Welcome Andy (my friend),

Your point regarding the content of the hymns mentioned is right on track. Since my church is experiencing with more contemporary music, actually trying to have a blended service - both old and new, I shall keep that observation in mind. Although rote is better than nothing, it really isn't true worship. My guess is that Psalms only, the great old hymns can fall into a rote mentality, thus not being true worship.

I'm interested. Do the Baptists have the equivalent of the Regulative Principle? Sometimes I think it is more of a hindrance than a help with the way it is used.

Another question for all, is true worship always vertical in focus - God-centered or Christ-centered. I'm thinking that there is an horizontal element as well in that we are called to edify one another.

John Chaney

"having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith . . ." Colossians 2:7