"Non-Christian Hymns?"

[Mike McK]

Molly,

I'm not a huge fan of the Supertines, either btu I have a lot of respect for them.

Isn't it possible that the reason you and I don't get it is because we're not the ones they (or God, depending on how you view CCM) are trying to reach?

Mike

 

[donnA]

A ton of contempo songs....Point of Grace has a ton of songs that never mention Christ..."

Neither do a lot of hymns, like Amazing Grace, and since God hasn't promised good to us, it just might be one of those hymsn that appear christian but becasue it doesn't mention Jesus, it isn't. How many are we going to have to throw out of the hymn book becasue Jesus' name isn't in the song. So you can see how this reasoning doesn'tm ake logical sence, it is nothing more then a twisting to support your own view no matter what it costs.

 

[Molly]

Awwww,come on....Amazing Grace is about the doctrine of salvation.

I'm talking about songs like "Sing a song"...."your name is on my lips,your love I can't resist" There are a few that could be about anybody or anything.

Amazing grace is clearly about biblcal things.

I'm not twisting anything,and I agree there are some hymns that are not biblical,that's why we need men leading our music who have great biblical insight and discernment.

 

[donnA]

Then why are hymsn different from any other christian song? Different criteria for hymns then other christian music?

 

[Molly]

There are not 2 different criteria....biblical is all I seek. Biblical in words,meaning message,and style that reflects the holiness of God,that is all I ask! Men who will discern this is what we need more of in the church today!

 

[TaterTot]

WEll, what about patriotic songs? Most of them are in praise of our country, not our God. Ex, America, America, God shed His grace on thee...My country'tis of thee...of thee I sing.
And in our little red hymnal at church (stamps-baxter) we have LOTS of songs that aredoctrinally bad. So many songs talk about getting on that ol' ship and going to see mama, cause she's calling me to come home for supper - that kind of stuff. Burns me up.

 

[Dr. Bob]

Originally posted by katie:
Then why are hymsn different from any other christian song? Different criteria for hymns then other christian music?

Three classes -
psalmos = psalms, scriptures set to music
humnos = hymns, songs of praise and glorification of who God is and what He has done
pneumatikos oides = songs that are spiritual, speaking of our relationship with God and man

MOST of our hymnal ARE NOT "hymns"! There are usually a few scripture songs, about 100 hymns (if you're lucky) and then 400-500 songs.

Almost ALL CCM (contemporary) are weakened versions of scripture or non-threatening feel-good songs (not even sure how "spiritual"). Trying to think of ANY "hymn"

 

[Aaron]

I agree with Dr. Bob. I would merely amplify his classifications.

A Psalm is a poetical work composed primarily for the psaltery or harp. The word Psalm is descriptive more of style than content. When Paul says to interact with one another with "psalms, hymns and spiritual songs," the content of the psalms is understood.

The word hymn is also more descriptive of a style. Plato speaks of the act of mixing "lamentations with hymns, and paeans with dithyrambs" as a kind of corruption. A dithyramb was Greek party music...

...sung by banqueters under the leadership of a man "wit-stricken by the thunderbolt of wine" (Archilochus).

Encyclopedia Brittanica

It was a style well established by 450 B.C. and still known by the time of Paul as a wild, drunken style. In contrast to being drunk with wine, he said. Be sober, speaking in psalms, hymns and other more spiritual, temperate styles.

A spirit-filled man does not rage or weep or get sentimental like a drunkard.

So, no. One cannot call CCM "hymns." It is not even "Christian" in character.

 

[Mike McK]

Originally posted by Aaron:
It is not even "Christian" in character.

Oh, Breath of God
Come in and dwell
Come make my aching heart your home
And use me well

For You've created me
And named me as your own
To know the wonder of Your love
And make it known

Oh, Breath of God
Teach me Your ways
That I might serve You
In these precious, fleeting days

Now I'm sure of this
If I've learned nothing else
Until I live for You
I do not live, myself

((chorus))

Father, Father
Lift me on Your wings
Show me why the
Angels sing

Oh, Breath of God
I'm tired and cold
And all the dreams I've chased
Have left me feeling old
But You've been waiting here
And now I understand
Please let me fall into
Your nail-scarred, loving hands

Sounds "Christian" to me.

 

[Mike McK]

Originally posted by Molly:
It may be understood clearly in your heart when you sing it,but it is not a biblical song,nor does it fit what a spiritual song should be in my opinion.

Hmm...

Speaking to yourselves in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord