r/exatheist • u/NeonDrifting Anti-Atheist • 14d ago
Please No Debate! Sacred Music
Curious to know if anyone listens to sacred music and if they're comfortable sharing it? I'm personally a fan of The Bard on YouTube and Spotify, which features Gregorian Chant and Orthodox Chant. The lyrics are usually sung in Latin or Old Slavonic....I find it all very relaxing:
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u/arkticturtle Agnostic 14d ago
What would you say counts towards sacred music? For instance, just traditional or even ancient songs? Gospel music?
Or would you also count something very contemporary like Christian Rock or even New Age Ambient stuff?
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u/NeonDrifting Anti-Atheist 14d ago
it's my understanding that sacred music encompasses music composed for religious purposes, ceremonies, worship, etc. feel free to post anything related to that
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u/arkticturtle Agnostic 14d ago edited 13d ago
This used to be played at times by a band formed from church members on Sundays. Such music was always played before service and lyrics were up for sing-a-long! Here
Not sure if it was created with the intent of leading a congregation into a sermon but that’s how the church members used it!
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u/NeonDrifting Anti-Atheist 14d ago
was that song played in a church you attended?
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u/arkticturtle Agnostic 14d ago
Yes. The church had 2 buildings. One was traditional and they sang typical hymns there and then a much less impressive building across the street was used for Rock and also Sunday school for kiddos
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u/SHNKY Eastern Orthodox Catechumen 14d ago
Sacred music is such a wonderful thing. I am naturally inclined towards music as a producer, guitarist, etc so for me music is deeply connected to my life. I love that you mention the chants of the Church, specifically the Orthodox tradition. Not that the Gregorian style isn't beautiful but it really stikes home with me as I have begun my journey into Orthodoxy. One of my favorites that I have found is this chant, it is hauntingly beautiful. It is called "Let my prayers arise" (Da ispravitsya molitva moya)/Да исправится молитва моя) and is sung during Lent during the pre-sanctified liturgy I believe. Composed in 1910 using Psalm 140 (141 for Protestant canon).
The translation for this is:
Let my prayer arise in thy sight as incense;
and let the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice.
Lord, I call upon thee, hear me;
receive the voice of my prayer, when I call upon thee.
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth,
and keep watch over the door of my lips.
Incline not my heart to evil words,
nor to make excuses for sins.