Ecumenical "Secular Hymnal"

[PaladinValer]

Let's have some fun.

I propose the creation of a Ecumenical "Secular Hymnal" here: secular songs proposed by any Christian that have a strong theological, moral, or otherwise positive philosophical message that helps them relate to our living faith.

Rules:

1. The song must be secular, meaning that it cannot be made especially for the Christian faith "directly."

2. You must include both the song's title, artist, and why you believe it should be included in the list.

3. You may suggest up to five songs total (at least for now). You don't have to suggest all five at once.

4. By all means, please discuss the songs suggested by others.

5. For the purpose of this thread, the discussion of issues of elephants, corrupt bishops, etc, is hereby suspended.

6. Those who violate rule #5 shall be sporked :P

7. After a month, we'll vote on the top 50 songs (as I'm assuming there'll be probably over 100 proposed).

Here's hoping for a little uplifting discussion and perhaps a bit of fun as well!

PS - By participating, you are acknowledging the Anglican superiority of music (j/k). ;)

[Colabomb]

This is difficult to do as the line between "Christian music" and "Secular Music" blurs.

Maybe i'll jump in after the ball rolls, cause the best ones i can think of come from artists on that Line.... Most of my other music is either blantantly Christian, or completely secular lol.

[pmcleanj]

Mike and the Mechanics The Living Years -- Recapitulates the Old Testament teaching that "the sins of the fathers are visited upon the sons" and emphasises the need for reconciliation, and the role that can be played by breaking out of a cycle of blaming by undertaking a posture of listening rather than defensiveness.

And in a similar light, Paul Brandt's The Sycamore Tree -- witnesses to the power of forgiveness to restore relationships and to set victims free from the consequences of their persecutor's sin.

[IowaLutheran]

PS - By participating, you are acknowledging the Anglican superiority of music (j/k). ;)

I don't think you can top Bach :P

[karen freeinchristman]

A secular song that really does it for me is Coldplay's 'Politik':
'Politik'. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUaZ6uoCkfo)

The lyrics begin with wondering about earth from outer space, everyone must find their place. It talks about the value of real as opposed to fake, and the line 'open up your eyes' makes me think of the blind being able to see, insomuch as the veil being lifted from our eyes. 'Give me strength, reserve, control; give me heart and give me soul' - self-explanatory, really. 'Give me peace of mind and trust'... 'wounds that heal and cracks that fix'... Finally, the ending verses are just lovely. I wish they would go on for longer: 'and give me love over this'. :thumbsup:

[karen freeinchristman]

Ooh, this is another great Coldplay song that could go in the secular hymnal: 'Daylight' (http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/PrintLyrics?OpenForm&ParentUnid=3F9E69A2AB29D7E348256BF70004A51B)

Found this article (http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/glimpses/2003/arushofbloodtothehead.html) examining the Christian-esque lyrics of Coldplay.

[Colabomb]

Well i'll be cheap and mention U2 lol

40

[PaladinValer]

This is difficult to do as the line between "Christian music" and "Secular Music" blurs.

That, in a sense, is part of the point of the thread.

What is oft-termed "secular" needn't always mean "not spiritual." There are plenty of truly secular things, like music, that can stir something spiritual and religious within the observer.

Mike and the Mechanics The Living Years -- Recapitulates the Old Testament teaching that "the sins of the fathers are visited upon the sons" and emphasises the need for reconciliation, and the role that can be played by breaking out of a cycle of blaming by undertaking a posture of listening rather than defensiveness.

I vouch for this suggestion as well for the exact same reasons. Incidentally, it is one of the few songs that exist that I cannot listen to without crying copiously.

I don't think you can top Bach :P

Yes I can: Enya :cool: ;)

My list include:

1. Deliver Me, by Sarah Brightman. A truly magnificent, prayer-like song that requests deliverance, prays for strength from without and within, and is thankful to the one who leads the way.

2. Into The West, by Annie Lennox. Inspired by the fabulous Lord of the Rings books, a song of hope, courage, and a reminder that "death" is not the end but the beginning of eternal life.

3. Kyrie, by Mr. Mister. This secular gem is now ~20 years old yet still is my personal second favorite song of all. A truly inspiring song about finding one's true self and forging one's own path, with constant prayer for grace and mercy, that is special and unique.

4. Neverending Story (Extended Dance Mix), by Limahl. Another theme song (obviously to The Neverending Story), a song that expresses the power of dreams, hopes, and the most desperate desire of a noble heart, as well as a warning: "those who have no hope are easy to control". It also reminds us that all existence is truly a Neverending Story, that we all play a part in, so be sure you play your part in a way that will bring light.

5. I would have suggested The Living Years, but since pmcleanj so rightly brought it up already, I'm going to suggest something else: Believe, by Josh Groban. My last theme song (The Polar Express), another song expressing the vital importance of dreams and hope, and emphasizes the raw power of faith. It also serves as a reminder of one's childhood and suggests that perhaps adults need to reembrace what they've lost.

Well i'll be cheap and mention U2 lol

40

You must select which songs you want, though I daresay that will be difficult with that particular group.

And will remind you that the "five-only" limit can always be changed later if need be.

[Colabomb]

I find the entire album "The Wall" to be spiritually moving, but not necessarily in a positive light. The album does a great job of portraying human frailty, and the destructive nature of over indulgence.

Very important and moving to the Christian, but not something that we would want in a hymnal as it ends with a mental breakdown.

Oh this is tough...

I want to contribute... just wracking my brain finding something appropriate.... :P