If It Wasn't Written Last Week It's Too Old

I actually have heard of a music guy who actually said that. "If It Wasn't Written Last Week It's Too Old." Seriously?!

I totally believe in singing all the newest and latest songs. There are so many wonderful new songs being written. I've written a few myself and we have sung them at Hilldale (I just don't announce, "O, by the way, I wrote this next song. Sing purty now!")

However, those who want to throw out the old songs just because they are old are missing out. I've come up with a short list of things they are missing.

1. Great, deep, theological truths expressed in rich language

2. A connection with the Saints who have gone before us, (this is important) the great cloud of witnesses of Hebrews 12:1 NIV

3. Many people in each congregation like some of those songs that weren't written last week

4. Just because it's new doesn't mean it's good. A song should be judged on it's text and the craftsmanship of the song. A bad melody or uninteresting chord structure can't be overlooked just because it's new. Bad theology is never excusable just because you or even someone famous wrote it and you like it.

Hmmm. My list changed from things missing to other things too, but you get the idea.

My latest poll gives you a chance to vote on your favorite hymn written before 1800. Wow. We still sing a lot of these.