Dated Songs, Technology Songs, and Anabaptist Tradition

[ohio jones]

There are other songs about ships and trains that are sung very solemnly by conservative Anabaptists.
Life is like a Mountain Railroad, If on a Quiet Sea toward Heaven we Calmly Sail, Jesus Savior, Pilot Me. etc.

Indeed. It seems that nautical metaphors became a cliche in the early 20th century "Gospel songs."

Still a cliche in early 21st century CCM. How do you make a song popular?

[Joy]

I'm curious, what is the objection to references to angels in hymns? Not familiar with "Angel Band," but I don't understand the problem in the lyrics.

[Soloist]

I'm curious, what is the objection to references to angels in hymns? Not familiar with "Angel Band," but I don't understand the problem in the lyrics.

My personal impression is that is praise song of angels and I'm not comfortable with that really. Its sung at my church and generally I chose not to speak about my objections.

Lyrics
My latest sun is sinking fast
My race is nearly run
My strongest trials now are past
My triumph hath begun
Oh come, angel band
Come and around me stand
Oh, bear me away on your snow-white wings
To my immortal home
Oh, bear me away on your snow-white wings
To my immortal home
I've almost gained my heav'nly home
My spirit loudly sings
The holy ones, behold they come!
I hear the noise of wings
Oh come, angel band
Come and around me stand
Oh, bear me away on your snow-white wings
To my immortal home
Oh, bear me away on your snow-white wings
To my immortal home
Oh come, angel band
Come and around me stand
Oh, bear me away on your snow-white wings
To my immortal home
Oh, bear me away on your snow-white wings
To my immortal home

[Ernie]

I'm curious, what is the objection to references to angels in hymns? Not familiar with "Angel Band," but I don't understand the problem in the lyrics.

1. Singing to angels is not a lot different from praying to/through Mary.
2. I don't expect to have angels bear me to heaven.
3. I'm not aware that angels have wings.

[Soloist]

I'm curious, what is the objection to references to angels in hymns? Not familiar with "Angel Band," but I don't understand the problem in the lyrics.

1. Singing to angels is not a lot different from praying to/through Mary.
2. I don't expect to have angels bear me to heaven.
3. I'm not aware that angels have wings.

I agree with the first point, am neutral on the second, and disagree with the third.

See Exodus 25:20, Exodus 37:9, 1 Kings 6:27, Isaiah 6:2, Ezekiel 10:5... This isn't even all of them.

[Joy]

I'm curious, what is the objection to references to angels in hymns? Not familiar with "Angel Band," but I don't understand the problem in the lyrics.

1. Singing to angels is not a lot different from praying to/through Mary.
2. I don't expect to have angels bear me to heaven.
3. I'm not aware that angels have wings.

Various people in Scripture spoke with angels. Mary is dead, and can't do anything for us, even hear us. Who knows whether angels can hear us? It was part of the job description for some angels to come carry Lazarus away.

Argument from silence as to winged angels?

[Josh]

The idea Christmas is pagan is utterly absurd.

[Ken]

The idea Christmas is pagan is utterly absurd.

The birth of Christ is of course not. But many if not most Christmas holiday traditions have pagan roots. From Christmas trees to caroling to gift giving to celebrating it on the winter solstice. Many have their origins in the older pagan Roman holiday of Saturnalia.

[AnthonyMartin]

The idea Christmas is pagan is utterly absurd.

The birth of Christ is of course not. But many if not most Christmas holiday traditions have pagan roots. From Christmas trees to caroling to gift giving to celebrating it on the winter solstice. Many have their origins in the older pagan Roman holiday of Saturnalia.

Weekday names, Month names etc. It is likely worshipping on Sunday also has pagan roots.

Kissing under the mistletoe was started by the Druids who believed it would heal sickness. See, even pagan barbarians had a Holy Kiss. Eternity in their hearts?

[Grace]

Love this song, but often wondered what the difference was between an "old time Christian" versus a "new time Christian".

Aren't we all saved by the Blood of Jesus, and asked to live according to the scriptures, especially the New Testament teachings?