Reviewed/written by Craig Hoffman
In another century we won’t be singing many of the hymns we’re screeching out on Sundays. While some will have lasted a week, perhaps, others even for a few years, there are several that should be retired from regular use right now!
Do you agree with the following candidates for overdue retirement? Let the Icon know in the comments!
“Onward Christian Soldiers” (1865) - Reverend Sabine Baring-Gould
This song was not supposed to be a hymn. The author wrote it for a children’s festival with the intention that the children of his village would sing it as they marched. Soon, “Onward Christian Soldiers” became popular. Later, it was included in the English hymnal.
But does it reflect the modern mission of the Church, especially in a time of civil unrest in America today?
“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” (1529) - Martin Luther
One writer said that “Luther translated the Bible into German so God could speak directly to the people; and provided the hymn so that the people could answer God in their songs.” Luther wrote thirty-seven hymns. The most popular is, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.”
Luther and his followers opposed the Emperor, Charles V. This hymn was meant to encourage his followers to press forward in their religious efforts.
Is this still a theme that plays out in society today or is it a religious relic in your mind?
“Morning Has Broken” (1931) - Eleanor Farjeon (Modern Arrangement Cat Stevens (1971))
A popular Easter-time hymn these days, but it is more about praising the morning and nature than God. It’s easy to sing and it makes for a nice kids’ performance on Easter Sunday. But if one listens to this song, they have no idea where Jesus went after the stone was rolled away.
Shouldn’t a hymn sung on such a special day be more religious in tone and lyrics?
“Blessed Assurance” (1873) - Fanny Crosby
Fanny Crosby composed 8,000 plus songs. “Blessed Assurance” might be her most well-known. This song in particular chronicles Crosby’s walk of faith, as found in Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” It’s a shame many churches make no effort to sing any of her other works.
Has this tune aged well in your mind or is time to take it off the Sunday morning playlist?
“His Eye Is On The Sparrow” (1905 )- Civilla D. Martin and Charles H. Gabriel
Lauryn Hill in the movie “Sister Act 2” covered this well-worn tune. It tends to be the cliché go-to tune anytime one is feeling down. Sadly, it was also the last single produced by the late Whitney Houston. Certainly, there are other tunes that one could warble on a Sunday morning to lift their spirits up.
Should a song with such commercial use and secular appeal be sung regularly in church?
Final Take: One of the primary purposes of singing is to “let the word of Christ dwell in us richly,” (Col. 3:16). Is it wrong to retire old songs?
No doubt, we tire of some hymns more quickly than others. If those musical selections should be retired, how do you know the right time? Let the Icon know in the comments. Praising the Lord in song!: 5/5
Craig Hoffman is a music graduate of Ohio Northern University and The University of Akron School of Music. He also serves as the Icon’s Japan correspondent.
