This is a follow-up on the article I published this morning. Most of you young whippersnappers don’t know what a hymnal is, but it is a book of songs the church has sung through the years, to teach theology and to lead the church in worship. There is (though many of you perhaps have never seen one – getting the sarcasm?) a “Baptist Hymnal” – one designed specifically for use in Baptist churches.
It has hymns by Anglicans like John Newton (Amazing Grace).
It has hymns by Charles Wesley (of the Methodist Wesleys!).
It has hymns by another Methodist, Fanny Crosby. (To God Be the Glory)
It has hymns by a Foursquare Charismatic megachurch pastor, Jack Hayford. (Majesty).
It has hymns by an English nonconformist, Isaac Watts. (When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, At the Cross).
It has hymns by a Salvation Army evangelist, George Bennard – also an Iowan! (The Old Rugged Cross).
It has hymns from another Anglican, William Cowper. (There is a Fountain Filled with Blood).
It has hymns from a Presbyterian turned Methodist turned Methodist Episcopalian, R. Kelso Carter. (Standing on the Promises).
It has hymns from the Church of God, Anderson, IN’s Bill and Gloria Gaither (Because He Lives.)
And, if you sing contemporary, you are likely singing either charismatic or Calvinist songs.
Need I go on or have I made my point?
So, here’s my question.
If it is okay for Southern Baptists to open a hymnal on Sunday morning and sing songs from people of all stripes of Christianity that have been vetted to make sure they are in agreement with Baptist doctrine, why is it not okay for Southern Baptists to open a Sunday School curriculum that is distinctively Baptist in theology, but which quotes people of a wide variety of denominations?
If the Gospel Project is denominational treason, why is not the Baptist Hymnal also denominational treason?
Just wondering.
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I thought I would add a picture of the Baptist Hymnal I grew up with – the one that was inspired, the KJV of hymnals – so that you young whippersnappers could see what one actually looks like.
