I have enjoyed this thread! I do not like praise whatever it is either. Somehow it is like OD'ng on cotton candy. When it comes to hymns, we are living in the era of church history in which the most hymns are being written. There are so many new hymns to choose among that just finding the new good ones is a task.

I recently attended a workshop on the history of the denomination to which I belong, The United Church of Canada, through the hymns we sing. What a stimulating way it was to understand the issues, and ways of believing for generations past, and appreciate those who went before.

but I am glad to have new hymns that leave behind the heavy duty god who is high and lifted up. Give me hymns to help experience the compassionate One in the here and now. I cannot handle the blood and sarifice images of the past and even worse, the military images. I am grateful for new hymns that include heart with head.