Does religion have a place in Prog music?

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

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.

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.

^ is it?

I don't quite follow you?

2 + 2 = praise Jesus!

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

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.
?

^Christian Prog, anyone?

Edited by SteveG - August 05 2014 at 16:54

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?

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.

Epignosis wrote: The Doctor wrote: 2 + 2 = praise Jesus! But seriously, what would you call music whose lyrics are Christian-centered, like Neal Morse's? Rock music.  Or country music.  Or rap music.  Or metal.  Or polka.  All of these genres have Christian lyricists.  "Christian" as an adjective for music just isn't useful when describing the music.  I've seen Kerry Livgren's One of Several Possible Musiks labeled as "Christian."  Why?  It's instrumental.  I've never heard Rush being called "Objectivist Rock."  I've never heard Pink Floyd being called "Anti-Capitalist Rock."

But just a moment, Epi. Aren't there "Christian artists" who, reviling supposedly secular values, eschew the general listener and market strictly to the Christian milieu, whether that be Christian metal, rap, country or whatever?

I love Phil Keaggy as much as the next atheist guitarist (referring to myself, of course), but let's not pretend separate genres do not exist like Santa Claus or the Easter bunny.

In fact, the selfsame Kerry Livgren ditched Kansas to play to Christian crowds, with Christian words and Christian themes. Keaggy also had instrumental albums categorized "Christian". Is that how they are marketed, or are you saying their albums are tossed, surreptitiously, into the Jesus bin?

Edited by The Dark Elf - August 05 2014 at 17:37