Comments on: The Solid Rock

By: Jay Wingard

Jay Wingard — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 01:07:29 +0000

Hi Tony,
Thanks for posting. To be honest, I have not come across a standard hymn that would be difficult to understand. For example, the lyrics of “The Solid Rock” use plain ol’ English and none of the King James type of language. :-) I fear that in our trying so hard to meet people where they are we have created worship songs that are nothing but two lines repeated over and over again. Paul reminds the church in Colossae to teach and admonish one another through the singing of hymns and spiritual songs (Col. 3:16) so there is no doubt the theology and richness of good hymns is essential. I just fear we continue to see a downward trend in more modern worship songs that just truly aren’t worship. Don’t get me wrong – there are a few modern hymn writers like the Gettys that write some excellent and rich theological music but 99% of the modern day worship music just falls so short – and I do not believe it is because of a desire to use modern day language.

By: Tony

Tony — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 23:32:20 +0000

As a worship leader I agree with your comment “take time to read the words and reflect on the beautiful meanings behind them”, however many people can not understand Old English, so they don’t understand what they are singing when they sing the old hymns. It’s more like reciting poetry than worshiping God. One would need a dictionary with them in church to understand the words. Most people like to sing songs they understand and are written in today’s language.

By: Soli Deo Gloria - Reformed Christian Thought

Soli Deo Gloria - Reformed Christian Thought — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 23:20:37 +0000

[...] truly listened to the words. Like “Rock of Ages”, my absolute favorite hymn, and “The Solid Rock” this beautiful hymn also sings such truth of Holy [...]

By: Stuart

Stuart — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 18:24:40 +0000

Integrity & theology in worship seem to have been replaced by preference and convenience. Our music in worship, along with all other aspects of ministry, cannot be consumer driven.
Worship is God driven. He created, intiates, leads, energizes, motivates and is the object of all true worship. Solid hymns tend to focus more on the worshipped (God) as opposed to many other texts which focus on the worshipper.
Martin Luther believed so strongly that music and preaching go hand in hand with proclaiming the Word of God that he required all ministers to receive musical training before ordination.

By: David

David — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 04:16:19 +0000

Another suggestion to everyone singing in church. Smile. When you read and reflect on the words of these hymns you cannot help but smile. I see a lot of people in church, even in the choir, who don’t seem very excited about being able to sing in church. Remember Psalm 100:1 says to “make a joyful noise.” I don’t think it says anywhere in the Bible that Singing in the right tune is a requirement.