I recall when I first started hearing Anabaptist choirs occasionally sing songs in another language at some of their programs. Unless they were going to at some time in their itinerary to be going to sing to that people group I at first did not really see the point.Sudsy wrote:As a non-Russian/German background Anabaptist, I am curious about the reason(s) for Christians presenting a culture and language different from the culture and english language we live in. Sounds to me like some form of patriotism which is usually frowned upon when others bring some American patriotism into their Christianity.
And regarding this happening in a local church, I was in a church one time where they selected a hymn not in english and since I couldn't participate my thoughts went to what the scripture says about speaking in an unknown tongue without an interpreter. In 1 Cor 14 we are told that everything is to be done to build up the church. It seems to me to say, speak only in the standard language of the culture and does not support the idea of speaking or worshipping aloud in other languages.
I attend an Anabaptist church of many colours from various ethnic backgrounds. To sing a hymn in German would just not happen. And, so far, we haven't had to deal with unknown tongues requiring interpreting. Personally I would find a church not using english throughout worship as not very inviting to an outsider like myself.
Any thoughts on this ?
But I see it a bit different today. Sometimes I simply like the music to speak for itself. Music I feel is a language in itself and at times it has spoken to me in very deep ways. I am sure Sudsy that at times you have listened to instrumentals and enjoyed them unless maybe you are a person that only enjoys them if you know the words behind them. I am not that way and this type of singing might be the closest that an a cappella choir comes to an instrumental.
Just something to think about.
To those of you that think a real opportunity to witness was missed here. Perhaps you are correct. I think their real purpose of doing this was for much more selfish reasons in that it was one last hurrah for them before they parted. On the other hand based on the number of hits these videos have had and talking into consideration that that means people often then also listen to other songs that they have sung, who knows if the overall impact may not have been greater then if they had simply sung a well known gospel song.