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I've been watching "The Tutors" on the A&E network.

Yes ... too much gratuitous passion, but you get a clear idea of the early English Reformation folks ...

and the life-and-death struggle they led to pave the way for the future of Christendom.

Music at so many modern Christian churches (the "hip ones", doncha know) refuse to sing the classic hymns ...

such as "A Mighty Fortess is Our God".

It's an absolute shame, or worse, if you can barely tolerate what passes today for "Christian music".

Those hymns were written as the flames were consuming literally thousands of Christian Believers to horrible deaths.

Today ... our "coffee house" Christian music is a pale and sickly excuse for those ancient hymns.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FY4DCG-nFBI

"A Mighty Fortress is Our God"
by Dr. Martin Luther, 1483-1546

Composite Translation from the Pennsylvania Lutheran CHURCH BOOK of 1868

1. A mighty Fortress is our God,
A trusty Shield and Weapon;
He helps us free from every need
That hath us now o'ertaken.
The old evil Foe
Now means deadly woe;
Deep guile and great might
Are his dread arms in fight;
On Earth is not his equal.

2. With might of ours can naught be done,
Soon were our loss effected;
But for us fights the Valiant One,
Whom God Himself elected.
Ask ye, Who is this?
Jesus Christ it is.
Of Sabaoth Lord,
And there's none other God;
He holds the field forever.

3. Though devils all the world should fill,
All eager to devour us.
We tremble not, we fear no ill,
They shall not overpower us.
This world's prince may still
Scowl fierce as he will,
He can harm us none,
He's judged; the deed is done;
One little word can fell him.

4. The Word they still shall let remain
Nor any thanks have for it;
He's by our side upon the plain
With His good gifts and Spirit.
And take they our life,
Goods, fame, child and wife,
Let these all be gone,
They yet have nothing won;
The Kingdom our remaineth.

Hymn #262
The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: Psalm 46
Author: Martin Luther, 1529
Translated by: composite
Titled: "Ein' feste Burg ist unser Gott"
Composer: Martin Luther, 1529
Tune: "Ein' feste Burg"
1st Published in: Klug's Gesangbuch
Town: Wittenberg, 1529

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