Greetings all,
I come across this wonderful "hymn" (The Battle Hymn of the Republic)quite unexpectedly, and I really like it. The melody is quite impressive and the lyrics are just waw!!!
IMHO we need to grasp the reality of the Jesus (who is marching on, i translated that as who is coming back)she described, swift to execute revenge, Holy, Powerful, etc.
Any thoughts?
Are you speaking of the American Civil War, Union Army Song?
check here for songs of North and South http://www.civilwarmusic.net/songs.php
The Battle Hymn of the Republic should still be our National Battle Song. Praise Jesus, they will soon outlaw the singing of any song like this. Lord willing, the more they outlaw these things the more they will be sung. At least at our home.
white stone
Yes, that one. But how come it is (just) another "patriotic" song? forgive my ignorance (i'm not american), for me it sounds more like a victorious song for the Glory of Christ...
Hi looserchapel,
"But how come it is (just) another "patriotic" song?"
You didn't hear that from me. I love to hear the song sung. The words are wonderful. It was a different Country at the time of that dreadful war. In their own ways, to me, both sides were right, but the Nation could not be allowed to divide. Brother fought against brother in that war. Families were torn asunder. The South was wrecked and still has not completely recovered from the war or the 'Reconstruction' that followed.
I was born in the North and have lived the majority of my life in the South. I would not want to be in the position to ever have to make the choices those people were forced to make.
The song, since it was used as the Yankee song now is viewed as Racist. Although in my opinion there is nothing Racist about it.
Regards,
white stone
I can't say I think it's that great; I mean, "I have seen Him in the watchfire of a hundred circling camps...etc."
Come on, really? Did the writer really think Jesus, The Prince of Peace, was supporting these bloody killers? No matter whose side was right. It never ceases to amaze me how people seem to think God is on some warring people's side. It is the whole mindset that I don't agree with. Read Mark Twain's short story on "The War Prayer" to see what I mean.
Here it is-- The War Prayer
Hey this is one of my favourite songs as well its really portrays the glory of Christ as a mighty warrior!
Here is a modern day rendition of it, its really good!
This song is in a context of a bloody four year war in which a half million Americans died on both sides of the nation. More lives were lost in what we call the Civil War than any war Americans faught in. That includes WW II. The south was fighting to preserve an evil institution that should have been abolished decades prior to the Civil War. The idea of one human being owning another human being is a stench. The north said it was fighting to preserve the union and free the slaves. Yet the northern atrocities speak for themselves.
I think Sherman best said it in his quotation when be said "War is bell". And that is what the Civil War was. And so I cannot get caught up in what we call "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" understanding the historical backdrop of this song.
May I remind us that our allegiance is to the Son of God and a cross not to a flag. May I remind us our citizenship is in heaven and not America. May I remind us Jesus Christ died for our sins and not Ron Paul. Ron Paul can not save you, Jesus Christ can.
I think the song Ray Bolts wrote years ago entitled "I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb" speaks far more volumes than the battle hymn.
Blaine Scogin
This song is in a context of a bloody four year war
I sincerely cannot relate that "weight of history" since I'm not american, but I think you are right, if we are to take the song in the context...
As the other brother suggested (a portion of the song he could not buy into), perhaps I have failed to understand the meaning of some part of the song, but still, I really like the wordings she used despite the background
Blessings,
May I remind us that our allegiance is to the Son of God and a cross not to a flag. May I remind us our citizenship is in heaven and not America. May I remind us Jesus Christ died for our sins and not Ron Paul. Ron Paul can not save you, Jesus Christ can.I think the song Ray Bolts wrote years ago entitled "I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb" speaks far more volumes than the battle hymn.
I could not agree with you more, Blain. Even though Ron Paul is the most Constitutional candidate, he cannot save the USA!! Don't put your trust in poloticians! You will be dissapointed again and again and again. Blain, I'd love to add your quote to my signature, if you don't mind.
P.S. I think Sherman's quote should read, "War is hell". Words were never truer spoken, btw. War is not great, Godly, or something Christians should be engaged in. It is "Hellish."
looserchapel,
I find your interpretation of this song interesting.I never before considered it out of the context of the American Civil War.
There is another 'war' song [EDIT] some people love to sing, "Onward Christian Soldiers". Never associated it with any secular war, but who knows, it may have been written in the context of a war, I have no clue.
ginnyrose
Hello Creation7,
You said, "I can't say I think it's that great; I mean, "I have seen Him in the watchfire of a hundred circling camps...etc."
Come on, really? Did the writer really think Jesus, The Prince of Peace, was supporting these bloody killers?"
How could you no think Jesus would be there. If the soldiers prayed to Him, He would be with them. Not all soldiers are 'bloody killers.' That is such a harsh judgment of practically a generation of men.
Have you ever read any of the compilations of letters from soldiers to wives & family? They were, from what I have read, nearer to God then most men I have met today.
Jesus did not tell the Centurion, who asked that his servant be healed, stop being a soldier. Soldiers fight wars, that is what they do. A majority of the men in that war were conscripted, I believe. I have pity for them and their families. The politicians were the evil ones then, the same holds true today.
white stone
How could you no think Jesus would be there.
I do think He was there, in the sense that he is onmipresent, but I do not think He was supporting killing.
If the soldiers prayed to Him, He would be with them.
I'm not really sure what you mean by "with" them. Do you mean it in the sense that He supports those people's endeavours who pray to Him? Scripture makes it clear that just praying to God does not make Him a fan or supporter of what you're doing.
Not all soldiers are 'bloody killers.'
True, but by associating and approving and supporting the whole mess, soldiers are responsible for the bloody killings. It's the "aiding and abetting" concept.
Have you ever read any of the compilations of letters from soldiers to wives & family?
Yes, I have.
They were, from what I have read, nearer to God then most men I have met today.
If they were not following the basic command of Jesus, "Love your enemies", and in fact going to the opposite extreme-- butchering their enemies-- though they had a form of Godliness, they were not close to God. If you are to love your enemies, you are not close to God if you are warring against them (thereby disregarding His commandment). "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
Jesus did not tell the Centurion, who asked that his servant be healed, stop being a soldier. Soldiers fight wars, that is what they do. A majority of the men in that war were conscripted, I believe. I have pity for them and their families. The politicians were the evil ones then, the same holds true today.
I hesitate to get into this whole issue here on the forum; if I did, I think our "non-moderators, moderators" would shut it down. :D I'd be happy to discuss this with you over email, though.
This discussion is locked.
