Music as Religion

Back in 1989 I had the opportunity to see Paul McCartney in concert. This was special, because I had been a devoted Beatles fan, albeit beginning 4 years after they broke up.

On this tour, his show opened with 3 films shown simultaneously on 3 screens above the stage. They were, if I recall correctly, produced by Richard Lester, who had produced the Beatles' first movie, A Hard Day's Night. The films showed various aspect's of Paul's life through the years, from his early years to the present. They pace was rapid - I enjoyed spotting various familiar images on the screens, and watching them built an incredible anticipation. At one point I said to myself, "I'm really going to see him!"

See him I did. Heard him, too. When he did his various Beatle songs (especially Hey Jude) and other solo hits, there was a palpable sense of awe. I felt like it was one for the ages.

Years later, I would identify that event as one of worship.

Last year I read a book entitled Earthly Powers: The Conflict Between Religion & Politics from the French Revolution to the Great War by Michael Burleigh. In it I found a passage that explained how going to the symphony, opera, etc., used to be about doing business or looking for a wife. During the post-Revolutionary era in France, it became a secular religious experience, and composers expected it to be treated as such.

When I read this, I thought about the McCartney concert, and felt that I fit in with the historical progression, at least! I was surprised that this phenomenon had any kind of deliberation behind it. Beginning in the realm of classical music and opera, no less. I thought it "just happened". Perhaps the elevation of popular music to this status was unique.

In any case, I again thought about this phenomenon when I recently read a passage from John's Gospel. Jesus speaks of His Father, and says, "Yes, I know Him well, and I keep His word," (Jn 9:55). I thought of Paul McCartney's (and others') words and how I "kept" them. If that's what it took to get to Heaven, I'd be "saved"!