"Church" Music

NeverKnew

Please frame this for the non-JW here...

Yesterday, I was in the car with a JW friend as miscellaneous tunes from my Ipod were playing. A "church" song came on that I love. This song makes me think of him in that he has told me "Jehovah has been with me in some of the worst times of my life" and that he "doesn't want to leave Jehovah." After some time on this forum, I'm able to translate this - he doesn't want to leave or get kicked out of the organization. Yeah... okay.

Here's what I observed. We were about five blocks from his parked car I was taking him to when the song came on and I told him the song made me think of him. At block four, he removed his seatbelt. At block three, with my "put your da$%* seatbelt on" ding blinging over the music, he was staring out of the front window looking like he was trying to leverage a Jedi mind trick to levitate his vehicle closer. At block two we got a red light and I detected that he was going to make a break for it, leap out of the car and run. I assured him I'd get him to his car (he could now see) - "no need to get out" and when we pulled up to his vehicle, it looked as though he couldn't get out of my car fast enough.

There was another time we were taking a long drive and everytime a "church" song came on, he seemed annoyed.

For me, if he turned on one of his Kingdom Hall melodies and said it reminded him of something I said or at one time felt, I'd listen to see if I agreed.

If you don't agree with the lyrics, isn't it still okay to appreciate the melody or beat? Heck, do you know how many lyrics I suffered through with my teenager? It was the catchy tunes that always made them tolerable. I found myself being at da club cause it was my birthday as I shook my moneymaker.

Am I reading his reaction inaccurately?

dazed but not confused

Am I reading his reaction inaccurately?

No. "Christian" music is part of Babylon the Great - False Religion. When I was in I HATED Christian Rock. Id rather listen to Mexican music then Christian Rock. Its all part of false religion. Thats how they think.

Now I don't like Christain Rock for other reasons. If he's baptized as a JW then he shouldnt have anything to do with you as you belong to Babylon the Great. Unless he's fading from the cult, I'd sugest you find a new boy friend.

If you don't agree with the lyrics, isn't it still okay to appreciate the melody or beat?

Not for JW's

Honesty

His personal demon Holy spirit told him the song was satanic.

dazed but not confused

There was another time we were taking a long drive and everytime a "church" song came on, he seemed annoyed.

This is because JW's KNOW they have the one and ONLY true religion. All other religions are false and disgusting and will perish at Armageddon. They are very self righteous and self centered.

NeverKnew

Thanks for the tips, Dazed. Fortunately, because of my questioning and with the help of the contributors on this forum, he may not be so sure he's in the one and ONLY true religion anymore.

I come here to understand the (sometimes) unspoken.

Are there articles that state that even the music of churches is evil?

dazed but not confused

Are there articles that state that even the music of churches is evil?

I don’t know of any specific publications that mention Church music. Im sure if there is, someone will post the link to it.

I think it all falls under the vale of anything and everything that comes from "Babylon the Great,The World Empire of False Religion" is "evil".

Ding

The cult indoctrination kicks in and he feels very uncomfortable with any religious music that isn't approved by the WTS.

I think he would even find the "Christendom" hymn "Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah" to be pagan...

It's conditioning and emotion, not logic.

Band on the Run

I hate contemporary Christian music! It is an insult to music and God, IMO. On the other hand, I purchase hymns, Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. Chants are also nice.

I know Witnesses who could appreciate the music and others who would absolutely believe it was demonic.

When I was a teenager, the Beatles and Dylan were active agents of Satan.

Frankly, I don't always like being a captive audience to someone else's music. My own tastes change depending on my mood at the moment. I do appreciate the company and the ride, however.

I had some Witnesses over to discuss the Selma and Steve abuse article. They were so spooked by Bibles and commenatires that it was funny. After they left, I noticed that I had A Russian icon by the front door, a tiny cross on a table, and a large autographed photo of Paul McCartney.

You can't live your life by their reactions. When they fled from evil me, it was funny but it also hurt. I've been out for decades and people are interested in my Russian icon. Oh, I also have some small sculptural angels from the Metropolitan Museum in NY. I view these items more as art than religious proclamation.

I am happy for you that you enjoy church music. When I shop for a church, a real organ with a professional organ gets brownie points.

gma-tired2

I was taught religious muic was from Satan and Babylon the great Now I isten and love many of this music.

NeverKnew

I was a classical flutist and played at churches for the holidays when I was in high school to make extra money. Listening to a flute and organ with candlelights burning is really peaceful. Heck, if anyone has ever heard a pipe organ LIVE and played well, it's absolutely amazing. I listen to chants and spa music too!

Swinging to the other end of the spectrum, when I need to get my chin up, I listen to Black Gospel music. I LOVE those choirs... :)

"Church" Music

Share this