Ever wonder what criterion is used to determine whether a hymn is theologically sound. Last week, a group of theologians and musicians gathered together at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas to review many hymns and to consider whether they should be included in the 2008 Baptist hymnal(LifeWay Worship). Here is a list of questions that were posed to every hymn to determine its theological and doctrinal validity:- Does the hymn speak biblically of God?
- Is it God-honoring?
- Does the hymn present a biblical view of man?
- Does the song help us to cover the depth and breadth of our theology?
- Does the hymn call us to true discipleship, service, repentance, witness, missions and devotion?
- Does the hymn speak biblically of salvation?
- Does it engage the whole person - allowing a person to express his deepest feelings?
- Does the hymn emphasize that Christ is the Christian's Lord, Master and King? (the idea of total submission)
- Does the hymn present an Americanized/Westernized gospel? (civil religion)-
- Is there a balance with corporate and individual response in worship? (immanence and transcendence)
- Does the hymn speak biblically about the church, the body of Christ?
2 comments:
It's good that they are thinking about these things and not relying solely on tradition.
Jonathan- Amen and Amen! I was very impressed with their line of questioning. I wish they would incorporate that same line of thinking when they consider someone who is not associated with the SBC convention. Oooops did I say that out loud?
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