Suggested Hymns from HymnSite.com
Featured
Hymn
Featured Hymn
We Believe in One True God
Text: J. G. Werner's Choralbuch
Tune: RATISBON
Featuring this hymn is an opportunity to call attention to several important aspects of the history of Methodist Hymnody, all revolving around the fact that this text was originally in German, written during the mid-1600's.
The Protestant Reformation in Germany resulted in a revitalized and vibrant popular hymnody in the vernacular -- German. It was this usage in the German Church of the language of the people coupled with familiar tunes, rather than Latin and Gregorian Chant, that re-introduced congregational singing to Christendom. However, in England and Scotland other political concerns prevailed, resulting in only the biblical Psalms being sung. Thus for over 200 years German hymnody was prolific while English and Scottish hymnody lost its creativity and appeal to the common folk. English/Anglican hymn singing, in particular, had died out by the time of John Wesley.
Wesley, however, discovered the German Church treasure of hymnody during his brief exposure to the Moravians, and recognized its potential for revitalizing Anglican hymn singing. He was the first to translate some of the German texts, publishing them in 1737 while in Georgia -- the first hymnal ever used in an Anglican Church!
It is the devout Anglican, Catherine Winkworth (1827-1878), however, to whom the largest debt is owed for making this German abundance available to the 19th Century, English-speaking Church. Her prolific work is of the finest quality, revealing her own deeply rooted piety. Fourteen translated texts are attributed to her in the 1989 UM Hymnal -- more than any other translator.
"We Believe in One True God" is a metrical version of the Apostles' Creed from German hymnody, translated by Winkworth. It first appeared in the Methodist Episcopal hymnal of 1878. It did not reappear, however until the 1964 hymnal with its emphasis on incorporating a wider variety of ethnic resources. The current text follows the translation used in the Lutheran Hymnal.
RATISBON's genesis can be traced to its German beginnings as well. It first appeared in 1668. It is well suited to the background and content of the text. However, if it is an unfamiliar tune, consider alternate tunes DIX (92), or TOPLADY (361).
Since using this hymn provides a liturgical alternative to the oft recited creeds, Diane Sanchez's recommendations (The Hymns of the United Methodist Hymnal, Abingdon, 1989) are useful: read it in unison or responsively before singing. Here is the text:
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1. We believe in one true God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, ever present help in need, praised by all the heavenly host; by whose mighty power alone all is made and wrought and done. |
2. We believe in Jesus Christ, Son of God and Mary's Son, who descended from his throne and for us salvation won; by whose cross and death are we rescued from sin's misery. | |
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Lection at HymnSite.com
Contributed by Rev. Linda K. Morgan-Clark
Additional Suggestions for Old Testament Lesson
See also Index listings: "Assurance" p.934; "Dedication of a Building" p.938. Also Hymns 361-381 (Assurance); 102-124 (God's Nature)
Additional Suggestions for Psalter Reading
Psalm 84 (804) is particularly appropriate for theme of "God's Dwelling Place". See also Index listings "Providence" p.950; "Mercy" p.954; also Hymns 126-143 (Providence)
Additional Suggestions for Gospel Lesson
See index listing "Christian Experience" p.936; also Hymns 337-350 (Invitation); 382-394 (Christian Experience)
Additional Suggestions for Epistle Lesson
See also Index listings: "Zeal" p.954; "Triumph" p.953, also Hymns 714-735(Triumph)
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God bless you!
| Passages suggested are from The Revised Common Lectionary: Consultation on Common Texts (Abingdon Press, 1992) copyright © by the Consultation on Common Texts (CCT), P.O. Box 340003, Room 381, Nashville TN 37203-0003. Reprinted with permission of CCT. |