The Importance of Good Hymn Theology
August 14, 2024 | by Guest Author
As a Director of Religious Education (DRE), I recently deliberated on adopting a new hymnal with my parish staff. Despite not being musically inclined, I managed to jot down some key points during the meeting that resonated with me. What was wrong with our current hymnal, and why was a switch necessary?
1. Liturgical Posture
One hymn that stood out was 'Let Us Break Bread Together on Our Knees'. This choice had significant implications for our First Communion program, where parents voiced their disappointment over its exclusion.
As an educator introducing children to the Mass, it became evident that the lyrics of the hymn did not align with Catholic doctrine, specifically regarding the ‘breaking of the bread’ by the priest during consecration. We do not break the Host--the priest does; and he is standing while doing so. This is a Protestant hymn and does not belong in the Catholic Church, no matter how lovely and meaningful it is when sung in a non-Catholic church.
2. Integrity of Doctrine
Now, consider another hymn we discussed: "Faith Of Our Fathers." This hymn appears to have undergone alterations in Protestant hymnals to make it more inclusive by omitting references to Mary's intercessory prayers. This change reflects a broader attempt to appeal to non-Catholic audiences, but it raises questions about maintaining the integrity of Catholic beliefs in worship music selections.
And as a DRE we cannot teach one thing in the classroom and have it contradicted by songs sung at Holy Mass.
Sadly, in the contemporary landscape, the approval process for liturgical texts has evolved, since Vatican II with books now alternately having a review by a committee of the USCCB in Washington rather than the traditional Imprimatur by a bishop and the official censor in his diocese.
This shift has led to discrepancies in many ‘Catholic’ hymnals, like 'Faith of Our Fathers' in its modified Protestant form, potentially diluting the Catholic identity of the repertoire.
3. Grace
One might call it "amazing," but I was concerned to hear that this popular hymn also has some major theological discrepancies: "how precious did that grace appear, the hour I first believed." The problem here is the implication that "the hour" in which grace is infused, is when "I believed." Catholic doctrine says that faith given prior to baptism does not confer grace, but rather that baptism infuses sanctifying grace, charity, the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the other moral virtues in the soul.
These are but three Protestant hymns among many others hiding behind the veil of the USCCB committee that, if having been run through the historic proper channels of censor and bishop, would surely not grace the pews of Catholic pews.
Considering these factors, it is crucial for parishes to thoroughly assess hymnals for adherence to Catholic teachings and traditions. By upholding the significance of the Imprimatur and ensuring that sacred music resonates with the faith community's beliefs, we can preserve the authenticity and spiritual essence of our worship practices.
Doctrinally incorrect hymns should not be used in the liturgy, for if we truly believe the words of Saint Augustine, "He who sings prays twice," these hymns cause us to err twice. This is not a good thing for Catholics to do in their public worship.