Music and Religion

Some of my earliest experiences with music were usually related to religion. I grew up going to a Baptist school in Mississippi, so as a child, religion and music had a very strong influence on my life. In elementary school, my class would make up songs to memorize certain Bible verses or learn Bible stories. Music plays many roles throughout our lives. Over the years, music has frequently played the role of a memorization tool in certain religions, but it is also used to promote the religion to others as it makes worshipping more colorful and interesting.

I am an extremely private person when it comes to religion. My family is as well, so we were never huge church goers. I consider myself to be more spiritual than religious. Although, I have never been confirmed in the Catholic church, I grew up going mostly in Catholic and Methodist churches; therefore, most of my experiences with music and religion were at Mass. I remember being in complete awe as a little kid. If you’ve never been to a Catholic Mass, it can be rather overwhelming and confusing the first time. Mass is very traditionally structured, with music playing a very important part in the composition. Mass consists of the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and the congregation sings at certain times to repeat a certain lesson that has just been learned or to confirm a belief. Hymns, folk-like songs, and sometimes chants are common during Mass, but most of the time, a type of responsorial singing is used. The verses are sung mainly by a cantor (solo singer), and the congregation responds with a short refrain. Symbolically, the unified response represents a congregational unity and a sense of community within the church, as well as the singular body of Christ. Common instruments used are pipe organs, piano, and rarely acoustic guitar. The songs and instruments stay very simple as to not take away from the tradition of the service. Some songs are even just sung a cappella. Practically, the music is often very repetitive, so that it is easier for the congregation to learn and sing. In addition, the responsorial singing also has a traditional practical use. Easter Vigil and other special Masses are sometimes held in darkness with candlelight, so this type of singing makes it easier to have music during service.

To me, music in religion serves as a means of expression and a way to worship and connect spiritually. It serves many other purposes to different people, such as a way to express gratitude to their creator, and in the Catholic church, a way to confirm beliefs or express understanding. Oddly enough, no matter the religion or beliefs of a person, everyone somehow has a religious experience with music, which confirms that music in itself is a powerful entity.