Toward the goal of answering the question, “What
is a hymn?” -- here are some introductory statements:
- The term, “HYMN,” refers to the TEXT and not to
the TUNE or SETTING (music).
- Throughout the history of the Christian Church, PRAISE has
been a common characteristic of hymns.
Praise is a NOISY activity.
Praise is the cord which connects the mouth with the heart.
Humankind was created specifically to PRAISE and WORSHIP God (Isaiah
43:21)
The desire to express praise if often the result of a full and
joyful heart. And, like a FIRE, once it gets started -- it is often
difficult to put out.
The desire to express praise is often the result of experiencing
"The Holy" -- that which is truly sacred.
PRAISE should not be confused with THANKSGIVING. PRAISE is the
RESULT of experiencing experiencing THE HOLY and is initiated from
God to humankind. THANKSGIVING is the result of a thankful heart
and is initiated from humankind toward God.
Praise is not unlike PRAYER, in that it is an active COMMUNE -ication
with God.
HYMNS are SONGS OF PRAISE to God.
- Hymn singing is TRADITIONAL, that is Christians have always
sung hymns.
- Hymn singing is a GROUP ACTIVITY and is usually associated
with the act of WORSHIP.
- Hymns are more than just sung scripture, they are NEW and
sometimes SPONTANEOUS.
- Hymns are POEMS and have literary characteristics.
- Hymns are THEOLOGICAL.
- The majority of hymns are METRICAL.
- Hymns can used to teach basic Christian doctrine and consequently
are PEDIGOGICAL.
- Hymns and hymn singing can be CONTROVERSIAL.