As I listen to "Battle Hymn of the Republic" being sung in the National Cathedral, followed by the bells, I am struck by my students' response two years ago when we studied the lyrics as literature.
I had stuck my head out into the hall to see if one of the music teachers or the drama teacher was in the area, and the vice principal was walking by. He asked if everything was okay, and I said yes, but I couldn't sing and my students didn't recognize the hymn from the lyrics--they needed the tune. He stepped inside my classroom and began singing. Of their own accord, my entire class stood, lit books in hand, and sang it through the rest of the way.
When they were seated, there were shocked by the meaning. They talked about what would have to happen to make them feel this way--many said it conflicted with their idea of God being gentle and reverent.
I wonder if they understand today....
I had stuck my head out into the hall to see if one of the music teachers or the drama teacher was in the area, and the vice principal was walking by. He asked if everything was okay, and I said yes, but I couldn't sing and my students didn't recognize the hymn from the lyrics--they needed the tune. He stepped inside my classroom and began singing. Of their own accord, my entire class stood, lit books in hand, and sang it through the rest of the way.
When they were seated, there were shocked by the meaning. They talked about what would have to happen to make them feel this way--many said it conflicted with their idea of God being gentle and reverent.
I wonder if they understand today....
