The Narthex
'On Jordan’s Bank': Another Problem Hymn?
Advent classic is misaligned with contemporary political & pastoral sensibilities
By John M. Grondelski | December 9th 2025 12:22 PMFresh off last week’s discovery that "People, Look East" might be coded propaganda for a clandestine versus orientem revival, I approached this Sunday’s liturgy with heightened vigilance. Imagine my dismay when the next hymn announced itself: the venerable "On Jordan’s Bank" -- that paragon of Advent piety which, upon scrutiny,…
READ FULL BLOG POSTReligion: A Matter of Faith or Feelings?
Insipid hymns reveal a trade-in of a Catholicism built on faith and reason for one of emotions
By John M. Grondelski | August 20th 2025 12:33 PMAnthony Esolen has spilled no small amount of ink challenging the doctrinal and other issues that plague contemporary Catholic hymnody. Demonstrating how today’s “Catholic” ditties upend the traditional liturgical principle lex orandi, lex credendi (how we pray expresses what we believe) has almost become a cottage industry online. Recently, Trent…
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