Faith of Our Fathers Living Still
Faith of our fathers, living still
The hymn expresses the Lutheran doctrine of the communion of saints and the continuity of witness across generations, celebrating those who suffered and died confessing the faith. It embodies the Reformation commitment to faithfulness and martyrological tradition while emphasizing the apostolic continuity of Christian confession.
History & Background
Written by English convert to Catholicism Frederick William Faber in 1849 as 'Faith of Our Fathers,' it honors Christian martyrs and confessors. The hymn was adapted for Lutheran use with the altered first line 'Faith of Our Fathers Living Still' to emphasize continuity of Reformed tradition.
Hymnal Appearances
- Baptist Hymnal — 529
- Chalice Hymnal — 508
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 812
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 500
- Lutheran Worship — 381
- Trinity Hymnal — 589
- United Methodist Hymnal — 710
- With One Voice — 783
Bulletin Note
Written by Frederick William Faber in 1849, this hymn celebrates the communion of saints and martyrological witness central to Reformation faith, reminding us that fidelity to Christ's Word spans all ages.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Law's demand for courageous confession (Matthew 10:32-33) while proclaiming the Gospel's promise that Christ's faith endures through all generations, transforming fear into heroic witness.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Third Article (Concerning Sanctification) Small Catechism — The Apostles' Creed
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From the proclamation of Christ's boundless love (stanza 1), through the believer's total consecration and response (stanza 2), to the sufficiency of Christ for all conditions of life (stanza 3), and finally to faith's perseverance through suffering and earthly loss (stanza 4). The arc moves from gift received to gift lived out in all circumstances.
Themes
Martyrdom and witness Faithfulness across generations Courage in confession Christian legacy Standing firm in faith