MUSIC'S BEGINNINGS
RECONNECTED WITH PSYCHIC
OUT ON A LIMB
IUMA BRINGS THE FUTURE OF MUSIC
CHRISTIANITY IS TRANSFORMED
DO GOOD MUSIC?
SOUND AND SPIRIT
REVIEWS OF UNIQUE MUSIC GENRES
“The world is in an appalling state…. Perhaps it can be the artist who can bring about, from the inside, some kind of healing of the world… No religious tradition can remain exclusive anymore… It is pure nonsense to say that there is no salvation outside of Jesus Christ. I have no patience with that. Beyond the different forms, it’s the same God and the same Creation.” John Taverner (pictured).
RECONNECTED WITH PSYCHIC
OUT ON A LIMB
IUMA BRINGS THE FUTURE OF MUSIC
CHRISTIANITY IS TRANSFORMED
DO GOOD MUSIC?
SOUND AND SPIRIT
REVIEWS OF UNIQUE MUSIC GENRES
“The world is in an appalling state…. Perhaps it can be the artist who can bring about, from the inside, some kind of healing of the world… No religious tradition can remain exclusive anymore… It is pure nonsense to say that there is no salvation outside of Jesus Christ. I have no patience with that. Beyond the different forms, it’s the same God and the same Creation.” John Taverner (pictured).
Taverner cites, as one of his inspirations, St. Chankara—famous for practicing Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam all at the same time—and expresses a hope that music can bridge the differences among cultures and faiths.
MUSIC'S BEGINNINGS
The medicine man, priest, and sorcerer were chief musicians and the purpose of their music was to get the tribesmen into contact with the gods. The medicine man used the beat to either drive evil spirits away or attract the favor of the good gods. Through music, tribesmen were worked into a frenzy so that they heard voics of the spirits, saw things they would not normally see, and did things they would not normally do. These people and their culture are described in the Bible as “degenerate.” Unregenerate, they are fallen mankind lost in spiritual darkness, untouched by the renewing work of the Holy Spirit.
MUSIC'S BEGINNINGS
The medicine man, priest, and sorcerer were chief musicians and the purpose of their music was to get the tribesmen into contact with the gods. The medicine man used the beat to either drive evil spirits away or attract the favor of the good gods. Through music, tribesmen were worked into a frenzy so that they heard voics of the spirits, saw things they would not normally see, and did things they would not normally do. These people and their culture are described in the Bible as “degenerate.” Unregenerate, they are fallen mankind lost in spiritual darkness, untouched by the renewing work of the Holy Spirit.
By God’s grace, the culture and music in the lands where the Gospel had been embraced soon became a positive influence on the culture of their lands. Music was created that communicated peace and contentment with life. The mind-numbing effect of the strong beat found in negro spirituals was transformed as the result of a new worldview that embraced the Gospel. Rhythm was now balanced with melody to make a harmonious whole which reflected something of the harmony God restored to life in Jesus Christ. The saving work of Jesus Christ permeated the culture of Europe like nowhere else and styles in the arts were all affected by the parameters determined by the Christian faith. Once generally embraced in western society, even unbelievers still produced music that communicated the values of the Christian world-view. During the Enlightenment, however, the Christian influence began to erode as philosophies of life that discounted the existence of God began to rise. (22)
Today philosophies of Nihilism and Existentialism create works of art which cannot tell up from down because life, once again, does not make sense and there is no up or down or right or wrong. Our music today conveys the same message as this art work. It is chaotic, vulgar, undisciplined, and mind-numbing. The message of rock music conveys that God is dead and life makes no sense. Since the Second World War western society has abandoned the mores and habits that made up the western society which was really a Christian society. Neo-paganistic primitivism is now promoted and with it violence and anti-authoritarian attitudes which are expressed to young adults which encourage communal rebellion, blasphemy, aggression, free sex, revolution, alcohol, drugs, and hatred. The 1969 rock festival at Woodstock, New Jersey, for example, was applauded as a display of love and peace, but the love and peace was purely human-centered love that included nudity and free sex. (22)
Because of our nature we are inclined to appreciate what is bad. Not only do we need to consider how the Scriptures would have us evaluate rock music, but we need to learn to appreciate music that glorifies God and expresses His redemption in Jesus Christ. Do to our depravity, no human being can accurately judge what is right or wrong. Because of the Fall, we have a natural bent toward the wrong. Even as a Christian with a new heart, our personal tastes for music are not to be considered decisive. There is a reason why the Bible repeatedly instructs us to stay away from sin and repent. The Lord tells us of the depravity in our hearts in Genesis 6:5: “Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the wickedness of his heart was only evil continually.” The prophet Jeremiah spoke about God’s covenant people of the Old Testament: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9).
Most people who knew Kurt Cobain knew he had dark hopeless feelings. In his contribution to the Beavis and Butt-head album was, “I Hate Myself and Want To Die.” Nirvana did not consist of the best musicians and Kurt Cobain did not have the greatest voice. They apparently dealt with the anger and alienation of today’s youth. Cobain’s suicide said when all the heartache and confusion of life weighs in on you, there is no hope. But to the believer, Colossians 1:27 reminds us that Christ in us is the hope of glory. (23)
In 1966 John Lennon boasted that Christianity would pass away and that the Beatles would become more popular than Christ. He portrayed Christ under the guise of a character he named “Jesus I. Pifco, a garlic eating, stinking, little yellow greasy fascist bastard Catholic Spaniard” (John Lennon, A Spaniard in the Works, New York, Simon & Schuster, 1965 p. 14). (The Beatles and the Cosmic Consciousness Movement )
David Bowie declared “Rock has always been the devil’s music.”
Today philosophies of Nihilism and Existentialism create works of art which cannot tell up from down because life, once again, does not make sense and there is no up or down or right or wrong. Our music today conveys the same message as this art work. It is chaotic, vulgar, undisciplined, and mind-numbing. The message of rock music conveys that God is dead and life makes no sense. Since the Second World War western society has abandoned the mores and habits that made up the western society which was really a Christian society. Neo-paganistic primitivism is now promoted and with it violence and anti-authoritarian attitudes which are expressed to young adults which encourage communal rebellion, blasphemy, aggression, free sex, revolution, alcohol, drugs, and hatred. The 1969 rock festival at Woodstock, New Jersey, for example, was applauded as a display of love and peace, but the love and peace was purely human-centered love that included nudity and free sex. (22)
Because of our nature we are inclined to appreciate what is bad. Not only do we need to consider how the Scriptures would have us evaluate rock music, but we need to learn to appreciate music that glorifies God and expresses His redemption in Jesus Christ. Do to our depravity, no human being can accurately judge what is right or wrong. Because of the Fall, we have a natural bent toward the wrong. Even as a Christian with a new heart, our personal tastes for music are not to be considered decisive. There is a reason why the Bible repeatedly instructs us to stay away from sin and repent. The Lord tells us of the depravity in our hearts in Genesis 6:5: “Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the wickedness of his heart was only evil continually.” The prophet Jeremiah spoke about God’s covenant people of the Old Testament: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9).
Most people who knew Kurt Cobain knew he had dark hopeless feelings. In his contribution to the Beavis and Butt-head album was, “I Hate Myself and Want To Die.” Nirvana did not consist of the best musicians and Kurt Cobain did not have the greatest voice. They apparently dealt with the anger and alienation of today’s youth. Cobain’s suicide said when all the heartache and confusion of life weighs in on you, there is no hope. But to the believer, Colossians 1:27 reminds us that Christ in us is the hope of glory. (23)In 1966 John Lennon boasted that Christianity would pass away and that the Beatles would become more popular than Christ. He portrayed Christ under the guise of a character he named “Jesus I. Pifco, a garlic eating, stinking, little yellow greasy fascist bastard Catholic Spaniard” (John Lennon, A Spaniard in the Works, New York, Simon & Schuster, 1965 p. 14). (The Beatles and the Cosmic Consciousness Movement )
David Bowie declared “Rock has always been the devil’s music.”
David Crosby from Crosby Stills and Nash commented to Rolling Stone magazine, “I figured the only thing to do was to swipe their kids…. By saying that, I’m not talking about kidnapping. I’m just talking about changing their value system which removes them from their parent’s world very effectively” (Rolling Stone, vol. 1 p. 410). In the journal “Jefferson Starship,”
Paul Kanter confesses: “Our music is intended to broaden the generation gap, to alienate children from their parents” (In Tinglehoff Documentation of Expose, p. 4).
John Cougar reveals, “I swear or cuss because I know that it’s not socially acceptable. I hate things that are ‘this is the way you are supposed to behave.’ That’s why I hate schools, governments, and churches” (In Tinglehoff Documentation of Expose, p. 6).
Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue comments: “We never set out to be anybody’s role model. But since we have become that, we are trying to give our fans something to believe in. On the second album, we told them to “Shout a the Devil.” A lot of people…think that song is about Satan. That’s not true. It’s about standing up to authority, whether it is your parents, your teacher or your boss. That is pretty good advice, I think. But I’m sure that any parent who hears it is going to think it is treason” (Rock Beat, 1989 p. 41). Referring to their “Shout at the Devil” stage show Sixx commented, “We have skulls, pentegrams, and all kinds of satanic symbols on stage…I’ve always flirted with the devil” (Circus, Jan. 31, 1984).
Jim Morrison (of the Doors) called the spirits that at times possessed him “the Lords,” and wrote a book of poetry about them; Joni Mitchell's creativity came from her spirit guide “Aft.” So dependent on “Aft” that nothing could detain her when he “called;” Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac has several times dedicated their concerts to the witches of the world; Led Zepplin's album “Rune” displays on its cover the famous black occultist Aleister Crowley. Zepplin’s Jimmy Page, a self-confessed Satanist, bought Crowley’s mansion. John Bonham, a drummer for the band, died in the house in 1980; Robert Plant allegedly split the group up after his death and blamed Page’s obsession with the occult on his death; “Little Richard” identified Satan as the source of his inspiration: “I was directed and commanded by another power. The power of darkness…that a lot of people don’t believe exists. The power of the devil. Satan;” Ozzy Osbourne noted, “I never seem to know exactly what I’m gonna do next. I just like to do what the spirits make me do. That way, I always have someone or something to blame” (Faces, Nov. 1983 p. 24). Osbourne summoned Satan at one of his concerts in Canada. “Sometimes I feel like a medium for some outside force….” (Tinglehoff, Documentation of Expose, p. 21). His group BLACK SABBATH has also made altar calls to Lucifer at some of their concerts; Members of the rock group Iron Maiden openly admit that they are dabbling in the occult, including witchcraft (Cream, Sept. 1982). (24)
A student of the occult religion of THEOSOPHY, Cyril Scott was also a composer who was interested in the potential of using music for the occult. He wrote two books INSPIRED BY THE SAME “SPIRIT GUIDE” OF MADAME BLAVATSKY who was the founder of the theosophical movement in pre-revolutionary Russia. In the second book he tells us that, from his talks with this spirit, it: “takes a special interest in the evolution of Western music… Indeed, he considers it advisable that students of occultism of all schools should more fully appreciate the great importance of music as a force in spiritual [occult] evolution…” Scott was convinced that “the great initiates [in the spirit world] have vast and imposing plans for the musical future” (p. 199).
Jim Morrison (of the Doors) called the spirits that at times possessed him “the Lords,” and wrote a book of poetry about them; Joni Mitchell's creativity came from her spirit guide “Aft.” So dependent on “Aft” that nothing could detain her when he “called;” Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac has several times dedicated their concerts to the witches of the world; Led Zepplin's album “Rune” displays on its cover the famous black occultist Aleister Crowley. Zepplin’s Jimmy Page, a self-confessed Satanist, bought Crowley’s mansion. John Bonham, a drummer for the band, died in the house in 1980; Robert Plant allegedly split the group up after his death and blamed Page’s obsession with the occult on his death; “Little Richard” identified Satan as the source of his inspiration: “I was directed and commanded by another power. The power of darkness…that a lot of people don’t believe exists. The power of the devil. Satan;” Ozzy Osbourne noted, “I never seem to know exactly what I’m gonna do next. I just like to do what the spirits make me do. That way, I always have someone or something to blame” (Faces, Nov. 1983 p. 24). Osbourne summoned Satan at one of his concerts in Canada. “Sometimes I feel like a medium for some outside force….” (Tinglehoff, Documentation of Expose, p. 21). His group BLACK SABBATH has also made altar calls to Lucifer at some of their concerts; Members of the rock group Iron Maiden openly admit that they are dabbling in the occult, including witchcraft (Cream, Sept. 1982). (24)
A student of the occult religion of THEOSOPHY, Cyril Scott was also a composer who was interested in the potential of using music for the occult. He wrote two books INSPIRED BY THE SAME “SPIRIT GUIDE” OF MADAME BLAVATSKY who was the founder of the theosophical movement in pre-revolutionary Russia. In the second book he tells us that, from his talks with this spirit, it: “takes a special interest in the evolution of Western music… Indeed, he considers it advisable that students of occultism of all schools should more fully appreciate the great importance of music as a force in spiritual [occult] evolution…” Scott was convinced that “the great initiates [in the spirit world] have vast and imposing plans for the musical future” (p. 199).
Music is to be used as an occult medium for producing altered states of consciousness, psychic abilities, and contact with the spirit world. Scott explains: “Music in the future is to be used to bring people into yet closer touch with the Devas [spirits]; they will be enabled to partake of the benefic influence of these beings while attending concerts at which by the appropriate type of sound they have been invoked… The scientifically calculated music in question, however, will achieve the two-fold object of invoking the Devas and at the same time stimulating in the listeners those [psychic] faculties by means of which they will become aware of them and responsive to their [the spirits] influence” (pp. 200-201). In conclusion in his book, Scott cites the words of his spirit guide: “Today, as we enter this new Age, we seek, primarily through the medium of inspired music, To defuse the spirit of [occultic] unification and brotherhood, and thus unification and brotherhood, and thus quicken the (spiritual) vibration of this planet” (p. 204). This genre of “inspired music” is now found in local record stores. Some “New Age” music is spirituistically inspired for specific occult goals. The composers of the New Age music claim it can foster meditation, help develop psychic power, alter consciousness, induce “astral” travel, and transform personality. Other contemporary rock musicians parallel these ideas. (24)
RECONNECTED WITH PSYCHIC AND EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCES
After 400 years, sacred music claims to be the rediscovery of the sacred nature of music itself. The compositional style that has emerged unites contemplative spirituality with classical music. In traditional classic music, themes and ideas are developed and moved forward to a conclusion, but IN CONTEMPLATIVE PRACTICE WE EXPERIENCE LISTENING IN RECEPTIVE SILENCE, AND THE USING OF A MANTRA OR SCRIPTURAL PHRASE AS TOOL TO KEEP ON COMING BACK TO CENTER. Sacred music is created to appeal to the inner self. It also creates a breathing pattern that is said to unify the body and the soul. DOZENS OF GODS AND GODDESSES ARE CREDITED TO THE CREATION OF THIS MUSIC. The most common myth about sacred songs is that a divine being taught them to humans to teach lessons and worship. These people were then instructed to share the song with family and pass it down to generations (20).
For three hours a week, Brown University music department lecturer Fred Jodry ‘TRANSPORTS’ his Medieval and Renaissance music class back to the days of Richard the Lionhearted and Henry VIII. He begins with chants composed in the year 800 and then moves through the musical development of secular songs, polyphony, and sacred music, up to about 1600. The monks who first composed and sang sacred chants lived regimented communal lives, with cyclical rotations of work and worship. They felt their singing was a way of getting closer to God. It is said that doing the chants may actually influence brainwaves. CHANTING WAS THE SAME EQUIVALENT TO DOING MEDITATION EIGHT TIMES A DAY. Medieval chants started out simple but as cathedrals became larger the music grew more elaborate.
His class reads, listens, and sings along. Songs are sung in Latin, Provencal, Middle English, and Middle High German. Students get to ‘totally immerse themselves’ as they write about early music concerts and church services that include music. One student noted that it was hard to sing because of where the breaks are for breathing. This is because the overall music sense is based on the length of the words. As the words are sung, the voice holds them longer which results in a “high ecstatic sense.” THE BREATH IS CONSIDERED THE EXPRESSION OF THE SOURCE OF LOVE THAT TRANSPORTS IN ITS JOURNEY TOWARD THE DIVINE. This class promotes the idea that our culture must have a side that is anchored in another level, the level of the senses and that life’s essentials are expressed through words and are transmitted from one soul to another. THIS ANCHORING GROUND IS TO BE PROVIDED FOR INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE OF THE SACRED THAT TAKES US BEYOND THE LEVEL OF GLOBAL TO AN UNDERSTANDING OF UNIVERSALITY (1). http://brownalumnimagazine.com/storydetail.cfm?ID=1574 Brown Alumni Magazine
This new consciousness to the music coming down through the ages has reconnected us with certain PSYCHIC AND EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCES. Traditional sacred music claims to ECHO THE BEATING HEART OF GOD. A simple note is used, a triad, words—and with them intense, vibrant music is created that beckons us to an ‘INNER QUIETNESS’ and an ‘INNER EXALTATION.’ German composer Peter Michael Hamel wrote of “a new auditory consciousness,” capable of being applied to all today’s varieties of music. Music critic Wes Phillips describes the sacred music of Finland mystic composer Einojuhan Rautavaara as SO BEAUTIFUL AND COMPLEX AND, SOMEHOW, SIMPLE AT THE SAME TIME THAT HE FORGETS TO BREATHE. He has created a choral piece based on the ‘creation myth’ taken from his country’s folk epic, the Kalevala. Rautavaara concludes: “Music best expresses big things in a quiet way. If you wish to surrender to the music, as if to a lover, then experience the message whole, not as a narrative description, but as the creation of the world itself.” Sacred music composer Part claims that he creates music that is more like contemplative prayer. IT IS MEDITATIVE AND INCORPARATES REPITION, SILENCES, AND THE USE OF SIMPLE COMBINATIONS OF NOTES. The effect on the listener is a feeling of being suspended in time. He creates music that is at once austere and sensuous by using the techniques of slow tempi, silence, long rhythmic values, textural contrasts, stepwise melodic motion, and repetitive patterns without any extravagant use of orchestra. (3)
National Catholic Reporter
Satan is beginning to “condition” people to believe the lie he is going to bring on the earth. He is conditioning us not to recognize supernatural work for what it is, but to believe that it is something else. Anything that is an alternate explanation from what the Bible teaches is by definition a lie. SUPERNATURAL MEANS AN ASPECT THAT IS ABOVE OUR NORMAL EXISTENCE. One clever redefinition of supernatural manifestation is “paranormal.” Paranormal means parallel to the normal not supernatural. We are led to believe that what the Bible says is supernatural is just a part of natural normal living that we haven’t used for years—psychics, hypnosis, and other occult practices that are called an abomination in the Bible. The “UNCONSCIOUS” is an unbiblical concept—the way it is taught in modern psychology. Although we don’t understand how the mind (metaphysical) and the brain (physical) act, THIS IS THE REALM IN WHICH THE DEMONS WORK AND THEY UNDERSTAND IT PERFECTLY. Demon possession has a logical explanation—if your own mind can effect you own brain, then the similar non-physical nature of another mind might also be able to effect your brain giving rise to your hearing a voice or seeing a vision or having the mind speak or write by controlling your body the same way you normally control your body. HYPNOTISM OPENS YOU UP TO THE DEMONIC. IT IS IN THE REALM OF THE OCCULT (21; Present Ministries of the Holy Spirit ).
“IMAGINATION” is one of the motivating agencies that helps transform your beliefs into physical experience. Hypnosis is used to artificially induce a trance-like condition in which an individual is extremely responsive to suggestion. The Hebrew word means “ONE WHO TIES IN KNOTS.” The idea was “ONE WHO BINDS” or “ONE WHO CONTROLS SOMEONE BY MAGIC KNOTS OR SPELLS” BY MANIPULATION WITH WORDS. In the last century or two theory about hypnotism owes much to Franz Anton Mezmer (mesmerized). He believed that he had discovered the great universal cure of both physical and emotional problems back in 1779. MEZMER SAID THAT AN INVISIBLE FORCE OR ENERGY WAS DISTRIBUTED THROUGHOUT THE BODY, HE CALLED IT “ANIMAL MAGNETISM,” and he said this same energy permeates all of nature (identical to the New Age monism—everything is unified; also like the Eastern concept of Chi—the life force in everything). He taught that proper health and mental well-being came from a proper distribution and balance of this energy force in your body. First he used physical magnets in this exertion of mind over matter. Later he developed it further into mesmerism which was much more psychological than physical and that was that he used hypnotism. He trained his patients to enter trance-like states of hypnosis. Some of the subjects of mesmerism moved into deeper states of consciousness, engaged in telepathy, clairvoyance, and other occult practices. The key assumption was that he said that tapping into the subconscious which was a reservoir of potential healing right within our own mind and soul and people could better understand themselves, they could obtain to better health, and THEY COULD DEVELOP SPIRITUAL ABILITIES AND POWERS. As Christians we need to avoid this and warn others. Deuteronomy 18: 9-11 God said not to have anything to do with this. There is a good reason for God to command that. Auto hypnosis, biofeedback techniques, relaxation therapies, counseling techniques, any practice that encourages you to release or relax the active control of your mind and yield it to another being or imaginary circumstances. Somehow, we can’t understand all of this now, God just says “don’t do it,” but we are to be in control of our minds. Christian meditation has nothing to do with "emptying your mind.” It has everything to do with filling your mind with God’s Word. Spiritual discipline where you empty your mind to listen to the voice of God without looking at the Word of God—that is just opening yourself up to problems.
“When though art come into the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch. Or a CHARMER, or a CONSULTER WITH FAMILIAR SPIRITS, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Thou shalt be perfect with the Lord thy God (entirely obedient)”(Deut. 18:9-13).
“A man also or woman that hath A FAMILIAR SPIRIT, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them”(Leviticus 20:27). (21; Hypnosis ).
OUT ON A LIMB
British composer JOHN TAVENER FEELS AS THOUGH HE IS ‘OUT ON A LIMB’(Shirley McClaine?) because we are living in an age that does not believe that SOUND IS CAPABLE OF PUTTING US IN TOUCH WITH HIGHER LEVEL OF REALITY. In the March/April 2003 issue of “Symphony” magazine he claims, “The world is in an appalling state…. Perhaps it can be the artist who can bring about, from the inside, some kind of healing of the world… No religious tradition can remain exclusive anymore… IT IS PURE NONSENSE TO SAY THAT THERE IS NO SALVATION OUTSIDE OF JESUS CHRIST. I have no patience with that. Beyond the different forms, it’s the same God and the same Creation.” He cites as one of his inspirations St. Chankara—famous for practicing Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam all at the same time—and expresses a hope that music can bridge the differences among cultures and faiths. Tavener feels that MUSIC HAS A MESSIANIC ROLE AND HAS TO DO WITH RELIGIOUS UNITING. In a recent work he explained that he was creating a lyrical icon in sound. His work is highly stylized, geometrically formed and meditative in character. HE HAS TRIED TO CAPTURE SOME OF THE POWER OF THE MOTHER OF GOD.(26)
The New Age movement’s writings contain complex discussions on the nature of being and share common THEMES OF UNIVERSALITY, MYSTICAL UNION WITH GOD THROUGH CONTEMPLATION, SOCIAL JUSTICE, AND NON-VIOLENCE. They believe there is a power in their “collective consciousness.” THE CALL TO SALVATION IS ACTUALLY A CALL TO A TRANSFORMATION OF CONSCIOUSNESS TO BE PSYCHOLOGICALLY AWAKENED TO THE UNITY OF ONENESS OF ALL CREATION. But God’s character demands separation from His creation. God, in His sovereign plan, is allowing the occult society to create its false Messianic kingdom. The occult society believes that all religions, at their deepest mystical level use myth and symbol to say the same thing. They believe the fall is a mythical story and has a deeper more “universal truth.” We have fallen from oneness and harmony of paradise into alienation and a sense of separation. We need to realize that that separation that appears to separate “sinful” humanity from a righteous God, has never existed, we always have been one with God. One can work within the Christian traditions but view universalism as the broader truth as one truth shines out in all of its various manifestations. These partial views are united in a dialectic. The old is discarded and the new is introduced to bring about a smooth transition into a new global community. To the new world advocate, there is no other viable alternative to the future survival of civilization than that of a new community under a common leadership. During Hitler’s day, those not captivated by mind control and meditative techniques were motivated by a rapid hate campaign directed against the Jews. EXPECT TO EXPERIENCE A NEW HATE CAMPAIGN AGAINST CHRISTIANS TO BECOME MORE EVIDENT. Scripture tells us that the entire world will be allied against Christ when He returns. The Gospel snuffs out the human will and Jesus prophesized that evil would increase as the end drew near. While preached throughout the world, the Gospel will be received by few hearts. Broad is the way to destruction, and there are many who go that way, while few find eternal life in Christ (Matthew 7:13-14)(7).
IUMA BRINGS THE FUTURE OF MUSIC: CHRISTIANS ARE UNTRUSTWORTHY!
IUMA promotes the sales of ‘independent’ and ‘unsigned’ artists. They claim to be getting the music out and letting the music ‘SPEAK DIRECTLY TO THE FANS’ as they promise to continue to bring to us the ‘FUTURE OF MUSIC.’ Although their main claim is to ‘not be weasels watching the numbers,’ glancing over their artist’s biographies you’ll find the housing of a variety of music that most likely would not be approved for sales in the ‘average’ music store. The owner claims that CHRISTIANS ARE THE ‘MOST UNTRUSTWORTHY GROUP OF ALL THE UNTRUSTWORTHY GROUPS IN THE BUSINESS!’ One look at the artist’s biographies will expose the housing of a variety of music that most likely would not be sold in the average music store. Artists include JAMES SUNDQUIST, Charismatic, Mystic Quakers, Willow Creek’s SANDY RIOS, and culturally correct, ‘model-posing’ Saddle Back’s RICHRD ALBANES. CHRISTIANS ARE BASHED for turning away their sales and church life in general is seen as quite depressing by ex-pastor and owner Lewis Greer who claims to be THE ONE WHO CAN ‘DO GOOD’(8).
CHRISTIANITY IS TRANSFORMED TO SEEKING A GOD THAT IS MANIFEST IN CREATION
When you move from the God of the Bible creation becomes your god. Trees, animals, people and everything in the universe all are seen as parts of one big whole which began by itself and guides its own destiny. Music has a natural tendency to soothe and exhilarate. In Scripture, 1 Samuel 16:23, MUSIC WAS USED TO SEDATE AN EVIL SPIRIT THAT INFLICTED SAUL. Once you have allowed spirit possession, music can shut up the passages by which Satan has been allowed access to the mind, but rather than music for relief, why not seek peace with God, repent, and encourage the true presence of the Holy Spirit? The true Holy Spirit can renew anyone’s mind and minds renewed are minds protected from deception and manipulation. The true God who created all, and is separate from man, is revealed to us through the Bible and the Holy Spirit. You can have fellowship with God through His Word.
(click to enlarge and read)In the 2003 Interfaith Cross Currrents magazine(New Age) SACRED MUSIC WAS FEATURED BY APOLOGETIC SPEAKER JAMES SUNDQUIST, “In every culture and religion, the stirrings of the heart well up in the form of sacred song. In a program, originally produced for National Public Radio by JAMES SUNDQUIST, narrator Robert Montiegel, TAKES US BACK TO THE ORIGINS OF SUCH MUSIC AND THE SOUNDS OF NATURE ITSELF. In an additional segment from NPR program, he tells the surprising story of how … SO IT IS THAT SACRED MUSIC OFTEN TRANSCENDS THE BARRIERS of class, race, and religion.”
A nine-day, celebration of the sacred music traditions of Los Angeles and the Americas designed to bring together people from diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds was initiated by HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA AS A MEANS TO PROMOTE MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND COOPERATION. It was part of an unprecedented global celebration of the human spirit taking place in the fall of 1999 and spring 2000. They believe that Sacred music combines the past with the present to anticipate the future and that A NEW WORLD IS BEING FORMED BEFORE OUR EYES WITHOUT OUR BEING ABLE TO GRASP ITS MEANING AND THE SPEED OF THIS CHANGE IS TAKING US BY SURPRISE(4). http://www.tibet.ca/en/wtnarchive/2005/9/17-2_5.html
ALEXANDER STRAUCH writes about attending a “sacred music concert” in the opening page of his on-line “Biblical Eldership” book. His book esteems Fuller/Regent’s R. Paul Stevens who teaches SPIRITUAL FORMATION, and is recommended reading along with APOSTATE RICHARD FOSTER’S materials at retreats for future “pastors.” Not only are our public schools allowed to teach our future generations that they are animals who have evolved from lower forms of life, but since it is man’s creation, global and political and economic education is set up to educate others to have a SPIRITUAL GLOBAL CONSCIOUSNESS. Global education proponents are calling for a world religion under the authority of a one-world government. This new world religion is envisioned as A SYNTHESIS OF CHRISTIAN ETHICS AND EASTERN MYSTICISM. Mystic Quaker Richard Foster, who prides himself in bringing Christians across denominational lines for this renewal called RENOVARE, has plans to publish his own RENOVARE STUDY BIBLE and has his contemplative study materials recommended on a web site for a Christian law school(Christian Legal Society) which promotes DOING JUSTICE WITH THE LOVE OF GOD. Renovare promotes the use of GUIDED IMAGERY AND VISUALIZATION, ASTRAL PROJECTION, AND ZEN PRAYER TECHNIQUES. Mystic teaching like Foster’s is propagated by either the undiscerning or the unfortunately infiltrated media like Christianity Today, Alpha Magazine, and Intervarsity Press who has just provided the ‘New Dictionary of Theology’ which defines Catholic mysticism as if it is a perfectly acceptable practice for an Orthodox Christian. (11; 7; 12; 15).
http://www.soulcare.org/Church/Strauch_Eldership.htm (“The Problem”… attending a ‘sacred music concert.’)
DO GOOD MUSIC?
Do Good Music artist Everett says, “I just prayed and played. What an experience to feel the Holy Spirit direct and flow for that continuous hour… As the tape began to roll the same DIRECTIONS CAME VERY BOLDLY from the Holy Spirit (?), “Put down your ideas—mine are much better.”… I pray that you will feel the presence of God as you listen.” http://www.dogoodmusic.com/artists/everett/index.phtml
Do Good Music artist Stafford says, “..it is all about people coming together. The easy thing to do is divide; it is more difficult to UNITE AND BECOME ONE IN HEART, MIND, AND SPIRIT. Someone has got to place their life on the line for Jesus’ prayer ‘…THAT THEY ALL BE ONE..’ to become reality….Its all about winning as many as possible.” For more than twenty years he has captivated audiences through his anointed gifts. http://www.dogoodmusic.com/artists/stafford/index/phtml
SOUND AND SPIRIT
National Public Radio program host of “Sound and Spirit,” Ellen Kushner, says this new ‘spiritual’ music is not being listened to in concert halls but in cars and in our homes allowing a more personal and ‘very intimate experience.’ THE MUSIC CONTAINS A SPIRIT THAT MOVES YOU. It is the spirit of the composer’s spiritual journeys. She states that their music mirrors their inner lives, the inner lives of all of us. INNERSPACE, MEDITATIVE, AND TRANSCENDENTAL MUSIC is said to promote a psychological movement inward. It is considered contemplative music. It is capable of being a vehicle, energy-form, and magic force for spiritual self-absorption, which works by virtue of its own inner laws, as soon as the listener learns how to open himself totally to it. It carries him away—to himself. Transcendental inner space music attempts to convey the listener inward and upward to higher planes of consciousness, and is often spoken of as “uplifting.” Continuous drones or slowly changing, endlessly repeated rhythmic structures as well as overall ascending or descending tonal movements are common characteristics of this subcategory. THIS IS AN EXTENSION OF THE ANCIENT USE OF MUSIC AS A MEDUIM for the communication of important cultural myths. At its best, this music is said to create a context for dramatic internal experiences as the ideas expressed by the lyrics are amplified by the emotional power of the music(3; 13). http://www.natcath.org/NCR_Online/archives/121302/121302t.htm
REVIEWS OF UNIQUE MUSIC GENRES
• Gorgeous, understated orchestration and arrangements, and divine mantras sung. This combination places “Sublime Relaxation” at least as high as “Solaris Universalis” and “Atlantis Angelis”! As the performer explores new atmospheres through his inspired guitar workings and mystical, timeless keyboard parts, his music is soothing to the body, mind and soul.
• Fall into this music deeply, no hands, no mind, no problems. The vocals are understated to give the recording a meditative feel rather than the floorboard-shaking intensity of some Tibetan chanting.
• This artist’s writing style is contemplative, devotional, and joyous in nature. Her voice literally casts a spell over the listener.
• Ancient and timeless traditions are unlocked through the successful combining of Native American ceremonial chants with modern instrumental arrangements. Powerful chant vocals, lush, rhythmic arrangements, and stirring messages cross all borders, both real and imagined, and does so on personal ways which reach through cycles of celebration, wisdom, and rebirth. Deep satisfaction and desire is stirred to keep coming back for more time and again. (12)
WORKS CITED
1. Baker, Lori, “Song of the Seminar,” Brown Alumni Magazine Online May/June 1999 http://brownalumnimagazine.com/storydetail.cfm?ID=1574
2. Mohame, “Life’s Essentials Are Not Only Expressed Through Words..,”
Barde, Lloyd, “Common Ground Music Reviews Spring 2001 http://www.backroadmusic.com/common_ground/cg_spring_01/cmngrnd_sp01.htm
3. Heffrern, Rich, “Spirit in Sound: New Sacred Music,” National Catholic Reporter http://www.natcath.org/NCR_Online/archives/121302/121302t.htm
4. World Festival of Sacred Music http://www.tibet.ca/en/wtnarchive/2005/9/17-2_5.html
5. Watch Unto Prayer Web Site, “Heeding Bible Prophecy-Religion” http://watch.pair.com/new-doctrine.html
6. Horton, Beka, “Church History and Things to Come,” 1993 Pensacola Christian College http://www.abeka.com/
7. Greer, Lewis, Do Good Music, “The Story So Far Part 1,” –unsigned & independent artists http://www.dogoodmusic.com/resources/dgmstory1.phtml
8. IUMA, About IUMA History-unsigned & independent artists http://www.iuma.com/About
9. Georgian Sacred and Ritual Music http://www.angelfire.com/ga/Georgian/music2.html
10. Strauch, Alexander, ‘Biblical Eldership’ http://www.soulcare.org/Church/Strauch_Eldership.htm
11. Foster, Richard, Renovare, Christian Legal Society http://www.clsnet.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/clsStore/lists_new/renovareLst.php3?L+scstore+bbdp8984fff692f6+1053759199
12. Hill, “New Age Music Made Simple,” http://www.hos.com/simple.html
13. Boers, “Learning the Ancient Rythms of Prayer, Christianity Today, 1/08/01 http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2001/001/1.38.html
14. Watch Unto Prayer, “The Mystical Bible,” http://watch.pair.com/message2.html
15. Samuel, Bill, “Richard Foster,” QuakerInfo.com, 7/1/01 http://www.quakerinfo.com/foster.shtml
16. John Caddock, “What is Contemplative Spirituality and Why is it Dangerous?, Journal of the Grace Evangelical Society, 8/97
17. Brennen Manning, Intermission, The Hard Rock Magazine, May/June, 2003
18. Watts, Alan, “Buddhism: The Religion of No Religion,” Charles E. Tuttle Co., Inc,.Rutland, VT & Tokyo, Japan, 1996
19. Telesco, Patricia, Waterhawk, Don Two Eagles, “Sacred Beat,” Red Wheel/Weiser, LLC, 2003
20. Mooberry, Pastor Jim. “Hypnosis.” “The Faithful Word” two decades of expository teaching.
21. “Rock Music: For the Christian or Not?,” Rev. C. Bouwman, Free Reformed Church of Kelmscott. http://members.iinet.netau/~jvd/articles/rock.htm
22. “Is Rock Music Killing Your Kids?” Al Menconi, Menconi Ministries. http://www.almeconi.com/topics/parent/killing.html
23. “Rock Music and Occultism,” http://www.illuminati-news.com/art-andmc/occult-rock.htm
24. “Worldly Music Directed at Man Not God,” Tabernacle Baptist Church, Plains Baptist Challenger, Dec. 2004. http://www.tbaptist.com/
25. “Resurrection Symphony: Sacred Music’s Comeback,” by Johanna Keller, BBC Music Magazine; March/April 2003
RECONNECTED WITH PSYCHIC AND EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCES
After 400 years, sacred music claims to be the rediscovery of the sacred nature of music itself. The compositional style that has emerged unites contemplative spirituality with classical music. In traditional classic music, themes and ideas are developed and moved forward to a conclusion, but IN CONTEMPLATIVE PRACTICE WE EXPERIENCE LISTENING IN RECEPTIVE SILENCE, AND THE USING OF A MANTRA OR SCRIPTURAL PHRASE AS TOOL TO KEEP ON COMING BACK TO CENTER. Sacred music is created to appeal to the inner self. It also creates a breathing pattern that is said to unify the body and the soul. DOZENS OF GODS AND GODDESSES ARE CREDITED TO THE CREATION OF THIS MUSIC. The most common myth about sacred songs is that a divine being taught them to humans to teach lessons and worship. These people were then instructed to share the song with family and pass it down to generations (20).
For three hours a week, Brown University music department lecturer Fred Jodry ‘TRANSPORTS’ his Medieval and Renaissance music class back to the days of Richard the Lionhearted and Henry VIII. He begins with chants composed in the year 800 and then moves through the musical development of secular songs, polyphony, and sacred music, up to about 1600. The monks who first composed and sang sacred chants lived regimented communal lives, with cyclical rotations of work and worship. They felt their singing was a way of getting closer to God. It is said that doing the chants may actually influence brainwaves. CHANTING WAS THE SAME EQUIVALENT TO DOING MEDITATION EIGHT TIMES A DAY. Medieval chants started out simple but as cathedrals became larger the music grew more elaborate.
His class reads, listens, and sings along. Songs are sung in Latin, Provencal, Middle English, and Middle High German. Students get to ‘totally immerse themselves’ as they write about early music concerts and church services that include music. One student noted that it was hard to sing because of where the breaks are for breathing. This is because the overall music sense is based on the length of the words. As the words are sung, the voice holds them longer which results in a “high ecstatic sense.” THE BREATH IS CONSIDERED THE EXPRESSION OF THE SOURCE OF LOVE THAT TRANSPORTS IN ITS JOURNEY TOWARD THE DIVINE. This class promotes the idea that our culture must have a side that is anchored in another level, the level of the senses and that life’s essentials are expressed through words and are transmitted from one soul to another. THIS ANCHORING GROUND IS TO BE PROVIDED FOR INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE OF THE SACRED THAT TAKES US BEYOND THE LEVEL OF GLOBAL TO AN UNDERSTANDING OF UNIVERSALITY (1). http://brownalumnimagazine.com/storydetail.cfm?ID=1574 Brown Alumni Magazine
This new consciousness to the music coming down through the ages has reconnected us with certain PSYCHIC AND EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCES. Traditional sacred music claims to ECHO THE BEATING HEART OF GOD. A simple note is used, a triad, words—and with them intense, vibrant music is created that beckons us to an ‘INNER QUIETNESS’ and an ‘INNER EXALTATION.’ German composer Peter Michael Hamel wrote of “a new auditory consciousness,” capable of being applied to all today’s varieties of music. Music critic Wes Phillips describes the sacred music of Finland mystic composer Einojuhan Rautavaara as SO BEAUTIFUL AND COMPLEX AND, SOMEHOW, SIMPLE AT THE SAME TIME THAT HE FORGETS TO BREATHE. He has created a choral piece based on the ‘creation myth’ taken from his country’s folk epic, the Kalevala. Rautavaara concludes: “Music best expresses big things in a quiet way. If you wish to surrender to the music, as if to a lover, then experience the message whole, not as a narrative description, but as the creation of the world itself.” Sacred music composer Part claims that he creates music that is more like contemplative prayer. IT IS MEDITATIVE AND INCORPARATES REPITION, SILENCES, AND THE USE OF SIMPLE COMBINATIONS OF NOTES. The effect on the listener is a feeling of being suspended in time. He creates music that is at once austere and sensuous by using the techniques of slow tempi, silence, long rhythmic values, textural contrasts, stepwise melodic motion, and repetitive patterns without any extravagant use of orchestra. (3)
National Catholic Reporter
Satan is beginning to “condition” people to believe the lie he is going to bring on the earth. He is conditioning us not to recognize supernatural work for what it is, but to believe that it is something else. Anything that is an alternate explanation from what the Bible teaches is by definition a lie. SUPERNATURAL MEANS AN ASPECT THAT IS ABOVE OUR NORMAL EXISTENCE. One clever redefinition of supernatural manifestation is “paranormal.” Paranormal means parallel to the normal not supernatural. We are led to believe that what the Bible says is supernatural is just a part of natural normal living that we haven’t used for years—psychics, hypnosis, and other occult practices that are called an abomination in the Bible. The “UNCONSCIOUS” is an unbiblical concept—the way it is taught in modern psychology. Although we don’t understand how the mind (metaphysical) and the brain (physical) act, THIS IS THE REALM IN WHICH THE DEMONS WORK AND THEY UNDERSTAND IT PERFECTLY. Demon possession has a logical explanation—if your own mind can effect you own brain, then the similar non-physical nature of another mind might also be able to effect your brain giving rise to your hearing a voice or seeing a vision or having the mind speak or write by controlling your body the same way you normally control your body. HYPNOTISM OPENS YOU UP TO THE DEMONIC. IT IS IN THE REALM OF THE OCCULT (21; Present Ministries of the Holy Spirit ).
“IMAGINATION” is one of the motivating agencies that helps transform your beliefs into physical experience. Hypnosis is used to artificially induce a trance-like condition in which an individual is extremely responsive to suggestion. The Hebrew word means “ONE WHO TIES IN KNOTS.” The idea was “ONE WHO BINDS” or “ONE WHO CONTROLS SOMEONE BY MAGIC KNOTS OR SPELLS” BY MANIPULATION WITH WORDS. In the last century or two theory about hypnotism owes much to Franz Anton Mezmer (mesmerized). He believed that he had discovered the great universal cure of both physical and emotional problems back in 1779. MEZMER SAID THAT AN INVISIBLE FORCE OR ENERGY WAS DISTRIBUTED THROUGHOUT THE BODY, HE CALLED IT “ANIMAL MAGNETISM,” and he said this same energy permeates all of nature (identical to the New Age monism—everything is unified; also like the Eastern concept of Chi—the life force in everything). He taught that proper health and mental well-being came from a proper distribution and balance of this energy force in your body. First he used physical magnets in this exertion of mind over matter. Later he developed it further into mesmerism which was much more psychological than physical and that was that he used hypnotism. He trained his patients to enter trance-like states of hypnosis. Some of the subjects of mesmerism moved into deeper states of consciousness, engaged in telepathy, clairvoyance, and other occult practices. The key assumption was that he said that tapping into the subconscious which was a reservoir of potential healing right within our own mind and soul and people could better understand themselves, they could obtain to better health, and THEY COULD DEVELOP SPIRITUAL ABILITIES AND POWERS. As Christians we need to avoid this and warn others. Deuteronomy 18: 9-11 God said not to have anything to do with this. There is a good reason for God to command that. Auto hypnosis, biofeedback techniques, relaxation therapies, counseling techniques, any practice that encourages you to release or relax the active control of your mind and yield it to another being or imaginary circumstances. Somehow, we can’t understand all of this now, God just says “don’t do it,” but we are to be in control of our minds. Christian meditation has nothing to do with "emptying your mind.” It has everything to do with filling your mind with God’s Word. Spiritual discipline where you empty your mind to listen to the voice of God without looking at the Word of God—that is just opening yourself up to problems.
“When though art come into the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch. Or a CHARMER, or a CONSULTER WITH FAMILIAR SPIRITS, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Thou shalt be perfect with the Lord thy God (entirely obedient)”(Deut. 18:9-13).
“A man also or woman that hath A FAMILIAR SPIRIT, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them”(Leviticus 20:27). (21; Hypnosis ).
OUT ON A LIMB
British composer JOHN TAVENER FEELS AS THOUGH HE IS ‘OUT ON A LIMB’(Shirley McClaine?) because we are living in an age that does not believe that SOUND IS CAPABLE OF PUTTING US IN TOUCH WITH HIGHER LEVEL OF REALITY. In the March/April 2003 issue of “Symphony” magazine he claims, “The world is in an appalling state…. Perhaps it can be the artist who can bring about, from the inside, some kind of healing of the world… No religious tradition can remain exclusive anymore… IT IS PURE NONSENSE TO SAY THAT THERE IS NO SALVATION OUTSIDE OF JESUS CHRIST. I have no patience with that. Beyond the different forms, it’s the same God and the same Creation.” He cites as one of his inspirations St. Chankara—famous for practicing Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam all at the same time—and expresses a hope that music can bridge the differences among cultures and faiths. Tavener feels that MUSIC HAS A MESSIANIC ROLE AND HAS TO DO WITH RELIGIOUS UNITING. In a recent work he explained that he was creating a lyrical icon in sound. His work is highly stylized, geometrically formed and meditative in character. HE HAS TRIED TO CAPTURE SOME OF THE POWER OF THE MOTHER OF GOD.(26)
The New Age movement’s writings contain complex discussions on the nature of being and share common THEMES OF UNIVERSALITY, MYSTICAL UNION WITH GOD THROUGH CONTEMPLATION, SOCIAL JUSTICE, AND NON-VIOLENCE. They believe there is a power in their “collective consciousness.” THE CALL TO SALVATION IS ACTUALLY A CALL TO A TRANSFORMATION OF CONSCIOUSNESS TO BE PSYCHOLOGICALLY AWAKENED TO THE UNITY OF ONENESS OF ALL CREATION. But God’s character demands separation from His creation. God, in His sovereign plan, is allowing the occult society to create its false Messianic kingdom. The occult society believes that all religions, at their deepest mystical level use myth and symbol to say the same thing. They believe the fall is a mythical story and has a deeper more “universal truth.” We have fallen from oneness and harmony of paradise into alienation and a sense of separation. We need to realize that that separation that appears to separate “sinful” humanity from a righteous God, has never existed, we always have been one with God. One can work within the Christian traditions but view universalism as the broader truth as one truth shines out in all of its various manifestations. These partial views are united in a dialectic. The old is discarded and the new is introduced to bring about a smooth transition into a new global community. To the new world advocate, there is no other viable alternative to the future survival of civilization than that of a new community under a common leadership. During Hitler’s day, those not captivated by mind control and meditative techniques were motivated by a rapid hate campaign directed against the Jews. EXPECT TO EXPERIENCE A NEW HATE CAMPAIGN AGAINST CHRISTIANS TO BECOME MORE EVIDENT. Scripture tells us that the entire world will be allied against Christ when He returns. The Gospel snuffs out the human will and Jesus prophesized that evil would increase as the end drew near. While preached throughout the world, the Gospel will be received by few hearts. Broad is the way to destruction, and there are many who go that way, while few find eternal life in Christ (Matthew 7:13-14)(7).
IUMA BRINGS THE FUTURE OF MUSIC: CHRISTIANS ARE UNTRUSTWORTHY!
IUMA promotes the sales of ‘independent’ and ‘unsigned’ artists. They claim to be getting the music out and letting the music ‘SPEAK DIRECTLY TO THE FANS’ as they promise to continue to bring to us the ‘FUTURE OF MUSIC.’ Although their main claim is to ‘not be weasels watching the numbers,’ glancing over their artist’s biographies you’ll find the housing of a variety of music that most likely would not be approved for sales in the ‘average’ music store. The owner claims that CHRISTIANS ARE THE ‘MOST UNTRUSTWORTHY GROUP OF ALL THE UNTRUSTWORTHY GROUPS IN THE BUSINESS!’ One look at the artist’s biographies will expose the housing of a variety of music that most likely would not be sold in the average music store. Artists include JAMES SUNDQUIST, Charismatic, Mystic Quakers, Willow Creek’s SANDY RIOS, and culturally correct, ‘model-posing’ Saddle Back’s RICHRD ALBANES. CHRISTIANS ARE BASHED for turning away their sales and church life in general is seen as quite depressing by ex-pastor and owner Lewis Greer who claims to be THE ONE WHO CAN ‘DO GOOD’(8).
CHRISTIANITY IS TRANSFORMED TO SEEKING A GOD THAT IS MANIFEST IN CREATION
When you move from the God of the Bible creation becomes your god. Trees, animals, people and everything in the universe all are seen as parts of one big whole which began by itself and guides its own destiny. Music has a natural tendency to soothe and exhilarate. In Scripture, 1 Samuel 16:23, MUSIC WAS USED TO SEDATE AN EVIL SPIRIT THAT INFLICTED SAUL. Once you have allowed spirit possession, music can shut up the passages by which Satan has been allowed access to the mind, but rather than music for relief, why not seek peace with God, repent, and encourage the true presence of the Holy Spirit? The true Holy Spirit can renew anyone’s mind and minds renewed are minds protected from deception and manipulation. The true God who created all, and is separate from man, is revealed to us through the Bible and the Holy Spirit. You can have fellowship with God through His Word.
(click to enlarge and read)In the 2003 Interfaith Cross Currrents magazine(New Age) SACRED MUSIC WAS FEATURED BY APOLOGETIC SPEAKER JAMES SUNDQUIST, “In every culture and religion, the stirrings of the heart well up in the form of sacred song. In a program, originally produced for National Public Radio by JAMES SUNDQUIST, narrator Robert Montiegel, TAKES US BACK TO THE ORIGINS OF SUCH MUSIC AND THE SOUNDS OF NATURE ITSELF. In an additional segment from NPR program, he tells the surprising story of how … SO IT IS THAT SACRED MUSIC OFTEN TRANSCENDS THE BARRIERS of class, race, and religion.”
A nine-day, celebration of the sacred music traditions of Los Angeles and the Americas designed to bring together people from diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds was initiated by HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA AS A MEANS TO PROMOTE MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND COOPERATION. It was part of an unprecedented global celebration of the human spirit taking place in the fall of 1999 and spring 2000. They believe that Sacred music combines the past with the present to anticipate the future and that A NEW WORLD IS BEING FORMED BEFORE OUR EYES WITHOUT OUR BEING ABLE TO GRASP ITS MEANING AND THE SPEED OF THIS CHANGE IS TAKING US BY SURPRISE(4). http://www.tibet.ca/en/wtnarchive/2005/9/17-2_5.htmlALEXANDER STRAUCH writes about attending a “sacred music concert” in the opening page of his on-line “Biblical Eldership” book. His book esteems Fuller/Regent’s R. Paul Stevens who teaches SPIRITUAL FORMATION, and is recommended reading along with APOSTATE RICHARD FOSTER’S materials at retreats for future “pastors.” Not only are our public schools allowed to teach our future generations that they are animals who have evolved from lower forms of life, but since it is man’s creation, global and political and economic education is set up to educate others to have a SPIRITUAL GLOBAL CONSCIOUSNESS. Global education proponents are calling for a world religion under the authority of a one-world government. This new world religion is envisioned as A SYNTHESIS OF CHRISTIAN ETHICS AND EASTERN MYSTICISM. Mystic Quaker Richard Foster, who prides himself in bringing Christians across denominational lines for this renewal called RENOVARE, has plans to publish his own RENOVARE STUDY BIBLE and has his contemplative study materials recommended on a web site for a Christian law school(Christian Legal Society) which promotes DOING JUSTICE WITH THE LOVE OF GOD. Renovare promotes the use of GUIDED IMAGERY AND VISUALIZATION, ASTRAL PROJECTION, AND ZEN PRAYER TECHNIQUES. Mystic teaching like Foster’s is propagated by either the undiscerning or the unfortunately infiltrated media like Christianity Today, Alpha Magazine, and Intervarsity Press who has just provided the ‘New Dictionary of Theology’ which defines Catholic mysticism as if it is a perfectly acceptable practice for an Orthodox Christian. (11; 7; 12; 15).
http://www.soulcare.org/Church/Strauch_Eldership.htm (“The Problem”… attending a ‘sacred music concert.’)
DO GOOD MUSIC?
Do Good Music artist Everett says, “I just prayed and played. What an experience to feel the Holy Spirit direct and flow for that continuous hour… As the tape began to roll the same DIRECTIONS CAME VERY BOLDLY from the Holy Spirit (?), “Put down your ideas—mine are much better.”… I pray that you will feel the presence of God as you listen.” http://www.dogoodmusic.com/artists/everett/index.phtml
Do Good Music artist Stafford says, “..it is all about people coming together. The easy thing to do is divide; it is more difficult to UNITE AND BECOME ONE IN HEART, MIND, AND SPIRIT. Someone has got to place their life on the line for Jesus’ prayer ‘…THAT THEY ALL BE ONE..’ to become reality….Its all about winning as many as possible.” For more than twenty years he has captivated audiences through his anointed gifts. http://www.dogoodmusic.com/artists/stafford/index/phtml
SOUND AND SPIRIT
National Public Radio program host of “Sound and Spirit,” Ellen Kushner, says this new ‘spiritual’ music is not being listened to in concert halls but in cars and in our homes allowing a more personal and ‘very intimate experience.’ THE MUSIC CONTAINS A SPIRIT THAT MOVES YOU. It is the spirit of the composer’s spiritual journeys. She states that their music mirrors their inner lives, the inner lives of all of us. INNERSPACE, MEDITATIVE, AND TRANSCENDENTAL MUSIC is said to promote a psychological movement inward. It is considered contemplative music. It is capable of being a vehicle, energy-form, and magic force for spiritual self-absorption, which works by virtue of its own inner laws, as soon as the listener learns how to open himself totally to it. It carries him away—to himself. Transcendental inner space music attempts to convey the listener inward and upward to higher planes of consciousness, and is often spoken of as “uplifting.” Continuous drones or slowly changing, endlessly repeated rhythmic structures as well as overall ascending or descending tonal movements are common characteristics of this subcategory. THIS IS AN EXTENSION OF THE ANCIENT USE OF MUSIC AS A MEDUIM for the communication of important cultural myths. At its best, this music is said to create a context for dramatic internal experiences as the ideas expressed by the lyrics are amplified by the emotional power of the music(3; 13). http://www.natcath.org/NCR_Online/archives/121302/121302t.htm
REVIEWS OF UNIQUE MUSIC GENRES
• Gorgeous, understated orchestration and arrangements, and divine mantras sung. This combination places “Sublime Relaxation” at least as high as “Solaris Universalis” and “Atlantis Angelis”! As the performer explores new atmospheres through his inspired guitar workings and mystical, timeless keyboard parts, his music is soothing to the body, mind and soul.
• Fall into this music deeply, no hands, no mind, no problems. The vocals are understated to give the recording a meditative feel rather than the floorboard-shaking intensity of some Tibetan chanting.
• This artist’s writing style is contemplative, devotional, and joyous in nature. Her voice literally casts a spell over the listener.
• Ancient and timeless traditions are unlocked through the successful combining of Native American ceremonial chants with modern instrumental arrangements. Powerful chant vocals, lush, rhythmic arrangements, and stirring messages cross all borders, both real and imagined, and does so on personal ways which reach through cycles of celebration, wisdom, and rebirth. Deep satisfaction and desire is stirred to keep coming back for more time and again. (12)
WORKS CITED
1. Baker, Lori, “Song of the Seminar,” Brown Alumni Magazine Online May/June 1999 http://brownalumnimagazine.com/storydetail.cfm?ID=1574
2. Mohame, “Life’s Essentials Are Not Only Expressed Through Words..,”
Barde, Lloyd, “Common Ground Music Reviews Spring 2001 http://www.backroadmusic.com/common_ground/cg_spring_01/cmngrnd_sp01.htm
3. Heffrern, Rich, “Spirit in Sound: New Sacred Music,” National Catholic Reporter http://www.natcath.org/NCR_Online/archives/121302/121302t.htm
4. World Festival of Sacred Music http://www.tibet.ca/en/wtnarchive/2005/9/17-2_5.html
5. Watch Unto Prayer Web Site, “Heeding Bible Prophecy-Religion” http://watch.pair.com/new-doctrine.html
6. Horton, Beka, “Church History and Things to Come,” 1993 Pensacola Christian College http://www.abeka.com/
7. Greer, Lewis, Do Good Music, “The Story So Far Part 1,” –unsigned & independent artists http://www.dogoodmusic.com/resources/dgmstory1.phtml
8. IUMA, About IUMA History-unsigned & independent artists http://www.iuma.com/About
9. Georgian Sacred and Ritual Music http://www.angelfire.com/ga/Georgian/music2.html
10. Strauch, Alexander, ‘Biblical Eldership’ http://www.soulcare.org/Church/Strauch_Eldership.htm
11. Foster, Richard, Renovare, Christian Legal Society http://www.clsnet.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/clsStore/lists_new/renovareLst.php3?L+scstore+bbdp8984fff692f6+1053759199
12. Hill, “New Age Music Made Simple,” http://www.hos.com/simple.html
13. Boers, “Learning the Ancient Rythms of Prayer, Christianity Today, 1/08/01 http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2001/001/1.38.html
14. Watch Unto Prayer, “The Mystical Bible,” http://watch.pair.com/message2.html
15. Samuel, Bill, “Richard Foster,” QuakerInfo.com, 7/1/01 http://www.quakerinfo.com/foster.shtml
16. John Caddock, “What is Contemplative Spirituality and Why is it Dangerous?, Journal of the Grace Evangelical Society, 8/97
17. Brennen Manning, Intermission, The Hard Rock Magazine, May/June, 2003
18. Watts, Alan, “Buddhism: The Religion of No Religion,” Charles E. Tuttle Co., Inc,.Rutland, VT & Tokyo, Japan, 1996
19. Telesco, Patricia, Waterhawk, Don Two Eagles, “Sacred Beat,” Red Wheel/Weiser, LLC, 2003
20. Mooberry, Pastor Jim. “Hypnosis.” “The Faithful Word” two decades of expository teaching.
21. “Rock Music: For the Christian or Not?,” Rev. C. Bouwman, Free Reformed Church of Kelmscott. http://members.iinet.netau/~jvd/articles/rock.htm
22. “Is Rock Music Killing Your Kids?” Al Menconi, Menconi Ministries. http://www.almeconi.com/topics/parent/killing.html
23. “Rock Music and Occultism,” http://www.illuminati-news.com/art-andmc/occult-rock.htm
24. “Worldly Music Directed at Man Not God,” Tabernacle Baptist Church, Plains Baptist Challenger, Dec. 2004. http://www.tbaptist.com/
25. “Resurrection Symphony: Sacred Music’s Comeback,” by Johanna Keller, BBC Music Magazine; March/April 2003
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