'Rock is no more atheistic than a tribal drum beat. If anything, it is pagan. Not the same thing.'
I think we can agree that music of any kind in and of itself is not theistic or atheistic - a gregorian chant can feature atheistic lyrics just as a black metal tune can feature evangelical lyrics.
And I'd call 'Imagine' an anthem for everything from pacifism to socialism. Its not only atheistic.
After a few more moments of contemplation, I come back to the fact that this is Steve Martin. And I wonder why he is mocking religious music. What does Martin have against cantatas and Gregorian chants? Enquiring minds want to know.
> I think we can agree that music of any kind in and of itself is not theistic or atheistic - a gregorian chant can feature atheistic lyrics just as a black metal tune can feature evangelical lyrics.
That's what Stravinsky thought -- music has no extra-musical meaning. And that's pretty good company. His craw was pretty filled up with late-19th century German programmatic music. Two hours of Richard Strauss and I know just how he feels.
Stravinsky's Symphony of Psalms feature Psalm texts accompanied by music that seems to have nothing whatsoever to do with the text.
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Atheists have Rock 'n Roll, Baby!
I'm going to go out on a limb here and submit that there is at least one atheist's song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYndYuUj6QY
But Steve's absolutely right that I do rather prefer watching football in underpants to dressing up for mass.
He is a comic genius, of course, so all is forgiven ;-D.
P.S.:
Atheists even have their own band, though I doubt you'll like it much!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utqWrkVEQvI
John Lennon's "Imagine" is the quintessential atheist's anthem.
Rock is no more atheistic than a tribal drum beat. If anything, it is pagan. Not the same thing.
'Rock is no more atheistic than a tribal drum beat. If anything, it is pagan. Not the same thing.'
I think we can agree that music of any kind in and of itself is not theistic or atheistic - a gregorian chant can feature atheistic lyrics just as a black metal tune can feature evangelical lyrics.
And I'd call 'Imagine' an anthem for everything from pacifism to socialism. Its not only atheistic.
My first thought - "Imagine".
After a few more moments of contemplation, I come back to the fact that this is Steve Martin. And I wonder why he is mocking religious music. What does Martin have against cantatas and Gregorian chants? Enquiring minds want to know.
Geez, folks: lighten up. You are all so grim today. It's a funny song. Enjoy it.
I thought it was funny.
Seriously, why should atheists have songs? Are there any songs for people that don't believe in unicorns or aliens?
People sing for things they believe in, not for what they don't.
> I think we can agree that music of any kind in and of itself is not theistic or atheistic - a gregorian chant can feature atheistic lyrics just as a black metal tune can feature evangelical lyrics.
That's what Stravinsky thought -- music has no extra-musical meaning. And that's pretty good company. His craw was pretty filled up with late-19th century German programmatic music. Two hours of Richard Strauss and I know just how he feels.
Stravinsky's Symphony of Psalms feature Psalm texts accompanied by music that seems to have nothing whatsoever to do with the text.
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