This song, when played loudly and when sung along with, to me, shares qualities with the Jesus prayer (Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner). I was put into a state of euphoria. The fact that it was sung so assuredly by a man without a home gives it even more validity.
Their are multiple versions, including a 74 minute composition, and one where Tom Waits provides vocal harmony.
In a small town near here, w/ a majority Hispanic population, a grocery store burned to the ground, all of it except the icon of the Virgin Mary in the front. I just thought it was a really beautiful scene, in a way, and a testament to the dedication and determination of the locals, in reference to their work and their spirituality, so I took a picture.
It's definitely reminiscent of the pilgrimage sites of yore.
"Miserere, full name "Miserere mei, Deus" (Latin: "Have mercy on me, O God") by Italian composer Gregorio Allegri, is a setting of Psalm 51 (50) composed during the reign of Pope Urban VIII, probably during the 1630s, for use in the Sistine Chapel during matins, as part of the exclusive Tenebrae service on Wednesday and Friday of Holy Week.
The service would start usually around 3AM, and during the ritual,
candles would be extinguished, one by one, until one remained alight and
hidden."
The arguments that I feel have the most validity in reference to the case for God. Of course, to actually know God and to know of God, one must open their heart to God. True faith begins in the heart. This is just a jumping off point for intellectuals, and pseudo-intellectuals, like me.
An innumerable amount of people lay claim to an innumerable amount of supernatural experiences, believing in their legitimacy so much as to die (physically, socially, spiritually, etc) rather than deny them, e.g., Countless martyrs in in the Roman Empire before Constantine, Countless freedom fighters in the Jewish revolts, countless Sadhus dying to the world, etc. (Experiential)
The universe is ordered in such a way as to allow for the existence of life, as well as allowing us to observe the complexity and fragility of that universe. (Teleological)
There is a strong yearning present in individuals that cannot be met with anything other than God. (Mystical)
(My understanding of quantum physics is limited, so correct me if I'm wrong) Since matter cannot be created or destroyed, and matter exists, something outside of the laws of physics must have brought it about. (Cosmological)
Morality plays no part in self-preservation, and could in fact impede it. The existence of this trait points beyond evolution.
Unfortunately, and I'm not sure why, Christian music, post mid-20th century, for the most part, seemed to become an empty, profit seeking carbon copy of mainstream garbage with wholesome lyrics. Often, it wasn't Christians making music and praising God as much as exploiting a demographic.
Still though, a promising few rise above the ashes of the Spiritual music scene and write songs worthy of bearing the name of Christ.
mewithoutyou (This band has really evolved over the years, from a local hardcore outfit to a melodic indie folk outfit. Beautiful lyrics, sometimes spoken, sometimes shouted, and sometimes sung.)
Psalters (Christian/Anarcho/gypsy/folk/punk)
Zao (Although this band is defunct the Christian metal scene seems to thrive. // The album this song comes from is titled "The Funeral of God". It's a concept album dealing with the premise of a world without God and the meaninglessness that ensues.)
(Other Christian Metal bands: Living Sacrifice, The Chariot, Norma Jean)
Listener (Experimental spoken word with nice backing melodies. Their lyrics are unbelievably good. // "We're all born to broken people on their most honest day of livin'")
Arvo Part ("One of the most prominent living composers of sacred music.")
Other bands to consider...
Indie: Eisley, Sufjan Stevens, The Illalogical Spoon, This Beautiful Mess, The Innocence Mission
Metalcore/Post-hardcore: Emery, Newer Underoath, The Devil Wears Prada, blessthefall, Showbread
Punk/HxC Punk: God So Loved the World, Headnoise, Comeback Kid, Dogwood
Hip-Hop: Tunnel Rats, Sean Slaughter, Braille, Sons of Intellect, Soul-Junk
Also, the Symphonic and Choral arrangements that came out of antiquity are some of the most beautiful. Classical: Bach, Handel, Tchaikovsky. Choral: Gregorio Allegri, Tavener.
The hope for this blog is to present an intentional Christianity. A Christianity devoid of self-gain or Western expansion, but of sacrifice, unexplainable beauty, and love.
In the Early Roman Empire, when Constantine took the throne, Christianity became mainstream, compromising with paganism in multiple ways (The passive laity and the glorified clergy, etc). Being the state religion, one wasn't Christian by choice, necessarily, but by default. Christ became a tool to putting forth your agenda. While some considered Constantine a sort of neo-savior, others saw the the acceptance as a curse, including the Desert Fathers and Mothers, who left the "world" to once again find that legitimate Christianity.
I do not advocate everyone running off to the desert, but I do advocate for Christians (And everyone; you will find a "god" eventually, whether it be family, drugs, or whatever) to truly find their God, and to act on their findings.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
tl:dr: This blog is composed of sacred music, mediocre theology, and some kids' paths to communion with God.
