Does religion have a place in Prog music?

Today, the term "Christian music" denotes an industry, not a genre or even a lyrical classification; many so-called "Christian" bands are merely bands with vaguely spiritual lyrics that remain entrenched in the "Christian" music industry, whether for the money or the fanbase or what have you.  Although there are of course artists outside of this industry who label themselves "Christian," the label is broadly and overwhelmingly wrapped up in marketing and industry.

This isn't exactly unprecedented; Motown was originally the name of a record company, not the description of a sound, but at least in that case the term evolved to mean the particular sound associated with that company.  For those who would prefer that we classify music according to itself rather than its industrial background, the label "Christan music," as it is used today, poses a problem.  For Christians who deplore the industrialization and compartmentalization of their faith, the label also poses a problem, as it not only uses the word "Christian" as a marketing tool but also takes the music of artists who write about their faith out of the musical "marketplace of ideas" and into the Christian subculture. 

While classical musicians do classify certain pieces as sacred music due to their religious texts or functions, this label does not share any of the above characteristics with the modern "Christian" label and thus is really not the same thing at all.

The Doctor wrote: I have a more pressing question...does Dungeons & Dragons belong in prog?

Don't know, but it kind of belongs in metal, LOL.

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."

SteveG wrote: ^Sorry Smart, I don't follow you. Could you expand a bit?

If the writers of the music want incorporate religion into their music then sure

SteveG wrote: It didn't take much to stir up this hornets nest, did it? .

All it took was the word "religion" in the thread title.  Come on, you saw it coming. 

Edited by HolyMoly - August 05 2014 at 19:01

Epignosis wrote: SteveG wrote: ^how do you know he's not a Trinitarian? He said so. For what it's worth, my beliefs are similar to his, and I've been told I wasn't a Christian multiple times.

OK E, I just wanted to see more clearly what his beliefs were.

SteveG wrote: ^how do you know he's not a Trinitarian?

He said so.

For what it's worth, my beliefs are similar to his, and I've been told I wasn't a Christian multiple times.

^how do you know he's not a Trinitarian?

Edited by SteveG - August 05 2014 at 18:37

The Doctor wrote: I think my first post answered that.  At least for me.  It's 100% up to the artist how he defines his music and what lyrics he feels are appropriate.  So does religion belong in prog?  To the extent that prog artists determine it does, then yes.

I wasn't really addressing you Doc, I was just talking out loud. So, perhaps it's time to call it a day.


Edited by SteveG - August 05 2014 at 18:34

tboyd1802 wrote: Does/should artists with a religious leaning be able to produce progressive music that expresses this leaning, absolutely. Do I want to listen to it, no. But this involves my choice of what I want to listen to, rather than me imposing my prejudice as to what should and shouldn't be produced on to the artist.

The simple answer is to just say 'Don't listen to it,' but our field of music is small and it's hard to avoid a group like Transatlantic.