“If I were put in charge of editing the Methodist hymnal, I would throw out everything written after 1939 and replace all of those insipid...”
And THAT is why you should not be put in charge, you think everyone should only hear what you prefer. What kind of music and instruments were “traditional” when the music and instruments you prefer were new? Do you want to have exclusively selected music that you became accustomed to back in the day despite the preferences of others in your congregation?
Variety is pleasant to most.
It seems to me that sacred music, along with music in general has gone downhill over the past century. When was the last time you heard a memorable symphony or concerto written by a contemporary composer?
Most “modern” hymns that I have heard are politically correct screeds set to insipid, boring tunes that sound like elevator music. Then there’s “praise” music, also known as “24/7” music—seven words repeated 24 times and set to cacophonous rock beats.
Our hymnals should be filled with quality tunes that glorify God.