by John D. Pierce | Nov 22, 2022 | Opinion
An insignificant event from many years ago keeps coming to mind. It was a denominational gathering of ministers and others that, of course, involved a hearty dinner. At the conclusion, the facilitator asked everyone to encircle the room, join hands and sing: “We’ll...
by Randall Balmer | Oct 19, 2022 | Opinion
I wept in church recently. Didn’t see it coming, but during the refrain of “When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder” there it was. No one sings the old gospel songs like that anymore. Evangelicals perform what they call “praise music,” a kind of dreamy meditation that makes...
by Tony W. Cartledge | Sep 14, 2022 | Opinion
In 1900, Charles Gabriel published one of the most me-centered hymns of praise to be found in any hymnal. The song celebrates the glories of heaven for one whose “labors and trials are o’er,” leaving them “safe on that beautiful shore.” The chorus imagines the...
by John D. Pierce | Aug 23, 2022 | Opinion
Christian hymns often move us deeply, inspire us to live more fully and faithfully, and sustain us through life’s challenging times. “O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come.” “Great is thy faithfulness, morning by morning new mercies I see.” “’Tis...
by Robert Callahan | Feb 1, 2022 | Opinion
I participated in a social media debate (yes, I know better) ranking classic Advent and Christmas hymns in the weeks leading up to Christmas Day. The lead candidate was “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” This is understandable. The melodic, somber chords beautifully convey...
