DiogenesLamp:
"I was actually thinking "Ode to Joy" when I wrote that comment." Well... Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" using Friedrich Schiller's poem is actually more pagan than seriously religious:
"Joy, beautiful spark of the gods,
Daughter from Elysium,
We enter, drunk with fire,
Heavenly One, thy sanctuary!
Your magic joins again
What convention strictly divides;*
All people become brothers,*
Where your gentle wing abides.."
So I much prefer the American adaptation, which we sometimes still sing in church today:
"Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!..."Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blessed,
Wellspring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother, all who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine."
Lincoln's Gettysburg Address is as short & sweet.
Well... Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" using Friedrich Schiller's poem is actually more pagan than seriously religious: But the sentiment of it is that all men are brothers, which I regard as the core principle of Christianity.
Alle Menschen werden Brüder, Wo dein sanfter Flügel weilt.
You millions, I embrace you.
This kiss is for all the world !
Brothers, above the starry canopy
There must dwell a loving Father.
Do you fall in worship, you millions ?
World, do you know your Creator ?
Seek Him in the heavens !
Above the stars must He dwell
Very Christian if you ask me.