Genius... The lyrics were scriptural, the tune okay, but there's something missing.
I would argue that good Christian songs must do more than paraphrase scripture, they must also exegete. Look at the hymns that have stood the test of time, what do they have in common? Consider a hymn like "Here Is Love Vast As The Ocean", see the "complete lyrics" partway down the page at http://mybloginthenet.blogspot.com/2006/03/here-is-love-vast-as-ocean.html. Consider how the poetry, the biblical imagery, the expansion and exposition of Biblical thought powerfully drive home the message.
I think my favourite verse in all of Christian hymnody might be this one from that song:
On the Mount of Crucifixion Fountains opened deep and wide Through the floodgates of God's mercy Flowed a vast and gracious tide Grace and love, like mighty rivers Poured incessant from above And Heaven's peace and perfect justice Kissed a guilty world in love
Descriptive verbs, nouns, adjectives and adverbs are important!! I sing that verse and I get it.
Genius... The lyrics were scriptural, the tune okay, but there's something missing.
ReplyDeleteI would argue that good Christian songs must do more than paraphrase scripture, they must also exegete. Look at the hymns that have stood the test of time, what do they have in common? Consider a hymn like "Here Is Love Vast As The Ocean", see the "complete lyrics" partway down the page at http://mybloginthenet.blogspot.com/2006/03/here-is-love-vast-as-ocean.html. Consider how the poetry, the biblical imagery, the expansion and exposition of Biblical thought powerfully drive home the message.
I think my favourite verse in all of Christian hymnody might be this one from that song:
On the Mount of Crucifixion
Fountains opened deep and wide
Through the floodgates of God's mercy
Flowed a vast and gracious tide
Grace and love, like mighty rivers
Poured incessant from above
And Heaven's peace and perfect justice
Kissed a guilty world in love
Descriptive verbs, nouns, adjectives and adverbs are important!! I sing that verse and I get it.
Harry