Why Mainline Protestant Churches Are Dying
3rd March 2013
The publishing house of my denomination, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), will soon issue a promising new hymnal. Naturally the hymns had to pass theological muster, but the range of styles and themes in this collection is wide—newer hymns, global music, praise songs, spirituals, Taizé melodies and rousing old favorites. And once again, for the third hymnal in a row, Presbyterians will not find “Onward Christian Soldiers” in the mix.
Good riddance. This hymn, with its “hut-two-three-four” tune and its warring call for Christians to raise the battle flag, has long outlived its usefulness. Recently, one of my friends threatened to resign her role as church school assistant because the lead teacher insisted on having the children sing, “Christ the royal Master, leads against the foe. Forward into battle, see his banners go!” I stand with my friend.
And you will die with her, too, when Muslims bent on jihad come to cut your heads off. You will not be missed.
March 3rd, 2013 at 11:34
I went to a funeral for a friend’s father. At the end, the organist played, “Onward Christian Soldiers” and I made a point to tell my friend that I was surprised (and pleased) by that. He told me that his father wanted it played, but his mother ended up spending many hours arguing with the church in order to get it.