Technicalities...
Does anyone have a specific definition of what a Hymn is? And also, what is the definition of a "praise song"?
And so then, what is the difference? I am trying to get some more input on definitions, because of a recent discussion, and people not agreeing. Thanks.
And so then, what is the difference? I am trying to get some more input on definitions, because of a recent discussion, and people not agreeing. Thanks.
posted by Jill at
9:51 PM
4 Comments:
A hymn is first of all a TEXT. A hymn is NOT a song we sing from a big, chunky book. A hymn is typically a versified poem in honor and praise of another. When a hymn is sung, the music is subordinate to the the text.
A "praise song" is, well, isn't that what a hymn is? A praise poem? Maybe the difference is just there: a praise song is JUST a praise song. What I mean is, a praise song often is not very poetic.
However, this is not to say that there is ANYTHING right or virtuous about croaking away with our faces hidden in a crusty old hymnal, accompanied by banging copper strings and a warbling electric tone generator.
By
Matt H, at 10:54 PM
To me a hymn is essentially an ode to God. It is, like mh said, a poem of praise.
For me personally, a praise song is an emotional, passionate, heartfelt prayer between you and God.
By
maranatha95, at 7:37 PM
I don't know who maranatha95 is, but I would have to take a little issue with this statement:
"For me personally, a praise song is an emotional, passionate, heartfelt prayer between you and God."
How is that any different from a good hymn? Typically (by this I mean those songs over which the "worship wars" have been waged for the past 25 years), "praise songs" could be an existential "prayer between you and God", but more likely, it doesn't really involve God at all. Take a look at the texts of most praise songs, all 10 words of them. You won't usually find God the way He has revealed Himself in Scripture. No, just "this-is-how-I-feel-about-God" mumbo jumbo. We so-called Fundamentalists who criticize Charismatics for their speaking in tongues, how is our "talk-to-God-however-you-like" any better?
Now, I am definitely NOT lambasting praise songs across the board. Their are some very good ones (though, maybe with them, "praise song" is a misnomer...). My big problem is mainly with the way we uncritically just accept whatever "new thing" gets thrown at us. But we are Americans after all. Was it Stravinsky that said of Americans, we are obsessed with all things new, with whatever is novel? Michael W. Smith writes a new "praise song", and to be on board we really gotta sing it, even though it may paint a grossly distorted picture of God and the Cross...
just musings...take it or leave it...
By
Matt H, at 11:53 PM
wow mh. i'd say there's button to be remembered for pushing later. ;)
as hard as mh may have sounded on the issue, i'd have to say that i agree. personally i find (SOME) hymns much more "emotional, heartfelt, and passionate" than (MOST) praise choruses. (we must be careful not to lump all songs in a particular genre together.) there's a tendency found in the repetition of most praise choruses--to let your mind wander to other things. Whereas with poetic hymns (rooted in Scripture FIRST) there's usually Truth to digest and sink your spiritual teeth into.
there's my 2 cents.
By
ashley, at 10:29 AM
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