When Singing a Hymn Is a Subversive Act

Onward, Christian Soldiers

Onward, Christian soldiers,
marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
going on before!
Christ, the royal Master,
leads against the foe;
Forward into battle,
see his banner go!

Onward, Christian soldiers,
marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
going on before!

At the sign of triumph
Satan’s host doth flee;
On, then, Christian soldiers,
on to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver
at the shout of praise;
Brothers, lift your voices,
loud your anthems raise!

Like a mighty army
moves the church of God;
Brothers, we are treading
where the saints have trod;
We are not divided;
all one body we,
One in hope and doctrine,
one in charity.

Onward, then, ye people,
join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices
in the triumph song;
Glory, laud, and honor,
unto Christ the King;
This thro’ countless ages
men and angels sing.

I’m conflicted about this one. I really, really like this hymn. Really. ST. GERTRUDE (the tune name always reminds me of the Hardy Boys’ aunt) is a rousing, fun, singeable tune. And some of the theological ideas are pretty sound, especially in the middle stanzas (“Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane / but the church of Jesus, constant will remain”). But this war declaration can be a confusing and dangerous image in a national context that has so easily conflated patriotism with Christ’s gospel. Today, let’s just say I’m feeling a little more pro about it than usual. The church should understand that we fight evil in whatever form it presents itself, while rejecting powers of oppression that inflict physical violence upon the world. Plus, it was written for kids to sing marching into Sunday School, so, you know…