My old presiding overseer listened to it. They said there was nothing wrong with listening to it on a meeting part. However, Vivaldi was kinda iffy, him being a priest and all. I got chided by some younger brothers in the hall because I thought the four seasons to be quite beautiful. So, if you wanna be a rebel JW, listening to Handel's Messiah will not be as controversial as...oh...let's say listening to David Bowie, The Sex Pistols, Black Flag, Husker Du....etc.....
Handel's Messiah
by Stephanus 18 Replies latest jw friends
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Englishman
No. Dubs love "The Messiah", it's pure Scripture.
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace
Just a point here, try listening to Haydn's "Creation", now you know how "We thank you Jehovah" came about.
Englishman.
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Prisca
Steph,
I remember my Dad (a dub since the 50s) telling me that religious music composed before 1914 was ok, because up until that time, Babylon The Great hadn't been positively identified, and so therefore the Church was still a contender to be chosen by God to be the FDS.
Thus, music composed before 1914 was ok, whereas anything written after that was definitely part of Babylon The Great. So Handel's "Messiah" was ok, especially since it quotes parts of the Bible ie. "Lord of Lords, King of Kings" from Revelation.
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orangefatcat
I agree with everyone Hanel's Messiah is one of the most beautiful piece of music on this earth. And it is done only at Christmas time and this year I plan on attending a church choir that is singing it or if the Roy Thompson Hall in Toronto or Massey Hall. I remember as a child going to Massey Hall for a concert and the Hall was exquisite. I would love to see it again.
IMHO if a JW went to see the Messiah they were considered not a strong spiritual family, in fact my father was an elder and he said stuff like that was looked upon as unfavourable in the eyes of the elders in our congregation.
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orangefatcat
I agree with you Prisca.
Orangefatcat.
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Stephanus
Hmmm, I still can't see them singing Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah, even though it was written pre-1914.
I had that argument once. A Dub old lady told me Christendom doesn't use the name Jehovah. I mentioned the above hymn, and she then switched tack and complained about the use of "thou" - "our Kingdom Songs are much more up to date and understandable", she said. I said "You don't understand what "thou" means????"
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Satanus
If pre 1914 chrisian music is ok for dubs, then any pre 1914 christian theology should be ok, as well. It's funny how they are able to apply their rules so selectively.
SS
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betweenworlds
Nope. My sister in law sang in it in the school choir and my in laws are deep in da kingdom of da dubs
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Stephanus
Good point, SS.