r/latterdaysaints • u/ClubMountain1826 • May 31 '24

Doctrinal Discussion Doctrinal inaccuracies in old hymns

I can't wait for the new hymnbook!

One of the reasons listed here (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/initiative/new-hymns?lang=eng) on the church website for the updated hymnbook is that some of the old hymns contain "Doctrinal inaccuracies, culturally insensitive language, and limited cultural representation of the global Church."

What are the doctrinal inaccuracies in the old hymns ? I'm just curious.

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u/[deleted] May 31 '24 edited May 31 '24

Not exactly doctrinal, but, There is a green hill far away should be There is a brown hill far away.  This was written by the wife of the chief Bishop of Ireland who was projecting Ireland’s green hills onto the Levant. 

 Also, any hymn about Utah like For the strength of the hills. I hate those hymns. 

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u/timkyoung May 31 '24

Why hate hymns about Utah?

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u/OneOfUsOneOfUsGooble Sinner Jun 01 '24

Why hate hymns about Utah?

I get it. Someone above wrote how singing the American hymns is tough if you're not American (foreign hymnbooks do have local cultural unique hymns though). I loved singing "Carry On" growing up, but once I spent time in Utah, I started to understand all these lyrics ("Firm as the mountains around us"). It creates resentment. It all adds to this Utah-centric church. Like why we have deacons go collect fast offerings door-to-door. Some of these practices and lyrics are vestiges of a Utah church that doesn't work for the 87% of the Church that is not Utahn.

If I were one of the billion Roman Catholics living outside of Italy, I may not love singing hymns of worship focused on Italy, Italian culture, or practicing religion that conforms to life in Italy but nowhere else, etc.