Bye-bye contemporary choirs!

[RomanRevert]

I read an article that referred to contemporary music in the Mass as “cultural vandalism”. I actually prefer to think of it as liturgical vandalism. The dichotomy between a priest saying the Mass (even if it is the dumbed down and banal second Eucharistic Prayer) and the snappy music with a cool beat that chimes in periodically is stunning. I mentioned in another post on this topic that a recent Mass that I heard that did this was akin to liturgical schizophrenia. Terrible, awkward, and certainly not sacred. What really capped it off for me was the applause afterward - as if they were saying “Hey, great performance! That was really entertaining!” Nauseating. so much for a sense of the sacred…

Lex orandi, lex credendi … this could not be more true than when applied to music in the Mass.

 

[bear06]

Yes, we do not think Fenders when we think reverence… but this is because of our background.

Actually, music is more powerful than that. Certain music evokes certain music and frame of mind. Look at the Mozart Effect. Reverent movements and thought are inspired by a certain kind of music just as relaxing, creativity and problem solving are.

Reverence is something that is relative, based on your education and background.

 

[Wolseley]

I agree!

All my friends DESPISE Christian rock. I am 19yrs old. I’ve never understood why the older generation insists that we like that stuff.

In fact I began to drift away from Catholicism because of those so called “teen masses”. I saw no sanctity in it. I think many people my age also see the same. If we were true to tradition, I honestly believe that alot more of our youth would stay in the Church. - I’m speaking from experience. Looking at my own brothers - their faith has been reignited by traditional Catholicism, while just like me, Christian rock makes them sick - it seems to be totally void of any kind of form of sanctity or reverence.

I just wished that parishes would offer traditional Catholicism… I wonder how many kids would have their hearts melt at the sight of the TLM - just like my own did.

Is it just me - or do “teen” version of the faith seem anything but youthful - they seem childish.

I don’t mean to be offensive, but I can’t understand why this forced upon my generation. We are thirsting for reverence and orthodoxy!

Greatest of blessings to you, Freshman. When I read posts like yours, it gives me renewed hope. I become reinforced in my contention that the days of dissent, of watered-down, abuse-ridden liturgies, of awful hippie music from the 1970’s, and of “cafeteria” Catholicism are numbered.

I have a strong suspicion that within 50 years, after the younger generations have taken over the reins, the Catholic Church will more closely resemble the Church of 1940 than it will the Church of 1970 (thanks be to God).

Perhaps we will yet see the day when guitars, and applause, and disrespectful chatter, are never heard at Mass, when Glory and Praise and Gather are consigned to the musical trash heap of history, and when the Novus Ordo requires a Vatican indult to be celebrated.

 

[cyberwolf001]

Just a note. The disciplined movements of the African tribes could HARDLEY be called liturgical danceing.

Also has was pointed out “dancing” is allowed only in cultures that have such a tradition. It is not given onto the US Church to do this, or most Western Churches for that matter.

Like others I’m a traditionalist that came attracted by the beauty and majesty of the church…

Sorta feel cheated out of a lot of it by the “Spirit of Vatican II”

 

[Lepanto]

I am sorry if some people hate this type of music, but there is a market for this music, more notably the younger generation.

I have no problem with “contemporary Christian” music as long as it’s not used within the liturgy.

I want what the Church wants: chant and traditional hymns.

 

[Freshman88]

Right… here’s what you said…

Well if you are set in not being “convinced otherwise”, no argument can open your mind.

now here’s what I said…

I have not been convinced otherwise, and until I am, I’ll continue to argue this

not quite the same, eh?

now… it is so refreshing to hear fellow catholics who agree with me. I want people to understand too… I honestly believe that Church tradition is superior not by mere taste, but objectively and spiritually superior. I do not think I am better- just like none of us think we’re better than a protestant for believing in Catholicism. Neither have I buried my head in the sand - I would love to believe that some contemporary innovations are OK - it would definitely ease my conscience. But I can’t, this is truly what I believe, and I go against the grain for this belief, and it isn’t always fun.

 

[Sr_Sally]

Actually, many of the younger generation (myself included) seem to be interested in the Traditional Latin Mass. You won’t find any of that music at a TLM. I love Sinatra, but that doesn’t have a place at Mass, and neither does music that sounds like Hendrix (whom I also listen to). Christian Rock is a generalized type of Christian music, that doesn’t at all cater to Catholics, but to Christians in general. Why is it so hard to get actual Catholic music at a Catholic Mass? Bring back Gregorian Chant.

What ‘younger generation’ do you belong to that you listen to Sinatra and Hendrix? That’s not the younger generation I’m familiar with–that’s the generation 10-20 years older than me!

 

[Freshman88]

What ‘younger generation’ do you belong to that you listen to Sinatra and Hendrix? That’s not the younger generation I’m familiar with–that’s the generation 10-20 years older than me!

That’s our generation alright - probably not the most prevelant stuff - sinatra especially, but Hendrix is everywhere.

You’d be quite surprised - I’m not a fan of Sinatra - but I hear him WAY too often from my friends. I actually thought it was hilarious that you used him, too many kids my age listen to that guy. And someone has to tell these guys - Sinatra does NOT belong in the weight room!

Heck, and I don’t know of any kid my age who doesn’t like Hendrix. Who doesn’t like a lil smoke on the water?

I even know of several football players who listen to classical to get pumped up before a game. Personally, I’ll study to bach, but not before a game!

 

[Thaddeus]

I was there in the 1960’s and 1970’s when we went from “Faith of Our Fathers” to “Sons of God”, when we went from “Ave Verum Corpus” to “Morning has Broken”. We threw out the beautiful uplifting songs of centuries of tradition for pop culture, all in a bid to be more “meaningful” to the younger generation. A truly horrible time. The priests abandoned their control over the Mass to the liturgical “ministers”. Now the pendulum is swinging back, and that is a GREAT thing. Listening to Barry Manilow type music during the Mass is a real struggle for me, especially since I remember how beautiful the Mass used to be.

 

[Laserus]

Good point. Next time someone thinks the music doesn’t matter if the lyrics are okay, picture the consecration to the theme of Benny Hill.

Or imagine just what kind of music a composer would create if they had to put the crucifixtion of our Lord to music. Dont think it would be happy clappy.

 

[Freshman88]

Or imagine just what kind of music a composer would create if they had to put the crucifixtion of our Lord to music. Dont think it would be happy clappy.

but, but! It’s not a sacrifice… it’s a celebration!

 

[Silver_Thread]

Good point. Next time someone thinks the music doesn’t matter if the lyrics are okay, picture the consecration to the theme of Benny Hill.

Good point. There’s a time and place for “almost” everything. I 'm 65 and I have a nice collection of contemporary christian music. Great listening and contemplative. Certainly no christian rock music. It definitely has no place in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Aside from that, where do we get off singing Gods words to ourselves. “I have loved you with an everlasting love” etc. Sounds like we’re stroking our egos if you ask me. Just a thought!

 

[SemperFidelis]

What ‘younger generation’ do you belong to that you listen to Sinatra and Hendrix? That’s not the younger generation I’m familiar with–that’s the generation 10-20 years older than me!

I’m weird. People call me an old man at 22, because I listen to older music such as Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Frankie Valli, Bobby Darin, etc. Then I have my Classic Rock tastes: Lynyrd Skynyrd, Clapton, Hendrix, Rolling Stones, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Led Zeppelin, Guns N’ Roses etc. And then I have my Country favorites: Johnny Cash, Hank Williams Sr. and Jr., Alabama, Waylon Jennings, George Strait, etc. I don’t listen to hardly any recent music, and listen to all older stuff. Not to mention I smoke a pipe, and cigars. So maybe they’re right to call me an old man, but then again I’m more fit than 99% of the people I know, so at least I’ve got that going for me.

 

[Freshman88]

I’m weird. People call me an old man at 22, because I listen to older music such as Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Frankie Valli, Bobby Darin, etc. Then I have my Classic Rock tastes: Lynyrd Skynyrd, Clapton, Hendrix, Rolling Stones, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Led Zeppelin, Guns N’ Roses etc. And then I have my Country favorites: Johnny Cash, Hank Williams Sr. and Jr., Alabama, Waylon Jennings, George Strait, etc. I don’t listen to hardly any recent music, and listen to all older stuff. Not to mention I smoke a pipe, and cigars. So maybe they’re right to call me an old man, but then again I’m more fit than 99% of the people I know, so at least I’ve got that going for me.

excellent tastes!
never tried pipe smoking (with tobaco, ), but I do love my cigars, but I have to have it with my scotch, naturally.

 

[Sr_Sally]

excellent tastes!
never tried pipe smoking (with tobaco, ), but I do love my cigars, but I have to have it with my scotch, naturally.

OK, you boys are welcome over anytime. The cigars will have to stay outdoors or in the ‘reading room’, but I might come over for a draft every now and then.

 

[bear06]

I’m weird. People call me an old man at 22, because I listen to older music such as Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Frankie Valli, Bobby Darin, etc. Then I have my Classic Rock tastes: Lynyrd Skynyrd, Clapton, Hendrix, Rolling Stones, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Led Zeppelin, Guns N’ Roses etc. And then I have my Country favorites: Johnny Cash, Hank Williams Sr. and Jr., Alabama, Waylon Jennings, George Strait, etc. I don’t listen to hardly any recent music, and listen to all older stuff. Not to mention I smoke a pipe, and cigars. So maybe they’re right to call me an old man, but then again I’m more fit than 99% of the people I know, so at least I’ve got that going for me.

Guns N’Roses!!! One of these things is not like the others…one of these things just doesn’t belong…

 

[SemperFidelis]

Guns N’Roses!!! One of these things is not like the others…one of these things just doesn’t belong…

True. But I also like Van Halen, Aerosmith, and some other 80’s Rock bands that I just didn’t post. GNR is just my favorite from this era.

 

[bear06]

True. But I also like Van Halen, Aerosmith, and some other 80’s Rock bands that I just didn’t post. GNR is just my favorite from this era.

OK, I’m just going to have to write you off as being a young whippersnapper. Aerosmith, Van Halen and Guns N’ Roses also shouldn’t be listed together. Guns N’ Roses are Aerosmith wannabees.

 

[SemperFidelis]

Guns N’ Roses are Aerosmith wannabees.

Even though I like Aerosmith, and they came first, I tend to look at it the other way around.

 

[bear06]

Even though I like Aerosmith, and they came first, I tend to look at it the other way around.

:doh2: