This honestly is the hardest topic for me to write about, so I hope you can understand my ramblings. The relationship between music and religion is apparent in every culture, and as a member of the African American culture the association among music and religion has been vital since my ancestors arrived in the New World.
I attend the typical Southern Baptist church nestled in the woods only to be found at the end a long dirt road. Living in the Bible belt makes it nearly impossible to be blind to the connection between music and religion. In my life music and religion are synonymous but I also focus on the emotional tie of the two. The importance of a healthy balance of all three aspects has been instilled in me since I was young and it wasn’t until I was older and more mature that I noticed its true spiritual magnitude. During church services, music is seen as the traditional form of communication between the person and higher being, usually in the manner of gospel. We praise and worship God by singing of his mightiness and once the true spirit is within the person the emotional outbreak can range from yelling, shouting, jumping, shaking or chanting. I really feel the true tie between music and my religion when I am singing with the choir and actively engaging in the song. I know it may sound confusing but when I am in church and I can relate to the religious message of the song, which then is accompanied by music that emphasizes its significance of the spoken work, is when I can feel and see the tie between music and religion.
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Hi Kaleea! I agree with you that a religious message is so much more powerful when there is music behind it. One of the most powerful moments of singing religious music was in an All-State choir concert (not a religious setting at all) where we sang "The Conversion of Saul" by Dr. Zane Randal Stroope. It tells the story of Saul's conversion when he was blinded. In this one peace of music one is able to hear all of the pains and sufferings those prosecuted had to go through and then everything changes when Saul is converted. It's a really cool piece. I think you would like it. My choir director at home always reminds us that when we sing, we pray twice. I think that this is very true.
ReplyDeleteI love your blog!
Kaleea- I didn't find it hard to understand the concept of being more in tune with the religious message due to music at all. In fact, I believe much of the reasoning behind the introduction of music in the church was that very fact (though I'd have to check). Many people have used music as a way to help spread or convey the religious messages and make them memorable for others.
ReplyDeleteI think it is wonderful that you attend a place of worship that you find so completely fulfilling. That really shines through in this entry. Thank you so very much for sharing.
^.^ Yes.
ReplyDeleteI rambled too, it's okay.
Yay singing in groups!