In Christ Alone

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In Christ Alone
by Keith Getty
Genre Contemporary Christian hymn
Written2001
Text Stuart Townend
Meter8.8.8.8 D
Melody"In Christ Alone"
Keith Getty Keith Getty speaksCroppedWK.jpg
Keith Getty

"In Christ Alone" is a popular modern Christian song written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, both songwriters of Christian hymns and contemporary worship music in the United Kingdom. The song, with a strong Irish melody, is the first hymn they penned together. [1] [2] The music was by Getty and the original lyrics by Townend. It was composed in 2001.

Contents

"In Christ Alone" is considered a Christian credal song for belief in Jesus Christ. The theme of the song is the life, death and resurrection of Christ, [3] and that he is God whom even death cannot hold.

The song is commonly known as "In Christ Alone (My Hope Is Found)" and "In Christ Alone (I Stand)" taking verses from the song. It has become very popular and has been the subject of many cover versions [4] and many language translations.

Popularity

Stuart Townend StuartTownendWK.jpg
Stuart Townend

The song was composed in 2001 and gained increased popularity first in Ireland and the UK and then in the United States and internationally. In 2002, Stuart Townend, the lyricist of the song, recorded it on his own album Lord of Every Heart [5] By 2005, it had been named by a BBC Songs of Praise survey as the ninth best-loved hymn of all time in the UK and then third in the same poll by the show in 2019; [6] By 2006, it rose to the No. 1 position on the United Kingdom CCLI (Christian Copyright Licensing International) charts. [7] "In Christ Alone" appeared on CCLI's "Top 25 CCLI Songs" American songs list for the first time in the February 2008 report although it had appeared in the CCLI chart for Canada, Australia and New Zealand prior to that.

In 2008, the song was included in the release of Christian Worship: Supplement for the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). [8] In 2015, the song was listed among the "Fifty Favorite Hymns" in a WELS survey. [9] [10]

In 2013, the song was sung at the enthronement of Justin Welby as Archbishop of Canterbury. [11]

Cover versions

In 2010, Owl City's Adam Young recorded a version and offered it through his blog. About the song, he wrote: "I'm twenty-four years old, yet something about this song makes me bawl like a baby. The way the melodies and lyrics swirl together is so poignant and beautiful. If I were to count on one hand, the number of songs that have ever deeply moved me, this one would take the cake. Last night I probably spent more time actually crying at the piano than I did recording it. Such are the secret confessions of a shy boy from Minnesota". [12]

In 2012, American singer Christina Grimmie uploaded a cover of "In Christ Alone" onto her YouTube channel. [13] [14]

In 2013, the song was covered by American worship band Passion—with a new bridge section added—and led by Kristian Stanfill, and was included in their 2013 live album Passion: Let the Future Begin . [15]

In 2015, a portion of the piano melody featured on American musician Julien Baker's album Sprained Ankle , at the end of one of its tracks "Go Home". Baker later remarked: "It holds a lot of memories for me—being young in church, and the lyrics hold a lot of meaning when you analyze them." [16]

In 2023, the song was covered by American singer Natalie Grant on her 2023 album Seasons, [17] and in 2024 it was featured on Michael W. Smith's EP Worthy Is The Lamb. [18]

Theological debate

The second verse of the hymn contains the line, "Till on that cross as Jesus died, the wrath of God was satisfied," which adheres to the satisfaction theory of atonement. This line has hence made the song a subject of criticism by opponents of satisfaction theory. In 2013, a 15-member committee of the Presbyterian Church (USA) voted to exclude the song from a new church hymnal after Townend and Getty refused permission to alter the controversial line to "the love of God was magnified." [19] [20] Members of the committee to compile the hymnal had discovered the alternate lyrics in a Baptist hymnal from 2010, causing them to assume that the change had been authorized by the copyright holders. [19] Critics of the committee's decision pointed out that the hymnal included other hymns endorsing satisfaction theory and the substitutionary model of atonement, including "O Sacred Head Now Wounded." [19] According to committee chair Mary Louise Bringle, the decision to exclude "In Christ Alone" centered not on the word "wrath" but rather on "satisfied." [19]

The committee's decision to exclude the song triggered a larger debate across denominations and within the Presbyterian Church USA itself. PCUSA minister Chris Joiner of First said that while many in his congregation liked the hymn, he agreed with the decision because "that lyric comes close to saying that God killed Jesus. The cross is not an instrument of God's wrath." [19] Timothy George, the dean of Beeson Divinity School, criticized the decision in an online column titled "No Squishy Love" and claimed that it "fits into a wider pattern of downplaying parts of Christian doctrine that are offensive." [21] Boyce College professor Denny Burk took a view similar to George, stating that "When wrath goes, so does the central meaning of the atonement of God: penal substitution. At the end of the day, the cross itself is the stumbling block, and that is why the PCUSA cannot abide by this hymn." [22] Meanwhile, Bob Terry of The Alabama Baptist wrote that he agreed with satisfaction theory, but "if the meaning of 'wrath' is that God is vindictive and took joy in punishing His Son then that is not how I find God described in the Bible. As I understand the Bible, it was because 'God so loved the world' that He was willing 'to crush Him and cause Him to suffer.'" [23]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hymn</span> Religious song for the purpose of adoration or prayer

A hymn is a type of song, and partially synonymous with devotional song, specifically written for the purpose of adoration or prayer, and typically addressed to a deity or deities, or to a prominent figure or personification. The word hymn derives from Greek ὕμνος (hymnos), which means "a song of praise". A writer of hymns is known as a hymnist. The singing or composition of hymns is called hymnody. Collections of hymns are known as hymnals or hymn books. Hymns may or may not include instrumental accompaniment. Polyhymnia is the Greco/Roman goddess of hymns.

A doxology is a short hymn of praises to God in various forms of Christian worship, often added to the end of canticles, psalms, and hymns. The tradition derives from a similar practice in the Jewish synagogue, where some version of the Kaddish serves to terminate each section of the service.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Contemporary worship music</span> Modern genre of music sung in many churches

Contemporary worship music (CWM), also known as praise and worship music, is a defined genre of Christian music used in contemporary worship. It has developed over the past 60 years and is stylistically similar to pop music. The songs are frequently referred to as "praise songs" or "worship songs" and are typically led by a "worship band" or "praise team", with either a guitarist or pianist leading. It has become a common genre of music sung in many churches, particularly in charismatic or non-denominational Protestant churches with some Roman Catholic congregations incorporating it into their mass as well.

Kingdom songs are the hymns sung by Jehovah's Witnesses at their religious meetings. Since 1879, the Watch Tower Society has published hymnal lyrics; by the 1920s they had published hundreds of adapted and original songs, and by the 1930s they referred to these as "Kingdom songs" in reference to God's Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stuart Townend (musician)</span> British Christian worship leader and songwriter

Stuart Townend is an English Christian worship leader and writer of hymns and contemporary worship music. His songs include "In Christ Alone",, "How Deep The Father's Love For Us", "Beautiful Saviour" and "The King of Love". As of 2008, Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI) lists "In Christ Alone" in its Top 25 CCLI Songs list.

"How Great Thou Art" is a Christian hymn based on an original Swedish hymn entitled "O Store Gud" written in 1885 by Carl Boberg (1859–1940). The English version of the hymn and its title are a loose translation by the English missionary Stuart K. Hine from 1949. The hymn was popularised by George Beverly Shea and Cliff Barrows during Billy Graham's crusades. It was voted the British public's favourite hymn by BBC's Songs of Praise. "How Great Thou Art" was ranked second on a list of the favourite hymns of all time in a survey by Christianity Today magazine in 2001 and in a nationwide poll by Songs Of Praise in 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lou Fellingham</span> Musical artist

Louise "Lou" Fellingham is an English Christian worship leader, singer and songwriter from Brighton in East Sussex, England. She is a founding member of the British band Phatfish and has also pursued a solo career. In 2008, she won a Christian Broadcasting Council (CBC) Award for her album Promised Land, in the category of Best Worship. She has worked alongside other Christian artists such as Matt Redman, Graham Kendrick, Tim Hughes and Stuart Townend. She regularly leads worship and performs at different venues around the world. A rendition of Fellingham leading the hymn "In Christ Alone" has had more than six million views on YouTube.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less</span>

"My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less" is a Christian hymn written by Edward Mote, a pastor at Rehoboth Baptist Church in Horsham, West Sussex. Mote wrote around 100 hymns, this one, which he wrote in 1834, being the best known of his.

<i>New Irish Hymns</i> 2001 studio album by Máire Brennan, Margaret Becker, Joanne Hogg

New Irish Hymns is the first in a series of themed albums created and produced by Keith Getty.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Keith Getty</span> Northern Irish Christian singer and songwriter

Julian Keith Getty OBE is a Northern Irish Christian singer and songwriter, best known for writing the modern hymn "In Christ Alone" in 2001 with veteran songwriter and worship leader Stuart Townend. Getty and his wife Kristyn also release music under the musical duo Keith & Kristyn Getty

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kristyn Getty</span> Northern Irish Christian singer and songwriter

Kristyn Elizabeth Rebekah Getty is a Northern Irish Christian singer and songwriter. With her husband, Keith Getty, she has co-written a number of popular modern hymns.

In Christ Alone may refer to:

<i>An Evening in Prague</i> 2005 studio album by Keith Getty, Czech Television Studio Orchestra

An Evening in Prague is a symphonic album by Keith Getty—a departure from his catalog of predominantly vocal albums—though it reflects Getty's origins as an arranger and orchestrator for other artists. It is also unique in that it draws material mostly from other songwriters, with only four songs co-authored by Getty.

<i>Apostles Creed</i> (album) 2006 compilation album by Various

The Apostles Creed is an album of songs by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, featuring many guest performers assembled by producer John Hartley. As its title suggests, the songs reflect various aspects of the Christian Apostles' Creed. All songs are by Getty and Townend, except "Merciful God," which is also by Kristyn Getty.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">What Wondrous Love Is This</span>

"What Wondrous Love Is This" is a Christian folk hymn from the American South. Its text was first published in 1811, during the Second Great Awakening, and its melody derived from a popular English ballad. Today it is a widely known hymn included in hymnals of many Christian denominations.

"10,000 Reasons " is a song by the English worship singer-songwriter Matt Redman from his tenth album of the same name (2011). He wrote it with the Swedish singer Jonas Myrin. The track was subsequently included on a number of compilations, covered by other artists and included as congregational worship music in English or in translation around the world. In 2013, the song won two Grammy Awards for "Best Contemporary Christian Music Song" and "Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance". After the song's success and impact, Redman also published a book: 10,000 Reasons: Stories of Faith, Hope, and Thankfulness Inspired by the Worship Anthem.

"My Heart Is Yours" is a worship song released by Passion as the lead single from their 2014 live album, Passion: Take It All, on April 1, 2014. It features live vocals from American Christian music singer and worship leader Kristian Stanfill. The song peaked at No. 13 on the Christian Songs Billboard chart and appeared on the 2012 year-end Christian Songs chart at No. 27. The song's bridge features lines from the popular hymn "I Surrender All" by Judson W. Van DeVenter and Winfield Scott. This song was also listed at No. 12 on Worship Leader's Top 20 Songs of 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Keith & Kristyn Getty</span> Northern Irish Christian duo

Keith & Kristyn Getty are a musical duo from Northern Ireland, focusing on hymns and other Christian music. They are best known for the 2001 hymn “In Christ Alone”, co-written with Stuart Townend.

References

  1. ↑ "In Christ Alone". Gettymusic.com. Archived from the original on 14 April 2012. Retrieved 7 March 2012.
  2. ↑ "Songfacts: In Christ Alone by Newsboys". Songfacts.com. Retrieved 7 March 2012.
  3. ↑ "In Christ Alone". Stuarttownend.co.uk. Retrieved 7 March 2012.
  4. ↑ Akins, Debra (22 July 2004). "Debra Akins in Crosswalk.com: Song Story – "In Christ Alone"". Crosswalk.com . Salem Web Network . Retrieved 7 March 2012.
  5. ↑ "Lord of Every Heart—Audio CD". Amazon. Retrieved 4 February 2013.
  6. ↑ "BBC Songs of Praise". BBC. Archived from the original on 18 July 2008. Retrieved 8 March 2012.
  7. ↑ "CCLI Top 25 Songs". CCLI. Archived from the original on 8 March 2012. Retrieved 8 March 2012.
  8. ↑ "Christian Worship: supplement".
  9. ↑ "In Christ Alone".
  10. ↑ "Fifty Favorites" (PDF).
  11. ↑ "THE INAUGURATION OF THE MINISTRY OF THE ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTH ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY: JUSTIN PORTAL WELBY" (PDF). Archbishopofcanterbury.org. 21 March 2013. Retrieved 29 July 2015.
  12. ↑ Young, Adam (25 October 2010). "In Christ Alone". Owlcityblog.com. Archived from the original on 28 March 2012. Retrieved 7 March 2012.
  13. ↑ Lancaster, Jessilyn. "WATCH: Christina Grimmie's 'In Christ Alone' Is Exactly What You Need Right Now". Charisma News. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  14. ↑ Me Singing - "In Christ Alone" - Christina Grimmie Cover - HAPPY EASTER!! . Retrieved 3 April 2024– via www.youtube.com.
  15. ↑ Passion - In Christ Alone (Official Lyrics And Chords) ft. Kristian Stanfill . Retrieved 3 April 2024– via www.youtube.com.
  16. ↑ "An Interview With Young Phenom Julien Baker". 26 October 2015. Retrieved 22 January 2018.
  17. ↑ "Natalie Grant Talks About Her New Video/Single "In Christ Alone"". www.jubileecast.com. 2 October 2014. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  18. ↑ Woolum, Brandon (18 March 2024). "Michael W. Smith Releases New EP 'Worthy Is The Lamb'". CCM Magazine. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  19. 1 2 3 4 5 Smietana, Bob (5 August 2013). "Presbyterians' decision to drop hymn stirs debate". USA Today.
  20. ↑ Bringle, Mary Louise (1 May 2013). "Debating hymns". The Christian Century . Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  21. ↑ George, Timothy (29 July 2013). "No Swishy Love". First Things. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  22. ↑ "'In Christ Alone' worship hymn too controversial for new hymnal". Christian Examiner. 14 August 2013. Retrieved 7 July 2018.
  23. ↑ "The Alabama Baptist – A Resource for Christian Living". thealabamabaptist.org. Archived from the original on 16 August 2013. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
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