Religions and Non-Religious Music: Restrictions and Exceptions

Can any religion condemn non-religious music, including classical music? This question is often debated in academic and religious circles. To understand the nuances of this topic, let's explore various religious backgrounds and their attitudes towards non-religious music.

Calvinist Background: Silent in Service

I grew up in the German Reformed Church, a Calvinist church, which had no choir, no musical instruments, no electronic organs, no grand pianos, and no solos in worship. The service ended with a simple hymn accompanied by a piano at the back of the church before we dispersed. This simplicity reflects a theological stance that emphasizes the direct relationship between the believer and God, minimizing aesthetic and entertainment elements in worship.

Amish Community: No Music

A close friend was raised in the Amish community. Amish culture is known for its simplicity, and music is largely absent. There is no music during the day; instruments cannot be learned, and even the concept of music is foreign to them. Music is limited to religious hymns sung together in a congregation without any accompaniment. It's a stark contrast to the vibrant musical traditions found in many other cultures.

Churches Without Non-Sacred Music

Sadly, there are churches that strictly limit the kind of music that can be played during services. For example, in Cambridge, there is a large Catholic church that does not allow any music that is not explicitly sacred. Local schools have to be cautious when using this venue for concerts. One such instance involved a Music teacher who forgot about the restrictions and had to make last-minute changes just before the concert.

Orthodox Jews and Music in Worship

Some sects of Orthodox Jews restrict listening to non-religious texts in their music, but there are no constraints on style. Heavy rock and distorted guitar music are enjoyed by some young members during weddings, which are the only place where they can release their energy. Similarly, Orthodox men are not allowed to listen to women singing. When a female violinist was hired for a recording for an Orthodox group, they had to check with the rabbi to confirm if it would be permissible. This restriction applies to both vocal and instrumental music.

Christian Sects and Music Preferences

A colleague of mine, who is a devout Christian and a fine orchestral musician, avoids playing Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana” due to the anti-religious themes in some of its movements. For him, it would be considered apostasy or heresy. It's fascinating to see how personal beliefs can lead to such strong opinions.

Mennonites and Amish: Avoiding Instrumenal Music

The Amish and their offshoots, like the Mennonites, believe that instrumental music is unsuitable for religious ears. However, unaccompanied vocal music, like in Jewish religious services, is acceptable. Some beliefs lead to surprising exceptions.

Baptist Congregations and Dancing

While not all Baptists restrict classical music, some groups are opposed to dancing to all music, religious or otherwise. This adds another layer of complexity to the relationship between religion and music.

Understanding these various perspectives helps us appreciate the rich tapestry of human experiences and beliefs. While some religions and sects condemn non-religious music, others find ways to incorporate it into their culture and practices.

Moreover, the evolution of these attitudes can be studied over time, reflecting changes in societal values and the interplay between tradition and modernity.