Evensong for the fourteenth Sunday after Trinity brought an introit hymn with a well known tune. 'St. Gertrude', written c.1871 by Sir Arthur Sullivan (more famous for his collaborations with W. S. Gilbert) was not, however accompanied by the expected 'Onward Christian Soldiers! Marching as to war!' but something else, rather less inspiring invitation calling 'Onward [to] Christian pilgrims'. The new lyrics, written by Michael Foster feature in the New Anglican edition of 'Hymns Old and New' certainly give a different image to the well known processional hymn. But why?
The original text penned by Sabine Baring-Gould, a Church of England priest, novelist and antiquarian is certainly of it's time. A mid Victorian confidence in the place if Great Britain in the world, military successes, a booming Empire and a clear understanding of 'Muscular Christianity' are reflected in the sense of mission to go 'forward into battle' behind Christ. Perhaps, therefore this new re-writing is based on a desire to move away from the jingoism of the mid nineteenth century? That is a motivation which seems most likely. Foster's take clearly speaks of Christ's light and guidance and the travails that any Christian must inevitably face in life, but is it really necessary?
Baring-Gould based his original lyrics on the second letter of St. Paul to Timothy, 2:3 'Share in suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus'. Certainly emotive when one takes the understanding of the role of a soldier both today and in the time of Paul. Therefore, perhaps in taking away the rhetoric of combat, a clear foe and victory with a united church we are losing some of the recurring struggle between good and evil. The new piece clearly has merit, although it only gains any real place due to the excellent score by Sullivan.
No idea if this is still current, but preparing to enter hymns into EasyWorship for projecting on Sunday, I find this whereas I had expected Onward Christian Soldiers. Can't beleive that the hymn book committee or whoever was so wet. OK, the words are true and worthy enough, but in this current age we really are up against the more rampant and obvious works of evil. Wriring this in 2016, after Islamic atrocities are more and more common and horrific, as well as societal changes that seem to go against Christian principles.
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