29 June 2012

New Lutheran Quote of the Day

Since hymnody is meant to be ecumenical and transcultural, it should be inspired by the Psalms and, ideally, include the best compositions from all ages and cultures.  It should not represent the work of only one tradition or of the present generation. -- Dr. John Kleinig, Singing with Grace in our Hearts, Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord, p. 112.

4 comments:

Chris said...

What does he mean by "ecumenical?" That these hymns should be capable of being used by every Christian confession out there?

William Weedon said...

I think he means that they need not be solely of "Lutheran" provenance, but that they sing the truth of God. Hence, we sing hymns by Wesley (Lo, He Comes), by an ancient unknown author (Joyous Light), even by someone like Zinzendorf (Jesus Thy Blood) and modern Roman hymns (You Satisfy).

Chris said...

I thought so. I'm just glad that the Eastern Rite is complete with good hymnody already.

BTW, Φως Ιλαρον is authored, according to church tradition, by the Martyr Athenogenes.

Larry Luder said...

great question and answer