Breeanna+Noi

__Music and Religion Go Hand in Hand to Create **YOU** __  **//Music// doesn't seem like a huge deal in the world. However, it is an issue among Buddhism and Christianity. How, you may ask. Well, the different opinions are shocking. **



**Buddhism** is a very unique and interesting religion. Not only is the religion unique, but also the music. It's all about connecting yourself with nature and creating peace with oneself. The music in Buddhism varies. It's either a melody with instruments and different genres or the sounds of nature. Many Buddhists in India find music as a key part to the religion. They find their music calming and they are trying to spread the word on their religion. The music originated from scriptures in which they translated into a catchy melody to become more united with their religion.Their music has evolved throughout time and they've captured the interest of the younger age group.//"Five beliefs; a reduction in bodily fatigue, less confusion and forgetfulness, a reduction in mental weariness, a more elegant voice, and greater ease in both personal expression and mention of six kinds of merits that can be obtained: knowledge of the depth and extent of the Buddha's virtue, and intuitive realization of the truths of the Dharma, a reduction in negative or harmful habits of speech, a clearer and healthier respiratory system, a mind more free from fear and anxiety, and longevity and improved health."// In Buddhist music, you can easily see that they embrace life and create harmony.

.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

**Christians** have different views on music.



__**In Favor:**__ Those who are in favor of music find it an easier way to send out a message and actually be heard because EVERYONE listens to music. They find the music a way of life. It's always there, everywhere you go, and sometimes you don't even notice it. //"The Christian community ...cannot cut itself off from the characteristic artistic vitalities of history--past and present. Second...the arts give a peculiarly direct access to the distinctive tone, concerns, and feelings of a culture.... The artists not only mirror their age in its subtlest nuances, but they generally do it a generation ahead of more abstract and theoretical thinkers. Third...the arts focus (in a remarkably vivid and startling way) on the vital issues and themes which are the central concern of theology. Fourth...the arts spell out dramatically the implications of various world views."// Obviously, it is something to be valued in their religion because they believe music mirrors culture and can share issues or important problems most people wouldn't bother listening to. Music is also a way they can learn about the history and morals of their religion. You do NOT have to be a Christian to hear the music and understand what the religion is about.

media type="file" key="06 Forgive Me.mp3" width="240" height="20" align="center"

The song Forgive Me by Group 1 Crew shares "…amazing messages about friendship, messages about love, and also just being in a broken place and needing God." - Blana Other Christians stick to the basic Christmas carols and gospels and say,“What people want for Christmas is something they can take out every year and read along while playing the music.” says Edwards You can tell how they rely on God, their savior to help them no matter what and be The Person for them and helps them get through life. They don't have to fear death, but they don't embrace it. They know they should live life to its fullest but when the time comes for them to go, they won't fear it because they know they will be with God and have his comfort. ...............................................................................................................................................................................



__**Against:**__ When there is an issue, there is always that ONE group that has strong opinions AGAINST the issue. Christians against music find it something that is a creation for Satan worshipers. They listen to the "ruckus" and there's nothing good coming out of it. They aren't against music in general, just rock music. They call it "Hell's Bells" and they find a **danger** in listening to the Satan music. "Jesus has become the focus of more ridicule in rock music than any other personality. Virtually every facet of His life and ministry is mocked and criticized." They find everything that is being talked about in rock music is basically making fun of their religion, and that religion is what they live for. If the music is making fun of Jesus - their Savior it is also mocking their religion, and culture.

...............................................................................................................................................................................


 * __Thoughts: __**

So obviously different religion have varying views. But have you ever thought of the same religion having different views? We already learned that Buddhist music is basically nature sounds and chants. However, it has evolved and become something that’s captured the attention of younger audiences. You’ve heard of music, style and everything evolving, but **NEVER** religion. To keep your religion alive, you do have to make sure you stay with the times to make sure your religion doesn’t die. Correct? Not to the Christians. Sure they have different genres of Christian music but how would you make a song religious? It basically defines your religion and you live by it. It explains your life. Some Christians believe the only **real** type of Christian music are gospels and Christmas tunes you sing during the holidays. They especially have a huge dislike for rock music, as stated above, they call rock music **Hell’s Bells**. Other Christians believe there is no real way of defining Christian music so anything that can relate to their way of life is good enough for them. They believe it’s there and you can’t really dislike it, so why not just live with it?

...............................................................................................................................................................................


 * __Closing: __**

Music seems like something we all hear and can take for granted and religion, on the other hand, is something helps people believe there is something or someone out there for them even if they're in the worst place in their lives. Religion = HOPE for many people. **Ever felt like when you were in a bad mood and wanted to be left alone you just wanted to blare music and forget about the rest of the world?** That's the thing both music and religion offer. Hope and something to go to. No matter what different views the religions may have, the followers of that religion can also count on music.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">.............................................................................................................................................................................. .

__**<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Works Cited: **__

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Solomon, J. "Music and the Christian." Leadership U. N.p., 1992. Web. 1 Nov 2010. <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"><http://www.leaderu.com/orgs/probe/docs/music.html>.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"> " Hell's Bells -The Dangers of Rock and Roll. ." InPlainSite. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Nov 2010. <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"><http://www.inplainsite.org/html/rock_music_vs_christ.html>.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"> Mylius, Johan de. "Religious Views in Hans Christian Andersen's Works – and their Literary Implications." Orbis Litterarum 62.1 (2007): 23-38. Advanced Placement Source. EBSCO. Web. 1 Nov. 2010.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"> "Buddhism and Music ." Sounds of the Dharma: Buddhism and Music. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Nov 2010. <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"><http://www.blia.org/english/publications/booklet/pages/38.htm>.