Chadwick on Facebook

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Rethinkin our thinkin: My book is better

Back in December of 2007, I made a series of posts on some historical (and other) inaccuracies of Sacred Harp called Rethinkin our thinkin (all are available from this link). In the course of posts, I discussed six "myths". Today I want to think about one more.

Myth # 7. My book is better than your book.

In a singing tradition that has developed different followings of different books, it is inevitable that most singers will adopt a favorite book. This is reasonable and expected. Also inevitable, it appears, is the adoption of a "my book is better than your book" attitude by some.

I am a "Cooper Book" singer. It is my book. It is my heritage. I grew up in a community that used the Cooper Book. I grew up in a family that used the Cooper Book. In fact, my Dad's uncle has a song in the book. That song, written by a young man who died an "untimely death",[1] forever anchors our family to one book more than others. The past is what it is and can't be changed. I wouldn't want to. My favorite Sacred Harp book is the Cooper Book. That doesn't mean it is better than the Denson Book or the J.L. White book. Just my favorite. If your favorite is the Denson, that doesn't mean it is better; if your favorite is the J.L. White, that doesn't mean it is better.

I can now hear some scholar say, "but this" and "but that", explaining musical technicalities, historic anomalies and various personalities. I say, if Sacred Harpers had listened to the "better" music boys, there would not be a Sacred Harp today. They "knew" what was better, and it wasn't The Sacred Harp.

Remember music is an art as well as a science. They say "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" -- or in this case "beauty is in the ear of the be-hearer". A person's favorite song is that person's favorite song, regardless of what some "expert" finds wrong with it. And a person's favorite song book is that person's favorite song book, regardless of what some "expert" finds wrong with it.

My book is not better than your book (nor yours mine). My book is my book. Your book is your book. The twain may never meet...But we'll meet together at your singing and sing from your book, then my singing and sing from my book. Hopefully we'll love every minute of it!

[1] He was only 26 when he contracted typhoid fever and died.

Pragmatism Everywhere

What question are you asking?

"When you do consult the Scripture, are you looking for direction or for permission?" -- From Pragmatism, Pragmatism Everywhere! by Andy Johnson (associate pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church)

"I do believe that Baptists in 2009 need to be asking the question 'Why' much more than 'Why not'." -- G. Michael Coulter, Baptist missionary in Weaverville, CA; July 09, 2009 on the Landmark Forum

Imagine Peace

My first imagination wasn't "peace" when the little black Ford pickup came around me and then cut into my lane in front of me. But there it was -- that bumpersticker -- staring me in the face as we sat stalled in traffic. "Imagine peace." Do people really believe the slogans they put on their vehicles? Drive like you mean it!

180 persons called Albigenses

180 persons called Albigenses, burnt without the Castle Minerve

"In the year of our Lord 1210, a large sacrifice of believers, called Perfecti or Albigenses took place near the castle Minerve; so that at one time about one hundred and eighty persons, men as well as women, who, forsaking the Roman antichrist, desired to adhere steadfastly to Jesus Christ and His divine truth, were publicly burnt; these, having commended their souls to God, are now waiting for the crown and reward of the faithful." -- For the rest of the story, see HERE. The entire Martyr's Mirror of the Defenseless Christians online is HERE (first published in 1660 by Thieleman J. van Braght, a Dutch Mennonite pastor).

July 4

Happy Independence Day to one and all.

Civil liberty is great, but greater independence is to be made free from the law of sin and death and to know the truth which shall make you free.

Big N' Tasty

In my opinion, McDonald's Big N' Tasty® is neither big nor tasty. Add to that the problem that the employees may not be able to tell you what comes on it or correctly make any changes in how you want it served.

Not recommended.

An Address for All

Southern Harmony no. 99, Christian Harmony no. 101

1. I sing a song which doth belong to all the human race,
Concerning death, which steals the breath, and blasts the comely face;
Come listen all unto my call, which I do make today
For you must die as well as I, and pass from hence away.

2. No human power can stop the hour, wherein a mortal dies;
A Caesar may be great today, yet death will close his eyes:
Though some do strive and do arrive to riches and renown,
Enjoying health and swim in wealth, yet death will bring them down.

3. Though beauty grace your comely face, with roses white and red,
A dying fall will spoil it all, for Absalom is dead:
Though you acquire the best attire, appearing fine and fair,
Yet death will come into the room, and strip you naked there.

4. The princes high and beggars die, and mingle with the dust,
The rich, the brave, the negro slave, the wicked and the just:
Therefore prepare to meet thy God, before it be too late.
Or else you'll weep, lament and cry, lost in a ruined state.