Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
In our previous article, we examined the church’s current dilemma of distractions in worship. We identified several distraction-related components as well as potential management or prevention techniques. Decorum versus Distraction (Part 2) is an appraisal of hymns over certain choruses as a means to enhance decorum and sanctity during liturgical celebrations.
Hymns are spiritual songs or poems that are sung in adoration or worship. They are used to demonstrate devotion, commemorate beliefs, strengthen a sense of community among worshippers and they constitute an essential component of many religious traditions.
The Israelites made extensive use of hymns and psalms in their religious practices. These hymns and psalms were a fundamental part of their worship, offering praise, thanksgiving, lament, and supplication to God. They were often recited, sung, or chanted during various religious rituals, celebrations, and gatherings. The Book of Psalms in the Hebrew Bible contains a collection of these hymns and poetic songs that are attributed to King David and other authors. They express a wide range of emotions and spiritual reflections. These hymns and psalms played a significant role in connecting the Israelites with their faith, history and community.
In the Catholic Church, hymns play important roles in liturgical worship. They are sung during various parts of the Mass and other para-liturgical services. Catholic hymns often focus on praising God, expressing faith, and pondering church doctrine. Hymns like “Amazing Grace,” “Here We Are,” “Ave Maria,” and “Holy, Holy, Holy” are well-known examples of hymns used in Catholic worship. These hymns contribute to creating a reverent and uplifting atmosphere during worship or celebrations.
Five to six decades ago, it was common to see many Christians, especially Catholics, possessing a Bible and a hymnbook. These books were used in the liturgy and even in private devotions and prayers. Many of our parents and grandparents owed much of their knowledge of doctrine to these hymns.
Even in schools, the older generation will agree with me that hymns were sung on the assembly grounds for morning devotions. When I was in secondary school, I had the good fortune to sing some hymnals, such as “Ancient and Modern”, “Song of Praise,” and the Catholic Hymnbook. In contrast to choruses and their trite phrases, these hymns conveyed biblical truths, ethical principles, and the basics for the development of a healthy conscience.
Indeed, the profundity of hymn lyrics cannot be underestimated. It is of great benefit to the moral and doctrinal formation of children. As a result of this, the administrative body of Domus Mariae College in Igarra, Akoko-Edo State, employs hymnbooks for morning devotions.
Hymns enhance decorum in spiritual or sacred gatherings by creating an atmosphere of reverence and unity among worshippers. The structured and melodic nature of hymns encourages people to sing together in a coordinated manner, fostering a sense of communal participation and respect for the sacredness of the celebration. The lyrics of hymns often convey theological truths, biblical teachings, and messages of faith, which can help worshippers connect more deeply with the spiritual themes of the day or season. Additionally, hymns can help establish a sense of order and solemnity, contributing to a more focused and respectful environment during sacred ceremonies.
Apart from the decorum and uniformity that hymns bring to worship, there are numerous other reasons hymns should be promoted in churches and even schools today.
The use of hymns brings about spiritual connection. By this, I mean the capacity to intuitively comprehend something that impacts our soul and gives our lives purpose. Hymns, with their deep theological connotations, assist the assembly of the people of God in connecting with their faith on a profound level. If these hymns are translated into the listeners’ native tongue, the desired effect is enhanced even further.
Tradition is another factor that influences the value we have for hymns. By tradition, I mean the totality of the religious truths that have been passed down orally and through letters to the Church. It is a living archive of her members’ collective experience. Therefore, hymns help us to create a sense of continuity and heritage among believers.
Similarly, we cannot ignore the memorability of hymns. By nature, hymns have recurring melodies and lyrics that help people remember them and apply the ideas to other contexts. Additionally, they convey important lessons, values, and beliefs to both adults and children.
Most preachers who are familiar with hymn lyrics would agree that hymns provide opportunities for reflection and meditation. They are approachable regardless of age and musical talent because of their straightforward melodies and words.
More so, hymns offer a way to communicate a variety of emotions, from gratitude and joy to grief and repentance. Choruses may undoubtedly be emotional as well, as many often express their emotions through various dance steps and body language. However, hymns, compared to choruses, evoke feelings that go beyond the immediate context. That is, they have long-lasting impacts, while choruses have more fleeting ones.
For some of us, I’m aware that this may seem absurd. It is not an attempt to make us archaic men, nor do I want the church to lose its appeal. Rather, I have my doubts about a lot of the choruses and their concomitant dance steps in the church today. The beauty of hymns should be rediscovered in order to further elevate worship’s formality and spirituality. In the words of Matthew Kelly, “If you and I are not part of the solution, we are part of the problem.” The top coaches will tell you that the winning teams are those who concentrate on the basics and perfect them collectively. We need to get back to the basics to win the prize set before us.
