Hymnals 2

 

"Richness and Diversity of Hymnody:

• Hymnals often encompassed a broad range of songs from various eras, traditions, and cultures. This diversity added a richness to worship, allowing congregations to draw from a wide musical heritage.
• The move away from hymnals could result in a narrower selection of songs, potentially limiting the exposure to diverse musical expressions and theological perspectives."
   
  As I noted earlier, this doesn't mean that all of these diverse hymns are all equally good, or theologically correct.   Many new hymns seem written to contradict or supplant the historical theology the author claims to want to protect.  On the other hand, limiting the church to just the hymnal also narrows the selection of songs, and limits exposure to diverse musical expressions.  I'm not sure exposure to diverse theological practices is always a worthy goal either.  
  
   
   "Liturgical Structure and Theological Education:

• Hymnals often followed a deliberate order that corresponded with the liturgical calendar or specific themes in religious worship. This structure helped convey theological concepts and educated congregants about the faith journey through the progression of songs.
• The abandonment of hymnals might result in a loss of this structured theological education and the intentional sequencing of songs, potentially impacting the depth of understanding and reflection during worship."
   
  I personally appreciate a degree of liturgy in church and would like to see more churches add liturgical elements.  But thinking that it's impossible to structure a liturgical service and use the liturgical calendar without the hymnal seems quite a stretch.  To suggest that loss of hymnals  always leads to a loss of theological education and the rest is just wrong.   Placing high value on those things, regardless of the presence of hymnals is possible.   
  
   

"Accessibility for All Ages:

• Hymnals were typically designed to be accessible to a wide range of age groups within a congregation. The inclusion of hymns with varying levels of complexity allowed for the participation of both children and adults in worship.
• Without hymnals, there may be a challenge in finding a balance that caters to the diverse musical abilities and preferences of different age groups within the congregation."
   
  These two are simply ridiculous.  How many hymns are in keys that people find difficult to sing in?  How many hymns with archaic language will appeal to children?   Most of the music folks I've worked with are very intentional about song choice, participation, and allowing everyone to engage in the music.    IMO, these two give entirely too much credit to the hymnal, and not enough to the music leader.