Protestant Hymns

[bwv_1080]

What well-known classic Protestant hymns would be problematic at a Mass?

I read some posts here discussing issues with Amazing Grace because it used the word Saved in the past tense hence implying OSAS. Also describing oneself as a wretch disturbed the poster. This strikes me as petty. Not only is it a great and moving hymn, if a Catholic is attending Mass properly disposed to receive communion then they are (at that moment) assured of salvation and of course we are all miserable wretches without Christ.

The Mass I have been attending featured “How Great Thou Art” a couple of weeks ago and it was sure a welcome respite from the OCP drivel usually sung there.

 

[Cat]

We sings hymns at our Catholic church that I grew up singing in my Protestant churches. But most of the time, the words have been changed to reflect Catholic theology. (I know hymns really well, as I play the piano, spent most of my life playing the piano in church, and have literally played some of the hymns thousands of times. I also believe in memorizing hymns. So I have learned a lot of hymns, and recognize when Protestant words have been changed to Catholic words.)

Do all Catholic churches not do this? From what I gather on various threads, the so-called Protestant hymns are being sung in your Catholic churches with the same objectionable Protestant words that I grew up with, and of course you have objections. Are you SURE that the words haven’t already been changed to be Catholic? Get hold of a Protestant hymnal and compare.

I wonder why a Catholic church would use Protestant words to the hymn when Catholic versions of the hymns are available. The current Missal that we are using at our church has hymns, and the words are changed to reflect Catholic theology. Maybe you could petition your church music leader to change to a different missal.

I don’t have a problem with changing the words of hymns, because in the great majority of hymns, the melody and words were not written by the same person to be sung together. In fact, many times, the melody is a popular melody that is used for many other songs. Even in Protestant hymnals, you will find different songs sung to the same melody.

So I don’t see anything wrong with “catholicizing” words to hymns.

However, I write songs, and I always write my words and melody at the same time, so if it were one of MY songs, I would be bothered! I would prefer that someone not sing one of my songs if the words are problematic.

But I think I am the exception here. And you don’t have to worry about finding one of my songs in your hymnals!

BTW, I’ve noticed that many people run out the door as quickly after Mass as possible. That’s OK. I know that people have good reasons, especially people with young children, or older people in poor health who have aches and pains. I’m not criticizing people’s practices.

BUT–when there is a REALLY good hymn, a rousing melody, that is familiar to everyone, like “A Might Fortress Is Our God,” people stick around and sing.

 

[naprous]

And who wrote that fabulously rousing hymn, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God?

Martin Luther

I have to say, most of the Protestant hymns I grew up with are much better than the drivel that passes for liturgical music these days!

Naprous

 

[deogratias]

But Martin Luther was a Catholic.

As Catholics, what we must consider is not whether a hymn is old or new, or who wrote it but whether it contains things conradictory to Church Doctrine and whether it is “we/me” centered rather than Christ centered.