The article from Religion News Service discusses the 75th anniversary of the English translation of “How Great Thou Art,” highlighting the release of a new version by Grammy-winning Christian singer-songwriter Matt Redman and 15 other artists.
This new rendition, titled “How Great Thou Art (Until That Day),” introduces a contemporary twist with a new verse and beat, aiming to provide humanitarian aid to Ukrainians and other Eastern Europeans amidst war. The hymn’s journey from a Swedish poem to a global Christian anthem reflects its enduring impact and adaptability through generations. The Stuart Hine Trust, which owns the copyright, plans to use proceeds from this new version for Christian outreach and Bible translation efforts.
Religion News Service reports:
In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the hymn’s popular English translation, Grammy-winning Christian singer-songwriter Matt Redman has teamed up with 15 other artists and released a new version, continuing the hymn’s transatlantic trek that has led it to be featured in countless hymnals and recorded on hundreds of albums.
[…] The Stuart Hine Trust, which has supported Christian outreach and Bible translation, intends to use the proceeds from the writing, production and royalties of the recording to provide humanitarian aid and support rebuilding efforts in Eastern Europe.
Read the full article here.
Key Points
- A new version of “How Great Thou Art” has been released to mark the 75th anniversary of its popular English translation, featuring a contemporary twist and aimed at providing humanitarian aid.
- The updated rendition was a collaborative effort among 16 artists, led by Matt Redman, introducing a new verse and beat while retaining the hymn’s core message.
- Proceeds from the new version will support Christian outreach and Bible translation efforts, particularly focusing on humanitarian aid in Eastern Europe.
| Theme | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Humanitarian Aid | Supports Eastern European aid efforts | Limited immediate impact on the crisis |
| Musical Innovation | Modernizes a classic hymn | May not appeal to traditionalists |
| Collaborative Effort | Unites artists for a cause | Potential for creative clashes |
Questions to Consider
- How does the introduction of contemporary elements in traditional hymns affect their reception among different generations?
- In what ways can music serve as a vehicle for humanitarian aid and awareness?
- What are the implications of using copyright proceeds for charity, especially in the context of religious music?
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