Is the song a religious song without words? It seems to me it is just a tune. Can a tune express a religious belief? If I write some religious lyrics the tune the Star Spangled Banner is played to, the Anacreontic Song, does that mean we have to cease playing it at state functions?Maybe the context makes a difference. IOW, in the two examples you mention–reading the Bible as literature and learning Handel’s Messiah in music class–religious references are linked to English literature and to music, respectively. However, to expressly learn, rehearse, and play a religious song at a football game is taking religion out of context and highlighting it in the public arena.
I don’t think it would have been chosen to be played by the school band if it were JUST a tune. Rather, it was intentionally selected to express a religious sentiment, and a specific religious sentiment at that. This kind of expression does not necessarily need lyrics since the words to the song are already well known by many, as shown by the crowd of people at the event. The second part of your question is hypothetical and would require more thought on my part.Is the song a religious song without words? It seems to me it is just a tune. Can a tune express a religious belief? If I write some religious lyrics the tune the Star Spangled Banner is played to, the Anacreontic Song, does that mean we have to cease playing it at state functions?
If the Bible can be read as literature in class then why can a tune not be performed simply for its musicality?
Good point and worthy of consideration. In this instance, however, I doubt the playing of the song is merely an acknowledgment, but more like an affirmation.Could it be viewed as an acknowledgment of a religion rather than an endorsement? My kids learned the Dredel song in public school. I had no problem with it. They also celebrated Halloween, to the dismay some of some fundamental parents
You are correct, and I believe Obama quite deliberately refers to “freedom of worship,” thus constricting the true free exercise and expression of religious values. There are also “religious colors,” my public school teacher daughter in a school system that forbids the wearing of red or green clothes by teachers during December. Needless to say, the “C-word” cannot be mentioned. But as long as we can do custom abortions for pre-selected body parts, I guess the country is in the very best of hands…What was seen as an establishment of a state religion years ago and what is seen as an established church now is very different. I fear we are approaching “freedom of worship” rather than “freedom of religion” more and more these days.
Regardless, I quite agree that state schools are often a tool of indoctrination by the powers that be and it will be a happy day when more and more people choose alternatives to the state monopoly.
Anchors Aweigh is the fight song for the Naval Academy.That’s not the US Navy Hymn, but The Navy Himyn or Christian Navy Hymn. It was written by
William Whiting of Winchester, England
Anchors Away is the traditional US Navy Hymn
That being said, God is mentioned, yet it still not a religious hymn
Jim
It’s also the US Navy Hymn.Anchors Aweigh is the fight song for the Naval Academy.
It’s aweigh, not away. Yes, they will play that song, however, Eternal Father is also sang.It’s also the US Navy Hymn.
At events when the branches of the military are honored, they’ll play and sing the military hymns and “Anchors Away” represents the Navy.
Jim
Never heard Eternal Father sung at events which honors the military branches.It’s aweigh, not away. Yes, they will play that song, however, Eternal Father is also sang.
Don’t know why, but it is traditionally played at various Navy ceremonies including Changes of Command, Ship Commissioning’s, Retirements, Class Graduations from Academy, Officer Commissioning ceremonies, etc.Never heard Eternal Father sung at events which honors the military branches.
Why would they, its an English hymn.
Jim