I think it's a problem when churches are so huge that if they do an outdoor festival, it has to be loud enough to bother a neighborhood--but that shouldn't be all the time --that the noise would permeate the neighborhood. Neighborhoods in the past have enjoyed the large parish festivals of the Catholics. They shouldn't suddenly get prejudiced against the socially conservative Religious Right churches.
As for VOLUME, there ought to be a limit to the decibels and a way to measure them when rock bands are amplified ANYWHERE, indoors or out, because these overly zealous (and probably deaf) sound techs are DEAFENING people --especially young people --for a lifetime of hearing loss. I've been at my own church's international youth conference and complained that I could hear perfectly well in the indoor arena with my ears totally stuffed with cottonballs! What are we thinking? And so we complained --and the leadership said, "but the kids like it this way!" SO WHAT! The kids like all day candy and ice cream and tv consumption, too!
Why in this area of sound, do we think teen volume preferences MUST be tolerated? to their detriment?
I think communities should be tolerant of outdoor festivals on special occasions--as The Church on Strayer holds around the 4th of July, but even then, volumes shouldn't be damaging to the people in the near vicinity of the speakers --and if they are not THAT loud, I bet they won't be so objectionable in the neighborhood either.
AS for THE CHURCH ON STRAYER --which used to be The Cathedral of Praise --what did they mean by calling themselves "The Church on Strayer" as though they were the only one? Strayer Road has 2 churches that take up most of one side of the street, and the other was there first. (I know musical leadership at both churches, I'm proud to say --as both came from our church.) But it seems pretty rude to call yourself "THE church..." when there is another right beside you which was there first. And the other is also a dynamic church with healthy attendance. Pastor Tony Scott, what were you thinking?
I suggest the other church, Heritage Church of God, rename themselves as "First Church on Strayer!" But then they'd get their mail all mixed up.
"God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance and have eternal life."--the Bible
15 comments:
If it's too Loud... You're too Old!!
Now, Steve, it's about true hearing loss! That's no laughing matter!
People whose ears ring after an event have sustained damage --and I know these rock bands are being amplified that much. That's poor stewardship of the body! of our health as a nation! And that costs all of us money, as well as the misery of saying "EH?" all the time.
The use of deafening electrical music is a result of Dionysian and pagan influences. The message is subverted by the sonic bombardment. This type of religious "celebration" subverts the community of Christ by distracting the followers. The "contemporary" Christian services are also corrupting our youth and young adults. They should be avoided.
Our services are a blend of contemporary and traditional --and I appreciate it all -- we have electronic drums and control the volume so the percussion is a nice addition, but not ear-splitting. Our services are really pleasing and inspiring --and we hope, pleasing to Him. We sing praises to Him as the Psalmist instructed. Contemporary doesn't have to mean shallow lyrics either. Church music should be a blend of the reverent and the joyous --worship and celebration.
We have a traditional and a contemporary service on Sundays.
The first time we attended we thought there were three services as advertised in the phone book, but because the church had rebuilt they could accommodate more people at one time and since we opted for the later service we got caught in the contemporary one.
It wasn't loud music, but I like the old hymns, choir, organ, piano and orchestra.
There was mention one time of having just one service (we couldn't hold everyone in one service) and I said if it was contemporary I'd have to find a new church, only half-joking.
Contemporary Christian music is enjoyed by a lot of folks, even my age. They call it praise music, but it's not my preference when attending church services.
Guess I'm an old fuddy-duddy.
What about those parents who make their children mow the lawn for years without ear protection.
You can expect to hear from my lawyer.
O piffle --hey aren't you supposed to be headed home to go see the musical tonight??
I'm glad to hear the news.
Well, the name on my blog is not my real name- I just made it up. I try not to get too much publicity because I think it is best for me to hide my real identity due to the nature of my blog.
I'll turn to 16 next month.
Happy upcoming 16th to you, Yank!
Keep the faith!
Thank you very much!
Hey Rob, have you ever heard the band "Flyleaf" and the song "Cassey"?
Can't say I had until I looked it up just now. I haven't kept up with too many rock artists or music of any specific genre. I've got a varied collection but most of it isn't the sort of stuff you'll hear on the radio.
I looked it up and I assume Cassey is about the girl killed in the littleton Co massacre they shot because she said she believed in God. As far as the lyrics are concerned, it's pretty much the same story unless I'm misinterpreting it. (I guess it could be about suicide).
It's a catchy tune but not my general fare.
Ah... You're more of a Clutch fan:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-s7P6s0YXGk
That was interesting, I don't mind listening to something like that every now and then, but I don't know that I'd care for a whole album or radio station's worth.
The first group is actually closer to my speed.
Most of the music I listen to seldom involves an electric guitar and much of it is on the low blood pressure side of the spectrum. I like some classical music though I find Mozart annoying and I find 20th century symphonic music is more interesting than the "classics". I'll listen to enya as well. The contemporary Christian music I own is of rich mullins and Michael Card. I don't have much of any one artist though.
I have one pink Floyd album, the dark side of the moon and I only bought it to check out the Wizard of Oz syncrosity. I do like it for it's own sake though.
Over all, I'm just not really a big muic guy.
not a music guy? but nevertheless, a fine singer with a mellow, smooth, light baritone with a big range, a college performance scholarship, and some years in college choir. A useful musician who doesn't like to practice, I've heard.
when God gives a gift, we should use it!
I got a kick out of the blade advice column wherein a Catholic priest was said to sing the mass terribly into a lapel mic and someone must have told him his singing was off key --because he told the congregation he was sorry if his singing bothered them because God had given him his voice and he was just paying Him back!
Revenge! Give me a lousy voice and I'll use it to praise on a microphone!
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