Blog #2: Music, Religion & Philosophy

    While most blogs will be concerning specific aspects and/or denominations of a religion, I would like to instead explore the direct development and change within the "usage" and "aesthetics" of Christian music in general. As a religion influenced by many surrounding beliefs and customs, cultural influences are important to remember while discussing this topic. By exploring the change within traditional and current Christian music, I want to reveal the changes and adjustments that have occurred over the course of time.

    

    For my first example, I wanted to use a classic childhood hymn. This specific song stood out to me while recalling my past due to its vast and catchy nature. It uses the repeating melody and hymn structure to ingrain the song into listeners (especially young children as a means to continue the communal singing tradition). By singing within a group while in a church hall/pews, the words can be physically felt within the body, further impacting the listening individual. In terms of aesthetics, the word choice and structure is entirely directed as a form of religion spreading/teaching.

    My second example completely changes the tradition of Christian hymn and group singing. In this church, a band is brought in to play and sing famous religious songs that are well known regardless of denomination/religion. Preaching, guest speakers/singers, and activities are then centered around a specific topic selected for the day (ranging anywhere to everyday difficulties to directly biblical concepts within scripture). This is a complete reversal of the traditional "hymns in unison" structure/"preach/sing/preach" method that most churches were founded upon. While the usage remains the same (to promote and catch listener's attention), the aesthetic is based upon modern Christian tastes and youth preferences.

    I wanted to include an actual sermon example for my case on the "new-age" religion topic. While classical Christian preaching usually involves "turning off your phone and tuning into God", technology is carried alongside traditional texts in this case to include both new and old traditions into one. Presentations as well as concerts are held during the extent of the sermon, along with community videos and concerns, all within a large auditorium. This is a completely different environment than the traditional "pew and altar/pulpit/lectern approach". While some may see this as a drastic change, the immense audience that the fusion reached allowed for this specific community to exponentially grow within its founding years. By approaching religion as a foundation for growth/development instead of a set-in-stone creation, the teachings can continue to be spread to the ever diversifying audience at a level of unparalleled understanding.