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The Impact Music Had on My Understanding of Religion

Music of Diverse Cultures Blog: Music and Religion 

Growing up, I vaguely remember going to church with my whole family. There was a time where my family was going regularly but only for a short period. Mostly, I hopped from church to church just trying to find the one that I felt most connected to. Unfortunately, most of the time I was walking in to a church with by myself. Ive been to Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal, back to Baptist and then to Unitarian. And, although I do not currently attend a church at the moment, Unitarian is where I felt more like I was accepted for who I was and one step closer to spiritual growth.

With that being said, worshipping is probably the time where I feel the most connected to the God. Some days, I prefer the more contemporary music and then other days, I take it back to the classic hymnals especially when I need a gentle reminder of some particular topic! So, I'm going to share with you two of my favorite worship pieces and hopefully you can experience the love and comfort they remind me of!

#1 Building Bridges

This song is always so beautiful to me. It was one that I actually heard in one of the many baptist churches that I had attended. I think the first time that I actually took the time to listen to this song and really understand the words I was singing is why it became so powerful to me. When I talked to my grandfather about this song, he had mentioned that it was a reminder to us that we create our path to heaven. That only though God could we build our bridge. And while he may be correct in a sense, it's all up to interpretation right? To me, this song is more than developing a relationship with God, although that's important too! It's a message of a celebration of diversity. It unifies us! We all have something unique to bring to the table. I believe that only together as a community can we create something so beautiful, like a bridge. One of the primary learnings. took from the Unitarian Church was acceptance of one another. 



#2 WayMaker

This is a song that I have found myself stuck on recently. Recently, a lot of my dreams have almost felt out of reach and impossible. And each day as I've pressed on this song has become almost like an anthem for me. I know God is there and that He will get me to where I need to be. Some days its harder than others to remember and this song here keeps me on track! I don't believe there is a certain way to worship. When I worship, I feel closer to God when my eyes are closed, arms open, and pouring out my emotions. If I am worshipping by myself in my car, that's okay too! Because in my heart, what I am singing I truly believe. 



Comments

  1. One thing I have learnt since I came here is how many different churches there are. I didn't know there were so many to choose between. Since I'm raised in a totally different culture, I don't have much experiences of religion or churches. Even thought we have different beliefs, I appreciate the songs. I don´t think I connect to the text in the same way as many others do, but I still like the rythm and meoldy. The second song was my favorite, it was powerful when everyone sang together.

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  2. Hi Amber! I have heard many renderings of the song "Way Maker." I agree that it is an uplifting song. I believe that there is noting you can't do with a little bit of faith. I'm glad that you found a spiritual home that best suits you and will help you grow. I have been to one other denomination that does live performing of songs such as the first video you had. I think being in the moment like that is really moving.

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  3. Thank you for sharing your journey to spiritual growth. I feel like all the songs you shared are very powerful. The last song was very repetitive and easy to follow. I also agree with the lyrics, that God is a waymaker.

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  4. Hi Amber! Well I have never heard the song Building Bridges before, i’m so glad that you posted about it. I completely understand how once you understand the words of the song, that song becomes more powerful! I actually knew the song way maker and it is a staple for me as well!

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