Jesus = Religion

So there's a video circling the web right now called "Jesus > Religion".  There's a lot of good in that video but there's a TON of hypocrisy, one major false dichotomy, and an even more irony given in the video.  Here below is the original video:



The hypocrisy of the video

Eastern Edition: More music from Antiquity

 The Trisagion Hymn

The Trisagion Hymn (or Thrice Holy) is one of the most ancient prayers that is sung by the church.  It's origin may date to the Apostolic era of the Church.  The prayer in its full form is simply and is meant to be repeated. 

"Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One have mercy on us.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit both now and forever and unto the ages of ages.  Amen."


This prayer is pretty typical of the ancient prayers.  It's not a laundry list of desires and "needs" asking God to "just_________".  It's a simply prayer asking the God of the Universe to remember us and our small place in creation.  It as simple as the Lord's prayer...protect us, and may our work feed us in your mercy.  Done!  I love it.

Many Churches of the Eastern tradition (Orthodox, Coptic, Syaric, etc., etc) include this prayer in their liturgies, and are either chanted or sung every Sunday.  In the west it largely only exist as an alternative to the Kyrie in the Anglican Book of Common Prayer.  However the first time I heard this song was on Fernando Ortega's new Album Come Down O' Love Divine.  Much of that album is inspired by the Anglican Liturgy and I think its a must listen to those who think liturgy is dry and boring.

Here's Fernando Ortega's rendition of the Trisagion Hymn.



The first time I heard this song I noticed the haunting feeling of it.  It seemed somber and maybe a bit depressed and I felt it would be an appropriate funeral hymn.  So when it came time to construct the 10 year anniversary service for 9/11, Marna and I choose to feature this song prominently in the service.  I have to admit, this song captured the mood of the service.  In light of all that we lost, we sung a prayer for our God to restore us and heal us.  I get chills still thinking about that song in that special context.

But since this post is titled Music from Antiquity, I would love share with you the musical journey of that prayer through the Church.

Here is a choral arrangement sung in English with a Russian flair.



Here's another choral arrangement that was sung in the back of a sanctuary during an Orthodox service



Here is another English version of the hymn sung by the congregation in an Orthodox Church during a worship service.

http://youtu.be/3zSe1Q-3UVI

Here's the hymn chanted in English.  On this one you definitely get a Byzantine flavor of the Eastern Orthodox Church.



Here's a Coptic (Egyptian) Church, singing in English but in the Egyptian way.



Here is Agios O Theos, the Greek version of this prayer.  Tell me you don't seen sand dunes and camals in your mind when you here this song.

More Songs from Antiquity

This Sunday's text is from Luke 2:22-40 when Mary and Joseph take the infant Christ to the temple for dedication.  While there a man name Simeon scoops the child into his arms and prophesies concerning him.  But a big part the prophecy sounds more like a prayer, where Simeon tells God something to the effect of "since I have now seen our savior, I can die in peace."  Strange, odd, and morbid?  Yes, but its made for some great music and prayers set to music.

Here is Simeon's prayer:

29 "Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." 33 And the child's father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, "This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed 35 so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too."

This prayer inspired a song which in Latin is called Nunc Dimittis

More Music From Antiquity

Last Sunday was Mary's Sunday, a remembrance of the Angel Gabriel delivering the news that she will give birth to the Messiah.  Her response is found in Luke 1:46-55

46And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord

47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

48for he has been mindful

of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed,

49for the Mighty One has done great things for me—

holy is his name.

50His mercy extends to those who fear him,

from generation to generation.

51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;

he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

52He has brought down rulers from their thrones

but has lifted up the humble.

53He has filled the hungry with good things

but has sent the rich away empty.

54He has helped his servant Israel,

remembering to be merciful

55to Abraham and his descendants forever,

even as he said to our fathers.”

Several songs throughout history

Music from Antiquity: "Guadete!"

This Sunday is the 3rd Sunday of Advent also known as "Gaudete" Sunday. Gaudete is Latin for "Rejoice" and that theme is the focus of this weeks scripture readings, particularly 1 Thessalonians 5:16

Rejoice Always...

The spiritual focus for this Sunday is rejoicing because

Part 4: Christian Music Shouldn't be an Oxymoron

The original Latin Hymn "Veni, Veni Emanuel!" to which we get our familiar Advent (Christmas) Hymn "O Come, O Come Emanuel"

Enjoy



And a good British version as well

The Science of the Temper Tantrum

NPR did a great piece on the science of the temper tantrum.  Don't just read the transcript, you're going to want to pull up a chair and listen to the new piece.

What's Behind A Temper Tantrum - NPR