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.
What does he mean by "ecumenical?" That these hymns should be capable of being used by every Christian confession out there?
ReplyDeleteI 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).
ReplyDeleteI thought so. I'm just glad that the Eastern Rite is complete with good hymnody already.
ReplyDeleteBTW, Φως Ιλαρον is authored, according to church tradition, by the Martyr Athenogenes.
great question and answer
ReplyDelete