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The Pelagian Anthem
A number of years ago while I was on internship and doing campus ministry with the Duke Lutherans at the eponymous university, I had a chance to enter the school's write-a-hymn competition. Curious whether the local Methodists were as Pelagian/Arminian as we Lutherans are led to believe, I composed this hymn...
A number of years ago while I was on internship and doing campus ministry with the Duke Lutherans at the eponymous university, I had a chance to enter the school's write-a-hymn competition. Curious whether the local Methodists were as Pelagian/Arminian as we Lutherans are led to believe, I composed this hymn. I still don't know how much Pelagianism is alive and well in Methodist theology, but I am relieved to say that I didn't win the contest!
The Quest for Learning
8 8 8 8
Proposed Tune: Melita ("Eternal Father, Strong to Save")
1. The quest for learning draws us nigh
To seek and find the truth most high,
And with that truth, the duty great
To help, not hurt; to love, not hate.
Grant us wisdom, strength, and nerve
To choose this day whom we shall serve.
2. The quest has led us wrong before
We favor power, wealth, and war.
Our armaments and corporate greed
Blind us from serving those in need.
We need the wisdom, strength, and nerve
To choose this day whom we shall serve.
3. If we would journey towards the goal
Of doing right and making whole
We need not be devoid of sin
But only do what lies within.
If we have wisdom, strength, and nerve
We’ll choose this day whom we shall serve.
4. The quest needs people bold and brave
Who persevere unto the grave.
True faith and knowledge set us free
To say, “I’m here! Send me, send me!”
We have the wisdom, strength, and nerve
To choose this day whom we shall serve.
Even Pelagius is laughing
Finally, I don’t mean to be a nit-picker, but I’m afraid you’ve misused the term “eponymous.” A more proper usage would occur in the sentence, “Yesterday I went to the zoo and saw a large and very flagrant eponymous.” Thank you.