It is the words that decide the worth of a hymn. The music is merely the setting against which the words will be experienced; its purpose is to strengthen and enhance the message of the words. The best hymn tunes are those that best illuminate their text. With this background, let me suggest six characteristics of a good hymn.
Good hymns are God-centered, not man-centered. Good hymns adore the eternal Godhead for what he is, worshiping him for his holiness, wisdom, power, justice, goodness, mercy, and truth. They praise him for his mighty acts—for creation, preservation, redemption; for guidance, provision, protection; for the hope of glory. They offer petition suitable to their theme. Good hymns are free from introspection; they focus on God, not man.
When man enters the picture it is to acknowledge the darkness of his sinful nature in the light of such a God, to seek his mercy, and to marvel and rejoice in his redeeming grace. Good hymns are theologically sound. Many hymns in common use today contain theological untruths, yet they are sung by congregations who would quickly root theological error from the sermon.
For example, waxing sentimental over an old rugged cross will never save anyone; our faith must be in the Christ of the Cross, in his death, resurrection, exaltation, and present ministry for us—and our hymns must say so. The church should be more aware of this. Erik Routley, in Hymns Today and Tomorrow Abingdon, , says a hymn is a persuasive thing; it makes us feel that this is what we think, not just what the writer thinks:.
No single influence in public worship can so surely condition a congregation to self-deception, to fugitive follies, to religious perversities, as thoughtlessly chosen hymns. The singing congregation is uncritical; but it matters very much what it sings, for it comes to believe its hymns. Wrong doctrine in preaching would be noticed; in hymns, it may come to be believed. We should take a long, sober look at the theology of our songs and hymns, and seek out and use only those that are true to the Scriptures.
There is no shortage of theologically sound hymns. Good hymns are doctrinal in content. True worship is so inseparable from the foundation truths of our faith that most good hymns, in measure at least, are expositional in nature.
And this is good. Some preachers are evangelists or pastors rather than expositors or teachers; some stress certain doctrines and neglect others. This spiritualizing of maritime imagery got confusing when some hymns had rock as pointing Christ as others as speaking of rocks as the dangers of sin.
Even in the 19th century, they had limited use in landlocked countries where the people could not identify with the imagery. Emotional Engagement. Hymnody is not just intellectual. There is to be emotion in our singing Ephesians The singing of hymns is not merely an expression of faith, but a hearty expression of faith, joyful faith, and loving faith.
Development of Thought. Development of thought is also important in good hymnology, rather than repetition of thought, i. The addition of choruses in some of the older hymns of Watts and Toplady, only serve to interrupt that flow of thought. The best hymns follow the development of a single thought and progressively apply that thought to the heart and the emotional life of the Church. Next, he struggles with the mystery of the death of Christ Vs.
The singer is left with no more information about the blood apart from its exclusive power to give me cleansing, hope, and peace, comfort, and righteousness. The focus of the hymn is the emotional benefit of being washed in the blood. It would do some good, then, for that man to have some training in selecting suitable hymns to introduce to the congregation.
Just as our preaching and teaching require thoughtful intentionality, so also our worship repertoire should be carefully considered. We must avoid merely choosing our personal favorites.
Sometimes one may be tempted to introduce a song to the church because that particular song is personally sentimental to him. Spiritual songs of personal value are a beautiful encouragement to the soul of the individual. But sometimes those songs, while meaningful to an individual, may be special due to the blessed relationships and memories associated with them more so than the intrinsic qualities of the hymn. In short, what may be very moving for one person may do little to inspire the rest of the congregation.
We must consider what is best for our church and choose hymns for their worshipful quality, not their nostalgic worth, for it is the gospel story that resonates in every heart. Roberts including a couple that I took the liberty to add. The health and energy of Christian living should be strengthened and Christian growth fostered.
Anemic, trite or sickly sentimentalism make no contribution in this regard. The text and tune should combine to provide a worshipful experience; not for entertainment. When biblical truths are set to music, that music bears a great responsibility to support the truths of the text.
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