I am a hymn history nut...all my favorite's are hymns
Amazing Grace: Written in 1779 by John Newton who was a slave trader in England. He wrote this awesome song after he was saved. "Who saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now I am found, was blind but now I see". Music by Carreell and Clayton 1831.
How Great Thou Art: Written in 1886 by Swedish Pastor Carl Boberg after being caught in
a thunderstorm. There were original 9 stanzas. THe song was translated to English by British Missionary Rev. Stuart Hine. Hine actually wrote my favorite verse: " When Chirst
shall come, with shout of acclamation, and take me home what joy shall fill my heart. Then I shall bow in humble adoration, and then proclaim: My God how great Thou art!"
Someone mentioned liking "Onward Christian Soldiers". This was written by Sabine Baring-Gould in 1865 as a march for children participating in an annual festival as they went from
village to village in Yorkshire, England. Music by Arthur S. Sullivan 1871.
Hope you enjoyed the history lesson!
For recent music, I like Casting Crowns and Switchfoot. I have to agree that we need to be
careful with our choice of music, and wonder if it is a sincere form witnessing. Switchfoot has gone a little more mainstream and I can only pray that they keep there christian roots in tact.
Praisediva