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Getting back what I let religion steal
5 commentsin: Something happe..19/12/07, 12:41:27 PM
In past posts I`ve mentioned that I teach English to new comers to Canada. At the end of each session, I often do a mini-concert for my class. One of my students recorded this quick clip located on my blog page .
I love writing songs and performing them. This is one of the passions that I allowed religion to steal from me for over 15 years. I should have never allowed this to happen. However, it happened and I`m dealing with it. Over the past three years, the songs having been flowing again, and I`m doing what I can to be ready to start performing on a regular basis. I would love to get my stuff professionally recorded, but it will take a while. In the meantime, my students provide me a lot of great feedback and encouragement to continue with my music.
Comments
“Hey Paul,
Out of interest, can you indicate how you feel that religion stole your musical passion? I know a lot of believers who love music and praise the Lord with all sorts of intruments and with a loud sound (as the Psalmist said).
Thanks,
Ryan„
“Yes, I too would like to know how you felt religion 'steal' your music / songwriting, etc.„
“Hi guys,
Thanks for asking about how religion stole my music. I'll try to explain. Even though there is music in the church, there is an acceptable kind of music. This varies depending on what particular segment of Christendom you come from. When I was a new Christian in the late 1980's, I actually believed that rock music was evil. For many years, the only music I listened to was music designed for congregational singing. I still played music, but only in church. Here's the thing, before I got all tied up with religion, as a teen ager, I wrote really gritty songs that had an appeal to those outside the church. When I got involved with church leadership and eventually became a pastor, all that music that I once wrote, died in me. I tried to write "worship" songs, but I just couldn't.
So for many years, I didn't write one song. Then about three years ago, as I was detoxing from religion, I started writing again. My songs don't really fit in the religious context that I once knew. However, my perspective has changed. My songs are mine and they express my heart. That is worship to me now.
Let me know if this was clear or if you have any more questions about it.
peace.„
“My wife and I are just reading through your book and we are enjoying it immensely. I do appreciate your none adversarial position which I feel gives greater credibility to what you say. Having come from the Keith Green era I find much of what you say is similar and has a healing fragrance to those of us who have been down this road a few times. As far as your music being stolen I know that is between you and the Lord and it will be an even greater find when it is given back in a greater measure. He is broadcasting on a different frequency and keep searching you'll find it! .........., more later- jd„
“I like the songs that I have been able to hear on your website and I look forward to your first album being released. Please do let us know when that happens!
Thanks
Mercedes„