Music and Religion

Music and religion have intersected in my life in many ways over the years. Music plays a different, large role in each of these ways.

I grew up going to a Presbyterian church here in the United States. We would sing from a hymn book with a choir at the front. Even as a little girl, I could feel the importance of those hymns.

In Europe as a young girl, I attended a Catholic school. Music was an integral part of any service. Even if you just walked into a Catholic church on the street, music would always be playing.

With my present religious experiences, I find that music has a bit more of a modern feel since I attend a non-denominational church. As opposed to having a choir in the front of the church, there is a small group of song leaders at the front with microphones. There is also a band at the front, which is very unlike any other church I’ve ever attended. The music has much more a rock and roll feel. Instead of a hymn book, the words to the songs are projected onto two very large screens in the front.

Throughout all of my religious experiences, the common thread is that the music is used for worship. Rather than being used for entertainment, the music in the churches that I’ve attended has been used for people to relate to and become closer to God.

As far as aesthetics, I don’t really think that the music that I’ve grown up with at church has had a direct effect on what type of music I find pleasing today. The only factor that I can think of would be the rounded timbre. I do find that I am very drawn to the music in my current church. It pleases me aesthetically.