One of the tricky things about writing hymns these days is that we are as likely as ever to be well-versed in hymns from before us. And, I don’t know, how many Doxologies can exist without repeating other hymns?
Category Archives: As Theological Writers
Saying Too Much
They say editing is an art, and, whether you’re editing yourself or someone else, I believe it. Saying too much can come so easily, written or spoken, that it affects just about every genre! Though writing dialogue can be hard, I guess the dialogue between writer and audience bears some of the same challenges.
Filed under As Theological Writers, Hymns, Writer Troubles, Writing Exercises
Hymn Idea
One of the things I like about poetry is the ability to spin around a single focus-point. Writing hymns can be even more satisfying as we can integrate biblical imagery and integrate texts! I lost my notes for it, but one idea I had for the Reformation hymn contest was to write about Christ, our Rock, and I am sharing the idea, fleshed out a little, with you! Continue reading
Filed under As Theological Writers, Hymns, Poetry, Shared Writing Ideas
Cross that T
Today enough people will receive ashes crossed on their foreheads that the world just might remember a day many call Ash Wednesday. Not everyone remembers the symbolism. Not everyone likes the public dimension of the practice. But, whether you do or not, there is an important reminder for all of us, even as writers.
Psalm 19
Our words are not God’s Words, but consider this excerpt from the Book of Psalms:
The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
2 Day to day pours out speech,
and night to night reveals knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words,
whose voice is not heard.
4 Their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world. (Psalm 19:1-4, ESV)
Filed under As Christian Writers, As Theological Writers
Anonymous
There are pros and cons to anonymity. Regretfully, a lot of people are more vicious while anonymous. Sorry, guys, anonymous sin is still sin. Continue reading
Filed under As Theological Writers
Rules for Christian Writing
I am not going to tell you that Christian writing has to follow a certain structure or belong to a certain genre (Are Christian novels really more Christian than devotions or Christian textbooks?). But what about containing certain necessary elements? By all means–and I mean that–avoid seeping people in lies or leading astray, but . . . Continue reading
Filed under As Theological Writers
Flexibility
Let’s compare two semi-random stanzas of poetic hymnody: Continue reading
Filed under As Theological Writers, Style, Theological reflection
Scraps of Poetry
A piece of paper can be a beautiful thing. A little scribbling later, and you never want to throw it away. Whether they are your own words or someone else, those smudges and bleeds have tapped into something. Continue reading
Filed under As Theological Writers, Contests, Hymns, Poetry, Uncategorized
Incomplete Voice
As writers with a theology and worldview we want to share, it can daunting. Have we said enough? What should be included? Am I on a soapbox or in a pulpit? Possibly off a rocker? Continue reading
Filed under As Theological Writers