I really didn't mean to open a can of worms. It wasn't my intention to disparage anyone's way of worship, actually, in the last few years I've gotten more comfortable with different ways of worship. After I wrote the post about my hymnal I started to think about why I had written it. I realized this: I feel comfortable with "5/15." Its what I grew up with and I get a warm fuzzy when I think about it. It reminds me of my father's ministry and that's a good memory for me.
Jim, in a note, was right, too. We shouldn't put too much stock in something was written my men.
As I reread the posts I realized that what I said sounded awfully harsh, particularly about the "Sunday morning camp fires." Heaven knows, I had more then a few serious spiritual-knocks-about-the-head at camp fires my four summers at Lone Star. I learned about the power of a simple song that has powerful meaning, but sometimes, sometimes that doesn't work for me-- sometimes I need a good old fashioned full boar organ filled hymn.
1 comment:
Karl, I did the camp music scene in college and at Camp Lone Star. There were times when it really sizzled and I felt sky-high. However, the high doesn't often last and most "worship lite" lacks enough substance to sustain me through trying times.
My first TLH was a gift on my sixth birthday (1957); my folks figured that I could read well enough that I could get some real use out of it.
Don't worry if you touched some nerves: We need ritual to help us learn and grow in the Faith. The youth learn by repetition and I'd not have been ready for TLH if I hadn't heard it regularly through the years. Similarly, the elderly thrive when, as sight or hearing fails, memory continues to allow participation in the service.
Indeed, it seems that those who push the hardest for constant change are the spoiled children of the Baby Boom. What will my generation do as age takes its toll on us and we cannot experience the solid Rock through by way of the historic Liturgy presented in familiar forms?
Xrysostom+
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