Many of the mega-churches along with many other churches are not singing the hymns that have been sung for years. They have gone to mostly choruses that are displayed on a wall or a software-based overhead projection system or on a movie screen.
Many of the hymns that were written long ago have so much more meaning.
Take for instance "It is well with my soul" written by Horatio G Spafford in 1873.
He had planned a trip with his family to Europe from Chicago. His wife and four daughters, ranging from ages 11 to the youngest daughter two years old. At the last minute Spafford was unable to leave with them as some urgent business came up that he had to attend to.
As he did not want to dissapoint his family he sent them ahead on the SS Ville du Harve, with the promise to join them just as soon as he was done with his business.
But about half way on their voyage crossing the Atlantic Ocean tragedy struck.
Loch Earn, an English ship struck the ship and it capsized. There were 226 killed which included Spafford's four daughters.
After receiving a telegram from his wife, who was one of the few survivors, which said "Saved alone", Spafford left immediately to be with her.
The story is that as his ship passed over the place where his daughters had drowned, Spafford, who was a devout Christian, was inspired to compose the hymn "It is well with my soul".
Isaac Watts [1674-1748] wrote more than 697 hymns including "When I survey the wondrous Cross", was criticised by some of his contemporaries. They said that his hymns were too worldly.
Many of the hymns have been replaced by many churches with contemporary worship songs and choruses. They are seen by some as shallow, uninspired and repetitive. Many of the tunes are catchy but have a lack of theological content.
According to allAfrica.com,
Mrs Florence Wanyoike, who is a school director and a Christian, says:
"Choruses are fun, but it is sad that they have phased out hymns, which have deep doctrine and are the basis of our faith. We must try too keep hymns because they teach and help us to reflect."
Pastor Paul Wegulo from Thika Community Church says:
"Church music has turned from the 'Rock of Ages' into an age of rock."
Another worship leader Marcy Muhia, said that the hymns should not be phased out, but they should integrated with modern worship.
She said
"There is a time and place for choruses, which should be added to the hymns,"
Hymns express the worshippers attitude towards God and are written in the style of a lyrical poem.
The poet Alfred Lord Tennyson said,
They are simple, metrical, literary in style and direct, yet they carry a message that unifies a congregation. A good hymn is the most difficult thing to write and must express a religious truth. Choruses are musically and lyrically designed so that they can be repeated."
Choirs in many churches have been replaced with praise bands, worship bands or worship teams. Organ and piano music are being replaced with electric guitars, modern drum sets, electric keyboards and stage effects.
Many conservative believers are seeking a church with more traditional worship services as they are uncomfortable with the changes.
Many of the younger generations prefer the Christian Rock, Jazz, gospel afro fusion, hip hop, rap or reggae, lingala and other music forms over the traditional hymns.
There are still many traditional hymns that I grew up with that still hold meaning for me. I do like some of the newer stuff...but will it last as long?
Very nicely done, Cynthia. A very interesting story about Spafford.
@Debra Myers (skyangel)
There are still many traditional hymns that I grew up with that still hold meaning for me. I do like some of the newer stuff...but will it last as long?
Very nicely done, Cynthia. A very interesting story about Spafford.
Thanks Deb and jaguar who gave me the "visitors" vote. :-)
It seems like the newer stuff might last especially in the mega-churches.
I have been to some services in the churches that have gone to the new stuff and I don't like it and would never be a member of that kind of church.
Hymns do not have to be "dead" take for instance how "It is well with my soul" is being sung in the video by David Phelps.
It is far from "dead" he is a tremendous singer with a great voice.
@Samantha A. Torrence
Modern Praise Hymns are beautiful but I do agree that we should not lose sight of our foundations and the traditions of older Hymns.
My church has a praise service where newer songs are sung but during regular church services we sing ye olde hymns. =)
I love the old hymns and with a good song leader they can have "life" to them.
My church sings from the hymn book. But most of the solos and some of the choir songs are the newer songs.
Dan, our choir director, and sometimes song leader, puts so much into the songs and does not go for any songs that could be said are "dead."
@Helena Handbasket
Interesting and enjoyable article on the evolution of praise and worship through music Cynthia.
Thank you Helena.
I was thinking about that hymn this morning and remembering a lady I once went to church with. That must have been her favorite because whenever it was sung she would sing it with tears rolling down her face.
I went looking for a news article that I could use to write about it and to be able to post the video.
@Samantha A. Torrence
Modern Praise Hymns are beautiful but I do agree that we should not lose sight of our foundations and the traditions of older Hymns.
My church has a praise service where newer songs are sung but during regular church services we sing ye olde hymns. =)
I think they should sing more hymns, it is like cleansing the body, putting it on a projector doesn't sound the same, what is next video conferencing of prayers :) Here is a video I posted a week ago in DJ:
Just listening to these chants gives goosebumps, singing also would bring the same feeling.
There is somethin profound about singing 'God of wonder beyond our galaxy, YOU ARE HOLY, HOLY' to the cool tunes of contemporary rather than the old organ music.....just uplifts the spirit!
Music is one of the ways I walk. iT totally affects my walk in the Word
One of the signs that a tradition is alive and well is that people are still working in it. If religious music stood still then all we would have today is Plain Chant (aka Gregorian) which I love and listen to all the time but there is a place for new things as well.
I use to go to Glide Memorial up in the city (San Francisco) and they had jazz, rock and African music--it was all good.
While it is true that many, if not most, of the new hymns will not last that is true of all music--most of which is heard for a little while and then sinks into obscurity. What counts is that people sing and are lifted up by the music---any music.
Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. Psalm 98:4
@Chris V. (cgull)
I think they should sing more hymns, it is like cleansing the body, putting it on a projector doesn't sound the same, what is next video conferencing of prayers :) Here is a video I posted a week ago in DJ:
Just listening to these chants gives goosebumps, singing also would bring the same feeling.
Thanks cgull. I just don't think it is the same either not singing out of a hymn book but looking at a screen.
Thanks for posting the video the chants are beautiful.
@Nikki W (karateblossom)
There is somethin profound about singing 'God of wonder beyond our galaxy, YOU ARE HOLY, HOLY' to the cool tunes of contemporary rather than the old organ music.....just uplifts the spirit!
Music is one of the ways I walk. iT totally affects my walk in the Word
I still love the old hymns but do like many of the newer songs also.
I just hate the choruses that repeat the same thing over and over and over and over etc. I always think "Good Lord why did they bother to write if they couldn't think of any thing else to say." :-)
@lensman67
One of the signs that a tradition is alive and well is that people are still working in it. If religious music stood still then all we would have today is Plain Chant (aka Gregorian) which I love and listen to all the time but there is a place for new things as well.
I use to go to Glide Memorial up in the city (San Francisco) and they had jazz, rock and African music--it was all good.
While it is true that many, if not most, of the new hymns will not last that is true of all music--most of which is heard for a little while and then sinks into obscurity. What counts is that people sing and are lifted up by the music---any music.
Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. Psalm 98:4
Great article!
@lensman67
Dang! And I thought I was going to be the only one posting Gregorian chants. Sigh. I guess I am not as unique as I thought. ;o)
:-)
Thank you Lensman. the video that you posted is beautiful both the chant and the video itself.
I have never listened to chants. When cgull posted that chant last week I thought how beautiful it was.
The one that you just posted is also beautiful. Hey you never know maybe I will starting listening to some.
I emailed this to two of my friends and just got an email back from one of the friends.
She is now in Georgia on her way back to Michigan after two or three months in Florida.
This is what she wrote;
"We have visited three churches since being in Florida and two of them still sing from the hymnal. I do believe you lose a lot when not picking up Gods songs and reading them like your Bible. Sometimes the overhead songs are played and we were in a large church that the video technician messed it up and the people didn't know what words to sing, including Don and I. We were in a church in Calif that seemed to sing the same choruses over and over and it didn't do a thing for me. I agree that some of the new music is precious but never forget the old hymns.
Thought I'd throw in my thoughts."
She is one of our solo singers. The song that I love that Bonnie sings is The Light House.
I never hear it but I think of Bonnie.
Hey Bonnie when you sing your first solo after you are home sing this for me. :-)
Bonnie you have brought back some memories.
I think it was you singing this song and I was going through a real hard time. As I listened to it with the tears running down my face it brought such peace.
@Cynthia T. [Picasso]
I still love the old hymns but do like many of the newer songs also.
I just hate the choruses that repeat the same thing over and over and over and over etc. I always think "Good Lord why did they bother to write if they couldn't think of any thing else to say." :-)
while the songs are beautiful, I want to tell you how they were used in some of the churches I went to. The repeating of the verses is one of the main ways to incite hype amongst the worshipers. If an emotional reaction is given praise leaders will sing it over and over again. I called them on it once. One more reason I wasn't a good enough little sheep. =)
Cynthia Gregorian Chants are gorgeous, I have a CD I used to listen to alot when I was younger. I don't know where it is now. When you merge Gregorian with modern instrumental it is inspiring as well.
Excellent post! I truly love when I go to church and they sing the "oldies".......I am not about the rock music and the "new age" stuff that so many of the mega-churches find appealing. They always seem too watered down and empty to me.
The hymns from the church I went to as a youth with my father still ring in my head, now and then, even though it has been well over 40 years since i have been to a service. This is very well done report.
@Samantha A. Torrence
while the songs are beautiful, I want to tell you how they were used in some of the churches I went to. The repeating of the verses is one of the main ways to incite hype amongst the worshipers. If an emotional reaction is given praise leaders will sing it over and over again. I called them on it once. One more reason I wasn't a good enough little sheep. =)
Cynthia Gregorian Chants are gorgeous, I have a CD I used to listen to alot when I was younger. I don't know where it is now. When you merge Gregorian with modern instrumental it is inspiring as well.
yes i went to a church when I was in my teens that sang a chorus over and over just to get the congregation emotionally worked up.
I had never listened to the Gregorian Chants until cgull posted that one last week. The one Lensman has posted here is also truly beautiful.
I am sure if a Gregorian chat was merged with modern instrumental music it would be beautiful.
If anyone can post a video of one I would love to hear it.
@Pamela Jean (GotTheScoop)
Excellent post! I truly love when I go to church and they sing the "oldies".......I am not about the rock music and the "new age" stuff that so many of the mega-churches find appealing. They always seem too watered down and empty to me.
Thanks Pam.
My oldest son used to go to a mega-church and we went a few times. We finally decided if we had to go again that we would come late so that we would miss the "song" service. It was more then we could take.
He has since left that church and now has joined a smaller more traditional church.
Another problem with these mega-churches is you are limited in how much you can get involved. Both my son and his wife are talented and like to get involved in many of the things of the church.
Steve is a good teacher and loves to teach but never could in a huge church. I am not sure if he is teaching where he is now going but I know that they both are getting very involved in the church.
@Bob Ewing
The hymns from the church I went to as a youth with my father still ring in my head, now and then, even though it has been well over 40 years since i have been to a service. This is very well done report.
@Cynthia T. [Picasso]
yes i went to a church when I was in my teens that sang a chorus over and over just to get the congregation emotionally worked up.
I had never listened to the Gregorian Chants until cgull posted that one last week. The one Lensman has posted here is also truly beautiful.
I am sure if a Gregorian chat was merged with modern instrumental music it would be beautiful.
If anyone can post a video of one I would love to hear it.
I tried to sing in a choir once. A really big one. But about half way through the first song, the choir master stopped everyone and said "You there in the corner. If you can't sing on key could you at least sing lower than the rest of the choir?"
I guess some's got it and some's ain't---I ain't." ;o)
@lensman67
I tried to sing in a choir once. A really big one. But about half way through the first song, the choir master stopped everyone and said "You there in the corner. If you can't sing on key could you at least sing lower than the rest of the choir?"
I guess some's got it and some's ain't---I ain't." ;o)
Funny ;o)
Yes some's got it like my friend Bonnie, but I am with you Lensman and I ain't got it either. LOL
I am with the group that the Bible says to make a joyful noise unto the Lord.
@lensman67
Try Enigma. They often blend Gregorian chant in with modern music. There are others but I can't think of them at the moment.
This isn't the best cut but it does have Gregorian chants in it. They do others but I can't seem to remember them tonight.
Thanks Lensman I did like that one.
I just hope that when that one guy jumped into the water feet first that he didn't break both of his heels. That would be a real bummer. ;o)
@lensman67
One of the signs that a tradition is alive and well is that people are still working in it. If religious music stood still then all we would have today is Plain Chant (aka Gregorian) which I love and listen to all the time but there is a place for new things as well.
I use to go to Glide Memorial up in the city (San Francisco) and they had jazz, rock and African music--it was all good.
While it is true that many, if not most, of the new hymns will not last that is true of all music--most of which is heard for a little while and then sinks into obscurity. What counts is that people sing and are lifted up by the music---any music.
Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. Psalm 98:4
Here is the the 23rd Psalm (what I would call a traditional Hymn) in a contemporary remake - the video was done for the troops but it was the only youtube version there is (sorry if you are offended - just listen to the music, its beautiful).
@Nikki W (karateblossom)
Here is the the 23rd Psalm (what I would call a traditional Hymn) in a contemporary remake - the video was done for the troops but it was the only youtube version there is (sorry if you are offended - just listen to the music, its beautiful).
quote]
Wow KB how moving thanks for posting this.
Offended? Hardly as it says so much of the reality of what is happening to our armed forces and their families and friends.
@Chris V. (cgull)
Great videos and comments, they should sing more hymns rock songs doesn't evoke the same spirit.
Thanks cgull. I have written 252 articles on DJ and I think this is the one that I would pick as my personal favorite and the one that I enjoyed writing and enjoyed the comments the most. :-)
@Cynthia T. [Picasso]
Thanks cgull. I have written 252 articles on DJ and I think this is the one that I would pick as my personal favorite and the one that I enjoyed writing and enjoyed the comments the most. :-)
I agree lot of good information, I have bookmarked it. Thanks for sharing your experience Cynthia in the 252 articles. Keep up the good work. Cheers. :)
@Chris V. (cgull)
I agree lot of good information, I have bookmarked it. Thanks for sharing your experience Cynthia in the 252 articles. Keep up the good work. Cheers. :)
Thank you cgull I do appreciate you and your comment.
I decided to email this to my pastor and this is what he emailed me back. Since he mentions his "age group" he is in his mid to late 30s.
Hey, that's odd because I'm using a hymn and it's story on Sunday Morning. I think I fall on the side of the Modern Music in church that just makes everybody mad. I don't like mindlessness (exception with kids - their music is suppose to be fun) in praise music but I've also been around enough hymns to know a lot of them are not biblical and mindless too. The proof is why does almost every church only sing 10% of what's in the hymnal? I have enough friends in my age group who have gone through the high school and college age and now what something more family orientated. A good friend of mine who goes to a very contemporary church lamented recently that his kids would never sing Amazing Grace or Victory in Jesus. To me, it seems that I can say I like some of the modern music and still love my hymns. There really is very little 7-11 music today. In fact the biggest Praise song last year in Student Ministry was this song:
I love that song. I have to listen to the whole version every time. But I think what is happening in most churches is a blending of the best of both worlds. This and "When I Survey" are huge in many churches.
One new song with a great story behind it is "The Heart of Worship". The Pastor felt the church had gone to modern relying on the instruments and technology too much, so he band them from church from church. The music minister wrote this when they went back to singing:
When the music fades and all is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring something that's of worth
That will bless Your heart
I'll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart
Choirs in many churches have been replaced with praise bands, worship bands or worship teams. Organ and piano music are being replaced with electric guitars, modern drum sets, electric keyboards and stage effects.
Of course the old hymns are being replaced. As a child of the sixties I grew up on that "decadent rock & roll"
And too, a great many of the new writers like Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, and Brian Johnson use parts of the old hymns within the new songs. Or you can find the old hymns with new arrangements (some of my favorites)
The older hymns have lyrics to live by, the new songs have the same - speaking to a new generation.
@Gar Swaffar
Of course the old hymns are being replaced. As a child of the sixties I grew up on that "decadent rock & roll"
And too, a great many of the new writers like Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, and Brian Johnson use parts of the old hymns within the new songs. Or you can find the old hymns with new arrangements (some of my favorites)
The older hymns have lyrics to live by, the new songs have the same - speaking to a new generation.
You are my children's age.
Some of them really want the newer music. My daughter who used to be on DJ, Jaguar, wants the music lively and she likes a band.
My church sings the hymns from a hymn book but they aren't sung in a slow dead way.
Am not a church-goer but when a friend's husband suffered a stroke, she asked me to drive her to church in their car. It was a large Baptist church and it was hosting a youth choir from South Africa. Great entertainment. I know many hymns but was not familiar with any of the music.
I was impressed by the high-tech hymnal which was a highly placed screen on which the hymn's lyrics were projected. A bit like my karaoke night, but without the beer.
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New church music displacing the old hymns
