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I’m Travellin’ On For Jesus Night And Day

Religion and Music / Caspar Salmon

Music | February 24, 2009 | Comments (28)

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Darwin and the 150th of his extraordinary, world-changing tract The Origin Of Species. Yet still idiots all over the planet insist that some vague sort of figure with magical powers created the world, and that humans - unlike dinosaurs, cats and aardvarks, for instance - are a chosen race endlessly watched over by this magical being and therefore blessed with the magical ability to live beyond the ceasing of their brain and heart and the decaying of their body, in a sort of geographically-unspecific, magical Eldorado.

Good one! I have to say, I find the continued existence of religion in today’s world very dispiriting in so many ways - from the oppression of women to the sexually transmitted diseases in Africa that stem from this supposed god’s supposed views on contraception, and from institutional homophobia to the ongoing conflict in Israel-Palestine. However, even I must thank the god myth for some of the art and advances in society that it has fostered. I think that before the discoveries of science provided us with noble and brilliant explanations about our world, and ways to live our life as luckily intelligent animals on Earth, religion probably helped the world to evolve by giving humanity a sense of possible greatness; something to attain to. Take a look at Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, for example, and the extraordinary awe that this wonderful work produces in you is really something quite incredible: in service of ‘God’, he painted this ceaselessly beautiful, sprawling, inventive, colourful masterpiece. It is something that lifts you out of your own petty existence and awakens your mind and senses.

Likewise music, which is what I’ve been driving at all along: Bach’s St Matthew Passion, a work of such near-transcendent gorgeousness - so devout, so magnificent - certainly owes a lot of its greatness to the religious beliefs of the afore-mentioned Johann Sebastian. And this is my predicament, and one I often find myself contemplating: I listen to a ridiculous amount of spiritually-charged music for such a devoted Atheist. From Stevie Wonder’s ‘Have A Talk With God’ to the more modern spirituality of the likes of Sufjan Stevens (on Seven Swans) and Ron Sexsmith (on ‘God Loves Everyone’), not to mention the heaps and heaps of gospel music I listen to, when I sing along to the music I love I often find myself intoning ‘thank you God!’ and ‘Hallelujah!’


Sufjan Stevens — “To Be Alone With You”

So how can I square the adoration of the music I listen to with my deeply-held beliefs that religion is a ghastly disease in society? And does the excellence of the music owe something to the faith with which it is concerned? I obviously don’t believe that the reason Mahalia Jackson is so unbelievably awesome is that god made her excellent - yet there is something so passionate about her singing, so deeply heart-felt, that I’m not certain I hear in other music. The same goes for Sam Cooke, whose gospel music with the Soul Stirrers I infinitely prefer to his secular pop (not that that isn’t also incredible). I think her live performance of ‘Didn’t It Rain’ and his song ‘Jesus Gave Me Water’ are two of the best things in the world. Can it be that they’re invested with some sort of extra quality, some otherworldly greatness?

You’ll have guessed the answer to this from what goes before: after thinking about it a little, I am happy to conclude that in musical terms I will gladly accept whatever mad beliefs inform the passion of gospel music, the contemplative hush of Sufjan, the hope and joy of Stevie, the ramshackle devotion of Ralph Stanley, and the imperious country preachings of the perfectly insane Fern Jones. When soul music started to be born from a fusion of blues and gospel, purists were furious with singers such as Sam Cooke and Sister Rosetta Tharpe for, as they saw it, deserting the church in favour of making devil-music. But I wonder if those naysayers weren’t actually frightened to hear that Cooke could derive just as much passion from a lusty love song as he could from singing the lord’s praises. Aretha Franklin sings just as brilliantly when purring about her man, on ‘Dr Feelgood’, as she does when singing ‘How I Got Over’ on her extraordinary gospel album. What I’m saying is: whatever crazy thing is that makes the force of the music so great, I’m willing to take it.


Mahalia Jackson — “Remember Me”

And I want to recommend gospel music now, as a great force for hope in the world. When religious bigots like Rick Warren are chosen to speak at Barack Obama’s opening ceremony, and when young girls are denied the possibility of abortion by religious-leaning law enforcers, I turn the other cheek, dig out some Dorothy Love Coates And The Original Gospel Harmonettes, and take heart in the power of gospel music. Seriously: isn’t it incredible, not that god should have granted us such delights, but rather that humanity should have evolved from such lowly origins to produce the sort of creatures who are able to provide other creatures, such as you and me, with such beauty?

Caspar likes books, music and films, and would never be described as “enigmatic.” Read more about him at his blog, Straigh Outta Crouch End.









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Comments

Having been raised an arid, John Knox Calvinist Presbyterian, I grew up singing and still prefer the traditional, classic hymns. Modern Christian music leaves me cold, and in my opinion is saccharine dreck. Same with so-called "Christian" rock and hip-hop. It's almost uniformly awful.

Posted by: The Wanderer at February 24, 2009 12:12 PM

Brilliant essay, Caspar! I too have struggled to come to terms with my lack of religious beliefs (especially difficult given my name), and when I listen to Sufjan Stevens, who is a great example to use btw, it's often hard to match my beliefs to my love of the music. So, I know exactly where you're coming from. Like, have you heard Elvis Costello and Allen Touissant together? Gospel-fest. But it's AWESOME!

Oh, but since we're on the subject, fuck Reliant K.

Posted by: ChristianH at February 24, 2009 12:15 PM

Beautifully written, Mr. Salmon. And there's something about Sam Cooke so powerful that, sometimes when I'm listening to him, I do believe, if only for a minute.

Posted by: Dustin Rowles at February 24, 2009 12:40 PM

Which of course makes me think of this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ope-1Zb5t-k

Specifically the musical bit just after 3:00

Posted by: Jay at February 24, 2009 12:51 PM

I have no struggle with appreciating the fruits of religious belief while rejecting its basis. None at all. But, I don't blame religion itself for the repressive idiots who distort and manipulate religious teachings for their own ends. I can't think of a religion whose primary tenet is "hate everyone different from you." Even though lots of believers may have interpreted it that way.

It's always foolish to throw out the baby with the bathwater, and it doesn't make you inconsistent to be able to distinguish the benefits of religion from its shortcomings.

Posted by: Wednesday at February 24, 2009 1:00 PM

That was completely and totally accurate Jay. Funny as hell too.

A well written and piece and a wonderful point. I like the cut of your jib Caspar, you're like a chip off the old pentagram.

Posted by: admin at February 24, 2009 1:01 PM

being a christian myself I can't help but say that the music of todays christian realm is almost completely underwhelming, I have no problem agreeing with that. However, Darwinism...really? Even if I had no faith I wouldn't put this idea with so many loop holes at the top of my list to believe where I came from.

Posted by: jingram at February 24, 2009 1:03 PM

I remember being very troubled every Sunday when I went to church with my mother and sister- unless the children's choir was performing. Up on the stage in my little robe, things made sense. One of the ladies told me that God was a good feeling, and that stuck with me, even as I came to loathe religion. Singing hard, having fun, and making people happy was a form of "worship" I could subscribe to.
One of the reasons I sincerely loved the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou was how touching the sad, depression-era songs were, the quiet, stubborn joy of them.

Posted by: Sweetie Dahling at February 24, 2009 1:16 PM

A little condescending, aren't we Caspar? Rejecting Darwin does not make one an "idiot."

Posted by: Wait a Minute at February 24, 2009 1:21 PM

Yes it does.

Posted by: I Love Beets at February 24, 2009 1:24 PM

Like, have you heard Elvis Costello and Allen Touissant together? Gospel-fest.

Also when the Fairfield Four (when there was still four) backed him on his version of "That Day Is Done". Not a hymn but it's written and performed like one, and I was terribly lucky to see them do it together live one time. Their "Lonesome Valley" from "O Brother" is probably my favorite scene. Apocalyptic, you could say.

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds did a good job with "Jesus Met The Woman At The Well" too. Nick doesn't seem to actually be religious, but he likes the art, thus things like the gospel choir making "Abattoir Blues" amazing.

Posted by: Jay at February 24, 2009 1:31 PM

Check out Mississippi John Hurt singing "You Got to Walk That Lonesome Valley" on Youtube. I can't link to it here (blocked at work), but it's seriously awesome.

Posted by: Mattfactor at February 24, 2009 1:37 PM

Sounds like music makes you see "God" for what it really is instead of only letting yourself be clouded by the loud voices of certain Christians who do their best to be the dominant voices in the religious conversation. It's actually quite comforting to be a Christian who ignores those people, believes in evolutionary principles, and enjoys a powerful gospel ballad over the timeless banality of typical Christian hymns. It gives me the freedom to experience similar feelings in many other facets of life, in addition to those found in powerful music. But Christians like me really are best ignored as we tend to offend the sensibilities of both atheists and fanatical Christians alike.

Posted by: katy at February 24, 2009 1:40 PM

I'm a non-believer but I definitely enjoy a good "god" song.
Old Crow Medicine Show - God's Got It
The Stanley Brothers - Angel Band
Sufjan Stevens - Seven Swans
Beast - City

But then I also love Dear God by XTC

Posted by: king at February 24, 2009 1:43 PM

I completely get this thang of which Caspar writes. One of the few covers my band performs is a take on the traditional hymn Wayfarin' Stranger. Though technically agnostic, when I sing those aged and aching words - whoever I am in those moments, I believe.

Posted by: firedmyass at February 24, 2009 1:59 PM

Wait, wait.....sorry I have to bring this up, but...

You didn't mention "Walking In Memphis"!!!

Posted by: Jay at February 24, 2009 2:16 PM

katy,

YES. Thank you. I also agree that this article comes off as condescending. Please stop thinking of religious thought as monolithic. It is not monolithic even within a single religious tradition. And Darwin himself did not discount the influence of some higher power in the evolutionary process - his work does not contradict religion (even the Vatican believes that).

When science can explain away the mystical power of a gospel choir on the soul, or of standing inside the Sistine Chapel, or of visiting Big Buddha outside Hong Kong on a misty day, then perhaps I will question the influence of some kind of eternal creative force (or "God," if you will) in our world. But as of now, all my study of science has given me is a window into the process of life, not the source - so, yeah, I think your label of "idiot" is a bit harsh. I'd say I'm just more open to the possibilities, just like the musicians above.

Posted by: Tammy at February 24, 2009 2:18 PM

What the fuck, TK? Did I miss the group email on "This week let's put some form of God in all of our post titles"?

Whatever. Good talk, Caspar.

Posted by: Jez at February 24, 2009 2:36 PM

Right on, Tammy.

Posted by: Wait a Minute at February 24, 2009 3:02 PM

Regardless of the condescension of your little review Caspar (and trust me, it was condescending), it begs the larger question, something touched on by Wednesday. What makes anyone think that man made religions are in any way condoned by a creator? In Christianity, we're taught that man is imperfect by nature, so why give the words of what amounts to screaming religious zealots any weight at all? Just because the the Catholic Church exists doesn't mean it's right. Just because there are extremist Muslim sects that preach hate and violence doesn't mean that it's a belief universally held by all Muslims.

I'm a HUGE believer in allowing people to believe whatever they want, or nothing at all, but don't insult my intelligence by lumping anyone who accepts any sort of faith or spiritual consciousness into their lives into a category of slackjawed morons. These people you're talking about, that you canonize for their passion, all believed in something, and it comes across, much as you described. But you deride that belief in the same breath.

Make up your mind, but don't ever assume that believing in nothing makes you even remotely qualified to publicly judge a group of people based on your personal perception.

That being said, believe whatever you want to...you're certainly as free to do so as I am.

Posted by: Smokin at February 24, 2009 3:31 PM

I didn't particularly enjoy the post, exemplifying as it does the more militant and obnoxious wing of modern athiesm. However, I do need to thank you for one thing. You reminded me about the glory that is Ms. Mahalia Jackson. That woman was absolutely incredible. There simply aren't enough singers like her anymore.

Posted by: jmag21 at February 24, 2009 5:04 PM

To dismiss anything as out and out stupid is to sound daft as hell. It is disheartening to me to realize that there are still people out there who have to divide everyone into separate camps. Isn't it possible that religion and science do bleed together in some ways? Nothing else in life is black and white, why should this be?

Posted by: zurie at February 24, 2009 7:23 PM

I really liked this piece, all controversy aside. I too am an atheist, but I find religious music so moving at times. Here's the the top songs that almost helped me find religion, heavy on the Sam Cooke, natch.

1) Sam Cooke: Steal Away and Touch the Hem of His Garment
2) Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Dolly Parton: Knocking on Heaven's Door
3) My Morning Jacket: Golden
4) Billy Bragg and Wilco - Christ for President
5) Bob Dylan: I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine

Posted by: Agente Provocatrice at February 24, 2009 7:36 PM

See, as a fellow atheist I still have a problem ascribing all these blights on society to religion. Religion is sometimes a tool that bad and greedy people use to get their way, and it is sometimes a tool that good people use to help. Religion didn't cause people to be greedy, and it can't move people who don't want to be moved; it's just a tool that has been used. When there isn't religion, there's something else; devotion to a nation, to a team, to a family, to a race, to a political ideology. If you eliminate religion people will still fight and oppress and people will still do good, probably at about the same rate they do now. The issue is our thirst for power and our willingness to be led. Causes will be found to fit the need, not the other way 'round.

More to the point of the piece: as an atheist with a strong dislike for liberal ideology I find it interesting to even consider that the message in the music might influence how I feel about it. If I were going to care that much about the message I would have stopped listening to music a long time ago. It probably helps that I'm terrible at understanding lyrics anyway, but for me the emotions in the music can translate to anything and I don't really care what the attention hound at the mic is prattling on about. The right licks, a slinky bassline, thundering drums, and some lusty vocals (or any other fine use of musical instruments) can transport me in ways that words just can't.

Posted by: Eep at February 24, 2009 7:42 PM

Mad props on the Darwin love, Caspar!

I'll add a couple of religious songs for the agnostic:

God Loves Everyone, by Ron Sexsmith (If there is one, then I'd like to think he/she's just like Ron says.)

Jesus, by The Velvet Underground (Simple, quiet and contemplative. "Help me find my proper place" indeed.)

Posted by: meaux at February 24, 2009 7:51 PM

...Did I just say "mad props"? I'm cut off for tonight....

Posted by: meaux at February 24, 2009 7:53 PM

Zurie: "Isn't it possible that religion and science do bleed together in some ways? Nothing else in life is black and white, why should this be?"
Because:
science=fact, or at least the best possible speculation of fact based on available evidence.
religious faith= faith, in spite of evidence.
I am an atheist through and through, but if a god-like being ever gives scientifically proven evidence of his/hers existence and power, I will believe. However, you can give literally thousands of fossils to some people and they will still claim that dynosaurs walked on the earth at the same time as humans.
No other science would tolerate this type of meddling in its basic tenets (imagine if some group of people started convincing everyone that people are in fact made of steel - chemists would probably strongly disagree and dismiss them as delusional head cases. and yet, when people appear who claim that the earth is 6000 yrs old and that jesus will be back in a sec and there's no point in preserving the earth for posterity, we accept that as yet another perspective). I agree that not every believer is the same as the fucking raving maniacs depicted in Jesus Camp. Yet, if you are a moderate believer and your position is that personal faith is a personal question and everyone has a right to believe what they want - then, excuse me, but your position condones the lunacy and crimes committed in the name of faith because your position doesn't permit the rest of the world to simply dismiss them as delusional rantings.

Posted by: marija at February 25, 2009 6:16 AM

Re: the condescension within the review.

Of course it's condescending. The very nature of the discussion will inevitably lead to condescension. All of you true believers wringing your hands about his tone (and I agree, mind you) - most of your responses were equally condescending.

You know why? Because we're talking about deep-seated beliefs, and each of us, whether we choose to admit it or not, thinks the other side foolish. I'm not saying you don't respect their respective belief system - but the fact is, you think they're wrong, and we tend to use the "oh, you poor misguided soul" tone whenever the discussion arises. I know I do - all you Christians, I will confess: I think the world of most of you, I respect your opinion, I'm interested in them, but at the end of the day, I literally think that your belief system is INCORRECT. And you think the same of mine.

So as you lecture the author for his condescending tone, at least try to be aware of the fact that most of you are using a very similar one (albeit with less sarcasm, perhaps) in your efforts to school him.

Posted by: I Love Beets at February 25, 2009 7:07 AM