I have a lot of admiration for entrepeneurs, but I don’t imagine that I’m the type 😀. One thing that comes to mind is something like a little coffee shop in a tourist area where you’re surrounded by secondhand books to browse or buy. That’s the sort of shop that would attract me. I remember seeing a little one in Kenmare, county Kerry, but I haven’t seen it in recent years.
Another idea is inspired by Sounds Sacred, my favourite radio show, which I listen to on BBC Ulster each Sunday at 5pm. It doesn’t promote any particular denomination, but it’s nothing but hymns and some little birthday requests. I wonder how feasible it would be to hire a local cinema and have various groups perform hymns, or lead the congregation in singing hymns each week. I’d avoid hymns addressed to anyone but God, such as Hail Glorious Saint Patrick, nations, such as I Vow to Thee my Country, and animals, such as Little Donkey 😀. I like hymns to focus on God – and hopefully that would please most. Of course people criticize certain hymns and worship songs, but I try to just enjoy Sounds Sacred rather than over-analyzing it and hunting for heresies.
I wouldn’t do this to make a huge profit. Perhaps, an entry fee would cover expenses, and we could give the remainder to local charities.
Or maybe I could buy a little cinema and have my bookshop there too.
Here are four hymns, one ancient, one old, one modernish, and one very modern:
