Music and Relgion

Growing up in a wide variety of churches, (Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Episcopalian) along with visiting many many more over the years has given me at least somewhat of a perspective of how the different sects within Christianity work. Basically, a priest or member of the church gives a lesson, than a song is sung. Based on the church, the Sunday, etc. Is the type of music that is sung/played. For instance there is different music sang around Christmas than there is two Sundays after advent. Sometimes there is a solo singer, sometimes a live band will play, but most of the time in my experience it has been an organist. In relation to the African music in the call and response genre, My Grandmothers church (Lutheran) would have a single man do the calling in a part speech, part song like in the standard that Western Civilizations call a chant. Most of it would be monophonic, with some changes in pitches. At the same church however, there would also be hymns that would be sung with the whole church. Because most of the congregation does not know how to read music, or is not professional musicians, the music has a very small range and is of a simple rhythm. By doing so the service will sound better and people will not be frustrated and concentrate on that instead of the reason of singing, for god. In other service’s I have experienced, there have been choirs to help emphasis their love of god. With their flowing gowns, and passion, it is truly bound to leave at least somewhat of an impression on one. Now while the church services that I’ve describe are now called “Traditional” There is now a type of service that tries to keep up with the younger generation. With a less of a “stuffy” atmosphere, and catchier tunes, the ministers use Christian pop music. This to me seems to have a more laid back atmosphere and does not require “Sunday’s Best” as had previously. Many people show up in normal attire, and it just seems just that much more relaxed. Also, as far as Church imitating popular music, I almost feel like it’s turned around now, with Churches trying to bring the cynical youth back by playing music that’s praising god, but rocking out at the same time. It’s an interesting twist, and I know for a fact that many of the older generation hate it. To appease both parties, many churches now have two services. I wonder if the preachers enjoy the switch from new to old every Sunday.