Does religion have a place in Prog music?

Ambient Hurricanes wrote: Given that religion is a widely pervasive and important aspect of the human experience, and that it has played an enormous role in history and continues to do so in our culture, I would find it hard to argue that religion has not place in progressive rock (or any other type of music, for that matter).Whatever you think of religion, and despite the unfortunate trends in some religious sects to restrict musical expression, it cannot be denied that the Christian church through the ages has produced and patronized some of the greatest music ever composed.What I don't like is the contemporary "Christian" music scene, which is largely mediocre and feeds off the prejudices and fears of those who regard all forms of "secular" music with suspicion.I don't have much of a problem with Morse's lyrical content (that which I've heard, anyway); I simply think that he is a bad lyricist stylistically.  Granted, Sola Scriptura is the only one of his albums that I'm very familiar with (decided it wasn't my cup of tea and never listened to  much more of his output) but the lyrics on that album are simply atrocious.

And you yourself are a Christian and a musician, if I recall. (Never tell a Prog musician what he can't do!)

For myself, I'm an atheist. I would tend to shy away from Christian themes, but not necessarily. One among my favorite albums is Aqualung. Aqualung targets un-Christian-like behavior from Christians, and does not use the music in an effort to convert, which is maybe why it doesn't bother me.

I would say that I can't listen to Neal's albums anymore because of subject matter.  But there should be a place for it.  Like the pope says - who am i to judge?

^Christian Prog, anyone?

Edited by SteveG - August 05 2014 at 16:54

The Doctor wrote: 2 + 2 = praise Jesus! But seriously, what would you call music whose lyrics are Christian-centered, like Neal Morse's?

Probably "religious inspired" music or "religious based" music.
?

2 + 2 = praise Jesus!

But seriously, what would you call music whose lyrics are Christian-centered, like Neal Morse's?

^ is it?

I don't quite follow you?

Given that religion is a widely pervasive and important aspect of the human experience, and that it has played an enormous role in history and continues to do so in our culture, I would find it hard to argue that religion has not place in progressive rock (or any other type of music, for that matter).

Whatever you think of religion, and despite the unfortunate trends in some religious sects to restrict musical expression, it cannot be denied that the Christian church through the ages has produced and patronized some of the greatest music ever composed.

What I don't like is the contemporary "Christian" music scene, which is largely mediocre and feeds off the prejudices and fears of those who regard all forms of "secular" music with suspicion.

I don't have much of a problem with Morse's lyrical content (that which I've heard, anyway); I simply think that he is a bad lyricist stylistically.  Granted, Sola Scriptura is the only one of his albums that I'm very familiar with (decided it wasn't my cup of tea and never listened to  much more of his output) but the lyrics on that album are simply atrocious.

Sure, religion can have a place in music. In terms of execution, Neal Morse is definitely not my favorite, but substantially less preachy than, say, Spirogyra.

I've noticed many conversations over the last few months both for and against Neil Morse and his religiously inspired lyrics and music in bands like Transatlantic and his own solo work. So, does religion have a place in Prog music or in other forms of pop and rock music?

Edited by SteveG - August 06 2014 at 09:30