine composition and arrangement, and the tasteful performance style of the singer. I did not know of the author and frankly had no concern about him or her. The song and performance style spoke for themselves.
Since then I have heard several of the songs mentioned in your article. These songs are now on recordings by Evangelist Steve Pettit and Sound Forth. Some of these songs are even in the new “Rejoice” Hymn Book by Majesty Music. It is true that a negative association can be an issue. It is also true that associations normally diminish with time. Unless a negative association is painfully obvious and would clearly have a detrimental effect on the congregation as a whole, I would suggest that we ask no questions for conscience sake.
Some of the over-the-top reactions to these songs are due to the fact that many of the newer songs reflect a strong, God-Centered soteriology and a promotion of the Lordship of Christ as an object of saving faith. Contrariwise, the incipient Arminianism and destructive Easy-Believism in much of our revivalist hymnody often gets a pass in fundamental circles. As one old-time evangelist once said, “People aren’t always ‘scratchin’ where it’s ‘itchin’”.
Mike Harding
Pastor Mike Harding
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