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7 inspirational hymns for Veterans Day

By Michael Gryboski, Editor

'Onward, Christian Soldiers'

A popular and sometimes controversial hymn, "Onward Christian Soldiers" was written by Sabine Baring-Gould in 1864 and originally served as a children’s processional song.

Since its publication, some churches have tried to remove the song from their hymnals due to concerns about the militaristic imagery within the song. The United Methodist Church considered omitting it from its 1989 hymnal until a large outcry from members led them to keep the song in, albeit with some revisions.

“While some are uncomfortable with the militaristic themes and the historical use of this hymn, it is important to note that Scripture itself contains a great deal of warfare imagery,” wrote Clayton Kraby of Reasonable Theology.

“While conflating the purposes and goals of the state with those of the church — especially in regards to war — is problematic, the hymn itself is a helpful encouragement to believers as we ‘fight the good fight of faith’ (1 Timothy 6:12).”

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