Talk:I Have Decided to Follow Jesus

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Consider these online research articles that give a more balanced and nuanced history of this hymn

Latest comment: 9 months ago1 comment1 person in discussion

This article describes a common and much more dramatic legendary form, as mentioned prominently in the existing wikipedia article - https://believersportal.com/the-true-story-behind-the-hymn-i-have-decided-to-follow-jesus/

Consider these online research articles that give a more balanced and nuanced history of this hymn. They consider multiple traditions and assess that the weight of evidence supports Simon K. Marak's authorship:

https://www.hymnologyarchive.com/i-have-decided-to-follow-jesus : "The spiritual song “I have decided to follow Jesus,” written by preacher Simon K. Marak (1877–1975), has its roots in Assamese Christianity. Considering the common misconception of the hymn being born out of martyrdom, a brief overview of missionary work in that region is warranted here, including an accounting of Assamese and Garo songbooks. The activities of the American Baptists in the area were frequently documented in publications in the 19th century..."

https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/articles/history-of-hymns-i-have-decided-to-follow-jesus : "While some questions of transmission and dissemination remain, the most documented and authentic origin narrative suggests that Simon K. Marak composed this hymn and that it became a theme song for his life and ministry." 184.60.53.134 (talk) 19:59, 16 January 2024 (UTC)Reply

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