by Becky Ren\u00e9<\/p>\n
From time to time, concerns are raised about the wording of certain hymns. A particular line may be singled out and questioned on the grounds that it could give the wrong impression or, if taken at face value, appear to teach something inaccurate. Such concerns are often raised sincerely, and they deserve to be treated with respect. However, there is a danger that, in seeking precision, we may begin to press language beyond its intended purpose and, in doing so, create problems that do not truly exist.<\/p>\n
The issue is not whether truth matters-it most certainly does-but whether we are interpreting language correctly. If we demand that every line of a hymn be a precise doctrinal statement, free from any poetic or expressive wording, we may find ourselves rejecting not only many hymns but also misunderstanding the very nature of language used in Scripture itself.<\/p>\n
This raises an important question. If one individual objects to a line in a hymn and insists that it should not be sung, should the entire congregation yield to that objection? At first glance, it may seem reasonable to avoid anything that could potentially be misunderstood. However, if that principle is applied rigidly, it quickly leads to difficulties.<\/p>\n
There are many expressions-both in hymns and in Scripture-that, when taken in an overly literal or technical sense, could be challenged. If we begin removing hymns on that basis, where does the process end? The problem is not the wording itself, but the way in which it is being interpreted.<\/p>\n
This kind of language is not limited to hymns. It is found throughout Scripture, particularly in the Book of Psalms. If we were to apply a rigid, literal standard to these passages, we would encounter serious difficulties.<\/p>\n
In Psalms 58:3, the writer says, “The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies<\/em>.” Taken literally, this would suggest that infants are capable of speaking lies from birth. Clearly, this is not the intended meaning.<\/p>\n In Psalms 51:5, David says, “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me<\/em>.” If pressed literally, this could be used to support the idea of inherited sin, though that is not the doctrinal point being made.<\/p>\n In Psalms 14:1, we read, “There is none that doeth good, no, not one<\/em>.” Taken absolutely, this would contradict other passages. It is a poetic description of widespread corruption.<\/p>\n If we apply one rule to hymns and a different rule to Scripture, we are not being consistent.<\/p>\n Now consider what happens when the same rigid approach is applied to hymns.<\/p>\n In “Just As I Am,” we read, “Just as I am, without one plea.” Taken strictly, one might argue that this denies the need for obedience. Yet the hymn expresses humility, not doctrine.<\/p>\n In “Take My Life And Let It Be,” the line “Take my life…” might be criticised as passive. Yet it expresses willing surrender.<\/p>\n In “Nearer, My God, To Thee,” the phrase “a cross that raiseth me” could be challenged. Yet it poetically expresses the idea that suffering draws one nearer to God.<\/p>\n These are not doctrinal statements-they are devotional expressions.<\/p>\n At this point, an important clarification is necessary. Not all hymns are beyond criticism, and not all wording can be explained away as poetic language.<\/p>\n There are cases where a hymn does convey a doctrinal idea that must be examined carefully. For example, in the hymn “Only Believe,” the repeated line “Only believe” can easily be understood as teaching that faith alone is sufficient, without obedience. This is not merely a poetic expression-it reflects a doctrinal emphasis that must be tested and, if necessary, rejected.<\/p>\n Therefore, discernment is required. We must neither accept careless wording nor reject sound expression through misunderstanding.<\/p>\n The real issue is not whether wording could be misunderstood, but whether it is being interpreted properly. There is a difference between language that actually teaches error and language that expresses truth poetically.<\/p>\n If we fail to recognize that difference, we risk creating unnecessary division and placing burdens where Scripture has not.<\/p>\n Poetic language is a legitimate and valuable form of expression in both Scripture and song. If we apply one rule to hymns and another to Scripture, we are not being consistent. At the same time, we must not assume that all wording is acceptable simply because it is poetic.<\/p>\n Balance is essential. We must neither accept everything uncritically nor reject sound expressions through misunderstanding.<\/p>\n In practical terms, we should approach both Scripture and hymns with care and understanding. Not every line is intended as a doctrinal formula, and we must be careful not to force it into that role. At the same time, we must remain alert to wording that genuinely conveys error.<\/p>\n We should also be cautious about allowing one individual’s interpretation to determine congregational practice. Concerns should be heard, but decisions should be made with careful consideration and scriptural reasoning.<\/p>\n Finally, we must cultivate humility. A willingness to listen, to think carefully, and to distinguish between expression and doctrine will help preserve both truth and unity.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" by Becky Ren\u00e9 Why Over-Literal Interpretation Can Lead to Misunderstanding From time to time, concerns are raised about the wording of certain hymns. A particular line may be singled out and questioned on the grounds that it could give the wrong impression or, if taken at face value, appear to teach something inaccurate. Such concerns…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[27],"tags":[211,1449,521],"class_list":["post-95080","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-article","tag-figurative-language","tag-figures-of-speech","tag-songs"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":49264,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/does-the-language-in-which-the-bible-is-read-change-the-way-we-interpret-certain-passages\/","url_meta":{"origin":95080,"position":0},"title":"Does the language in which the Bible is read change the way we interpret certain passages?","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"October 8, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Question: I have a question about the Bible that I'd like to ask. Does the language in which the Bible is read change the way we interpret certain passages? Answer: Translating a text from one language to another ideally expresses the same ideas in both languages. However, there are always\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Answer"","block_context":{"text":"Answer","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/answer\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":37907,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/should-it-be-faith-or-the-faith-in-ephesians-28-and-colossians-212\/","url_meta":{"origin":95080,"position":1},"title":"Should it be “faith” or “the faith” in Ephesians 2:8 and Colossians 2:12?","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"March 19, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Question: Greetings brother Hamilton, I am perplexed as to what the later part of Colossians 2:12 means, \"Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye have risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.\" Does this part of the scripture\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Answer"","block_context":{"text":"Answer","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/answer\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":32593,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/what-was-the-original-language\/","url_meta":{"origin":95080,"position":2},"title":"What was the original language?","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"April 19, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Question: Hi, I'm a part of the church of Christ and have found this site to be on point. I have grown very much in Christ and I'm having the time of my life obeying our God. I just had to say all that because it feels good to preach\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Answer"","block_context":{"text":"Answer","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/answer\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":10447,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/was-balaams-donkey-speaking-in-tongues\/","url_meta":{"origin":95080,"position":3},"title":"Was Balaam’s donkey speaking in tongues?","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"June 18, 2007","format":false,"excerpt":"Question: Was speaking in tongues done in the Old Testament? The reason I ask is that talking in tongues is nothing more speaking in a language not known to the user. I know it won't be a critical or applicable statement, but didn't even a donkey speak in tongues with\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Answer"","block_context":{"text":"Answer","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/answer\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":6988,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/are-there-passages-that-refer-to-the-lords-supper\/","url_meta":{"origin":95080,"position":4},"title":"Are there passages that refer to THE Lord’s Supper?","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"August 2, 2006","format":false,"excerpt":"Question: We have been studying the Lord's supper issues and one of our main concerns is about a second offering in which only a few partake, for the reasons you listed in your article (not doing it together). We have been questioning the idea of everyone taking it a second\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Answer"","block_context":{"text":"Answer","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/answer\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":41673,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/why-was-there-a-need-for-the-interpretation-of-tongues\/","url_meta":{"origin":95080,"position":5},"title":"Why was there a need for the interpretation of tongues?","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"January 9, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Question: Greetings Brother, Thank you in advance for answering my question, which is: Why did the disciples, who received the Spiritual gift of speaking in tongues by the laying on of the hands of the apostles, need interpreters when employing that gift and the apostles did not? Thank you so\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Answer"","block_context":{"text":"Answer","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/answer\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/95080","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=95080"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/95080\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=95080"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=95080"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=95080"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Applying the Same Standard to Hymns<\/h2>\n
A Necessary Distinction<\/h2>\n
Understanding the Real Issue<\/h2>\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n
Applications<\/h2>\n