Music and Religion

Through my religious experiences, music has always been a central roll. I would say that music is actually central to an appropriate church service. I simply couldn't imagine a service without it. I grew up in a methodist church with a small congregation. As I posted in an earlier blog, I was the only instrumentalist that went to my church besides the pianist. I would play hymns on my trumpet ounce every Sunday (give or take) and it was just awesome. That being said, it was pretty much a traditional setting. Until I got older, I believed this setting was the only way. Having gone to numerous different types of churches including House of Prayer, I would say there isn't a single way of worship and different types of music can be appropriate. I enjoy listening to a gospel group singing in an almost rock style. This is what they feel within their souls. I would never try to use this style within my own church because it may offend some people but that's my advantage. This advantage means that I understand something that they can't.

I believe that our culture isn't different from the Native Americans in that sense. Do all Native Americans use the same type of music for their religious beliefs. From the Sioux to the Cherokee different tribes use different styles and instruments. They also consider music to be crucial to their religious ceremonies the same as we do. Are we really so different? In my view, without music, we couldn't have religion. I just don't know if I could get through a church service without music. My music background began in the church.