Human beings have always stuck to traditions and customs. Through religion, our musical tastes continue to be shaped and influenced. When I go to church, I always expect at least two things: the sermon and music. Christian music has always been a prevalent part of how we worship Jesus Christ. With our belief in God, we are able to understand and create music as a defining feature of humanity. Of course the world is ever-evolving in many ways, especially in the music industry. Even though religion is not always accredited for its influence on modern music, the impact is still present. For example, in the song “Blessings” by Chance the Rapper, there is a church choir in the song, as well as liturgical instruments that are traditionally played in a church. Traditional liturgical music mainly uses organs and harmony. Harmony can be found in a large majority of popular music today. Organs and harmony are often featured in many contemporary gospel, pop, jazz, hip-hop, and classical music. Not only does gospel music retain the core ideals of faith in God, but it also combines religion, musical styling, and tradition. Today in America, there is a region called “the Bible Belt”. In this region, there is a rooted genre that has always had a Christian basis. This genre is known as country music. For example, Carrie Underwood has built her career with love and compassion for God and how he has influenced her life. She has many songs referencing God, one example is “Jesus Take the Wheel”. Carrie Underwood and Chance the Rapper are just two of the many artists who represent Christianity in their songs by using the styles and messages that are found in Christian music. The reason Christianity is such a prominent aspect of the evolution of music is because it encourages solidarity with God, and with one another. In general, religion will always be a factor in how music changes over time. Even in this ever-changing world, religious institutions and spiritual practices will continue to be preserved in music. Religion promotes the participation and harmony of its members; this is how music functions as well. Therefore, the combination of these two things is extremely powerful and important to both worship and culture. Societies have always had certain religions and customs that make them unique. The music they play is usually stemmed from the culture’s common belief and from the harmony of the community.
"Jesus Take the Wheel" by Carrie Underwood:
Bibliography
https://faculty.wts.edu/lectures/music-and-meaning-part-i/
http://dailyorange.com/2018/10/religious-music-continues-impact-music-scene-today/
I thought it was interesting how you brought up the instrumental bleed over from Gospel into rock. What would you say to someone who's services never used music? Music early on was incorporated into Christianity because putting a melody to the text helped the people of the church remember the text better. Do you think services would be fundamentally different if they didn't use music?
ReplyDeleteIt's an interesting point that you brought up about how religion is brought into a lot of today's popular music. Sometimes we forget how much of an influence that can be, from the lyrics down to the melody and harmony of a song. It definitely makes me appreciate liturgical music a little more, because without it I probably wouldn't have many of the popular songs I listen to today.
ReplyDeleteI like your post, Madeline, and I also love Carrie Underwood! She has such a strong powerful voice. It's interesting how you mention the overlap in styles of religious music, country music, and even pop/rap music. I also like how you brought up that as music continues to change and evolve, so does religious music.
ReplyDeleteThis is a way different interpretation than I took on my blog, but you're absolutely right! Christianity influences so much of our popular culture in America, and that definitely includes popular music! Going the other way, popular music has also had a huge influence on worship/gospel music.
ReplyDeleteHi Madeline! It's interesting that you mentioned how church music has an affect on popular culture. I can't remember if you were in Dr. Vaneman's Music History class, but we learned a lot about how the church influenced the music that people listened to, and vice versa; how music influenced how the church communicated with people. Growing up, my parents encouraged all us kids to experience other cultures and religions outside our own. Having a very diverse friend group allowed me to visit several Mormon temples, and Muslim mosques and their music was so different and so wonderful. Have you had any real-life experience with music in non-Christian religions?
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