In Theory:

The BBC recently reported that in Scotland, a number of people are bucking a longtime trend and playing traditional hymns at funerals instead of pop songs, while in England and Wales, pop still rules the day.

Among the favorite hymns at funerals are “The Lord is My Shepherd,” “How Great Thou Art” and “Amazing Grace,” while the BBC listed Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” and Nat King Cole’s “Unforgettable” among the most popular secular tunes. What songs, traditional or pop, do you find most spiritually fulfilling?

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Like many Christians in my generation, my list of most spiritually fulfilling songs includes classic hymns and contemporary Christian songs. Of the hymns, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” is my favorite. He bore all of our sins and grief. We can carry every burden to Him in prayer. Even if others forsake us, Jesus Christ never will.

Third Day is my favorite contemporary Christian group. To me, “Come on Back to Me” is their most inspirational song:

“Never mind your worries/ Never mind your fears/ They can only take you far from Me/ And when you feel there’s nowhere/ Left for you to turn/ Well, I got all you want/ And everything you need/ Come on back to Me.”

Both of these songs reflect on the hope and encouragement that Jesus Christ offers to anyone who turns to Him. He made you, He loves you very much, and He can restore the joy of song to your life in spite of the challenges you’re facing. “Let all who take refuge in Thee be glad, Let them ever sing for joy; And mayest Thou shelter them, That those who love Thy name may exult in Thee.” (Psalm 5:11).

PASTOR JON BARTA

Valley Baptist Church

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Old MacDonald bought the Farm, E-I-E-I-O.

Today’s question brings to mind the dialogue in the movie “Braveheart,” where young William’s uncle speaks of “outlaw tunes” played at Scot funerals. That people would choose “I Did It My Way,” or as mentioned elsewhere, “Spirit In The Sky” (which declares, “I’ve never sinned”) rather than spiritually significant music with more appropriate lyrics for mourners, shows that the U.K. is lost and is grasping at straws for meaning in death. How odd that this slight upswing toward religious music should be viewed as “bucking” the norm, but it is encouraging to know that Scotland is apparently reconsidering faith.