Moon's rapid phasing
Reflects the colour spectrum
In about three hours
Reflects the colour spectrum
In about three hours
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
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"!
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"!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Merry & Joyful Christmas!
Christmas is here!
This Advent I came to a new realization of the meaning of Christmas. We can celebrate an event of cosmic proportions, the Son of God taking on our humanity.
Why is this so important? Jesus' arrival is what the prophets spoke of and what kings and patriarchs longed to see. They awaited the Saviour.
We are fortunate in having the notion of eternal salvation as something of a cultural birthright. I say "something of" because we are not saved because of where or when we are born, but by believing in the Good News of Jesus, and accepting Him as the Way.
So, in the joy of this Good News, have a blessed Christmas season and a Happy New Year!
This Advent I came to a new realization of the meaning of Christmas. We can celebrate an event of cosmic proportions, the Son of God taking on our humanity.
Why is this so important? Jesus' arrival is what the prophets spoke of and what kings and patriarchs longed to see. They awaited the Saviour.
We are fortunate in having the notion of eternal salvation as something of a cultural birthright. I say "something of" because we are not saved because of where or when we are born, but by believing in the Good News of Jesus, and accepting Him as the Way.
So, in the joy of this Good News, have a blessed Christmas season and a Happy New Year!
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