Sarah Mitchell
The Old Rugged Cross is a popular hymn written by George Bennard in 1912. It reflects on the crucifixion of Christ and the meaning that the cross holds for believers. While the hymn is not included in Catholic hymnals, it is well-known and liked by many Catholics, who sometimes play or sing it before Mass or at funerals. The hymn's focus on the cross itself, rather than Christ, has been a point of contention for some, but it remains a beloved expression of faith for many Christians.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lyricist | George Bernard/George Bennard |
| Year | 1912/1913 |
| Co-writer | Charles H. Gabriel |
| Genre | Gospel hymn |
| Religious affiliation | Christian |
| Religious denomination | Methodist |
| Religious suitability | Controversial in Catholic mass |
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What You'll Learn
- The Old Rugged Cross is not in Catholic hymnals but is popular among Catholics
- The hymn's focus on the cross, rather than Christ, makes it inappropriate for Mass
- The hymn is suitable for Lent and Easter
- The Old Rugged Cross was written by George Bennard in 1912
- The hymn is about the crucifixion of Christ and the redemption of believers
The Old Rugged Cross is not in Catholic hymnals but is popular among Catholics
"The Old Rugged Cross", composed by George Bennard in 1912, is a popular hymn that evokes the suffering and sacrifice of Christ's crucifixion. Despite its widespread popularity, it is not commonly found in Catholic hymnals. However, this does not imply that Catholics do not appreciate or connect with the hymn. On the contrary, many Catholics have expressed a fondness for "The Old Rugged Cross", and it has been used in Catholic services, albeit with some debate regarding its appropriateness during Mass.
The hymn's absence from Catholic hymnals may be attributed to a few factors. Historically, the song faced resistance due to copyright restrictions and concerns about its controversial nature. Some Catholic clergy and congregations have expressed discomfort with the hymn's emphasis on the physical cross itself rather than solely on Jesus, perceiving it as borderline fetishization. This interpretation has led to discussions about whether the hymn is suitable for inclusion in the Mass, with some suggesting alternative contexts for its use.
While "The Old Rugged Cross" may not be sung during Mass, it has found a place before or after the service. It has been used as a prelude, and in one instance, a choir sang it as a recessional during a funeral, respecting the deceased's wishes. The hymn's ability to provide comfort and meaning is evident in a story shared by a Catholic deacon, where he recounted how the hymn's message helped a woman with Stage 4 cancer process her suffering in the context of Christ's sacrifice.
Despite the debate surrounding its use during Mass, "The Old Rugged Cross" has resonated with many Catholics. Its entry into the public domain has made it more accessible, and some Catholics have embraced it as a beloved hymn. The hymn's enduring popularity among Catholics demonstrates its ability to touch individuals' hearts and offer a unique perspective on the crucifixion, even if it is not formally included in Catholic hymnals.
In conclusion, while "The Old Rugged Cross" may not be standard fare in Catholic hymnals, it has certainly found a place in the hearts of many Catholics. Its powerful message of Christ's sacrifice and its ability to provide comfort and meaning during difficult times have likely contributed to its popularity within the Catholic community, even if its use is confined to contexts outside the Mass.
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The hymn's focus on the cross, rather than Christ, makes it inappropriate for Mass
The Old Rugged Cross is a popular hymn written by George Bennard in 1912. It is considered one of America's most popular hymns, and many Catholics know and like it. However, the hymn's focus on the cross itself, rather than on Christ, has been a subject of debate, with some arguing that it makes the hymn inappropriate for Mass in the Catholic Church.
The hymn's lyrics express great affection for "the old rugged cross", referring to it as "the emblem of suffering and shame" and declaring, "I will cherish the old rugged cross." This emphasis on the physical cross has been seen by some as borderline fetishizing the cross and potentially elevating it above Jesus Christ, who is the central figure of Christian worship.
While the hymn is not included in Catholic hymnals, some Catholic churches have used it as a "Reflection Hymn" after Communion or as a prelude before Mass. However, others argue that it is not suitable for the Mass itself and suggest alternative hymns that focus more directly on Christ's sacrifice and redemption, such as "Sweet Name Which Makes the Dying Live."
The controversy surrounding "The Old Rugged Cross" in Catholic contexts highlights the importance of theological precision and the potential for misinterpretation or deviation from traditional doctrinal emphasis. While the hymn is not inherently contrary to Catholic teaching, the potential for misunderstanding or distraction from Christ-centered worship is a concern for some within the Catholic Church.
In conclusion, while "The Old Rugged Cross" is a beloved hymn for many Christians, including Catholics, its focus on the cross rather than Christ himself has sparked debates about its appropriateness for Mass in the Catholic tradition. This debate underscores the careful theological considerations that go into hymn selection for liturgical worship within the Catholic Church.
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The hymn is suitable for Lent and Easter
The Old Rugged Cross is a popular hymn written by George Bennard in 1912. It is not a traditional Catholic hymn, but it is well-known and liked by many Catholics. The hymn focuses on the cross itself and its meaning for believers, rather than on Jesus Christ, which has made it somewhat controversial.
The Old Rugged Cross is often requested for funerals and has been used as a "Reflection Hymn" after Communion. It has also been sung during Mass, though some believe it is more appropriate before or after the service. The hymn's dark and solemn tone can evoke the suffering of Christ, but it also ends joyfully, celebrating the glory that believers will share with Him.
The Old Rugged Cross is a powerful and meaningful hymn that captures both the sorrow and hope of Christ's crucifixion. Its focus on the cross and its symbolism makes it especially fitting for Lent and Easter, when Christians reflect on Christ's sacrifice and the redemption it brings.
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The Old Rugged Cross was written by George Bennard in 1912
"The Old Rugged Cross" is a popular hymn written by George Bennard in 1912 (or 1912-1913 according to another source). It is considered by some to be America's most popular hymn.
The song was penned in Adrian, Michigan, and became an instant hit within churches and as country music. The lyrics were inspired by Bennard's favourite scripture verse, John 3:16, which he seemed to always envision alongside a cross—a crude Roman instrument of death, stained with the blood of Christ.
The hymn has been described as controversial due to its expression of affection for the cross itself, rather than for Christ. It is not included in Catholic hymnals, but many Catholics know and like it, and it has been played as a prelude before Mass. It is considered more appropriate for before or after Mass, rather than during.
The hymn is most suited to Lent and Easter, though it may be sung at any time of year.
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The hymn is about the crucifixion of Christ and the redemption of believers
The Old Rugged Cross is a popular hymn written by George Bennard in 1912. It is not a Catholic hymn, but many Catholics know and like it, and some Catholic churches have included it in their services. The hymn is about the crucifixion of Christ and the redemption of believers.
The hymn begins, "On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, the emblem of suffering and shame; and I love that old cross where the dearest and best for a world of lost sinners was slain." It goes on to describe how Jesus, through his sacrificial death on the cross, took on the sins of the world and gave believers new life.
This interpretation of the hymn is supported by various biblical passages, such as John 19:17-18: "And he, bearing his cross, went forth into a place called the place of the skull, which is called in Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him." The hymn reflects on the suffering and sacrifice of Christ on the cross, which is a central event in the Christian faith.
The Old Rugged Cross is particularly meaningful during Holy Week, Good Friday, and Easter, as it allows believers to reflect on the significance of Christ's crucifixion and its role in their redemption. It serves as a reminder of Christ's love and the new life that believers have received through his sacrifice.
While the hymn is not exclusively Catholic, it resonates with people from various Christian denominations, including Catholics, as it captures the essence of Christ's sacrifice and its impact on the believer's journey.
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Frequently asked questions
No, 'The Old Rugged Cross' is not a Catholic hymn. However, it is a popular hymn among Catholics and can be played as a prelude before Mass.
'The Old Rugged Cross' was penned by George Bernard/Bennard in 1912 in Adrian, Michigan. It was composed as an ode to the cross of Jesus Christ, which is seen as a symbol of suffering and shame.
While 'The Old Rugged Cross' is not typically included in Catholic funeral Masses, it can be played before or after the service as a recessional.
The lyrics of 'The Old Rugged Cross' reflect on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the idea that his sacrifice redeemed the world from sin. The hymn also acknowledges the cross as a symbol of suffering and spiritual perseverance in the face of life's challenges.
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