Another Evaluation of the Lutheran Service Book
An Evaluation of the Lutheran Service Book
Why then would I still use it instead of TLH or LW if there was no tradition to build upon and the hymnals were free? Because I do think that when it is compared to those hymnals it is slightly stronger. It is not as though I have the option of a perfect hymnal and the only fair comparison is to what is available. Still, if tradition does exist or money is a concern, I would not buy them. I don't think LSB is that much stronger. I am disappointed that it isn't stronger. I am sorry if it seems I am damning if with feint praise. That is not my intention. I am sincere when I say I think it is slightly better than TLH and LW. LSB is an obvious product of committes that were driven "against their will" by opinion survey and current synodical politics. I am afraid that LSB is the best we could do. While I am disappointed overall, I am thankful to the men who worked so hard on this project and know that they too have suffered disappointments throughout the process and toiled long hours to make this as good as it is. I am also very thankful for the many improvements that did come to fruition. We all live with compromise. Even as there is no perfect hymnal, so also there is no perfect practice and no perfect pastor.Many have asked for further insights on the LSB hymnal. Pr. Petersen posted a fair pastoral review of the hymnal. While far from perfect he does see it as a general improvement. Is it a falacy to expect a better hymnal? Given the polity of the Missouri Synod and the divisions and scars of Seminex, I don't expect there to be orthodox consensus or unified practice. What persists is a strong difference of theology in regards to worship and hymnody. The charismaticsstill run rampant crying out "emotion is the means to convey meaning!" The evangelicals want Sunday morning to resemble their Moody Bible Radio more than Lutheran practice. The pietists want more home and small group resources, circumventing the need for the pastorate or the sanctuary. So no matter the hymnal, Pr. Petersen is right. Its all about catechesis (instruction.) If the pastors or laity use this book without knowing what is sound and what is questionable, much damage can be done. If they use it with a keen ear, eye, and mind I think they will be edified and more so than with either TLH or LW. Arguments about use of Victorian English (of TLH) or poor harmonizations (LW) will persists and hamper those documents. Yes, the collects and prayers of TLH exceed those of LSB pew edition. Yes, the hymnody is weak but the use and practice of tradition is weak. Only time will tell if this hymnal will persist. I hope that it will and restore some proper practice in the multitude of DIY-worship-folder congregations.
