What Book Are You Reading?

I think it fair to point out that he was the first to introduce Bach at Saint Georges. It is not easy music, and perhaps just as much as in Bach's own time, it certainly challenged the congregation who might well have been happier with some easier listening! The job was paid, and perhaps there was a chance that an alternative organist might have been found, though this proved not to be the case.

ATB from George

PS: What a strange question! Surely that was hardly the thrust of your point so far!

These days, we are used to music from a wide range of Christian traditions being played in pretty much all churches.

Even a century ago, they were a lot closer to the wounds of the family arguments and splits (and in Britain it was the lingering fallout from politics and questions sovereignty rather than religion), and it was unusual for music from a protestant liturgy to be played in a Catholic church (or vice versa).

Bach was himself a Lutheran; and in fact his music has even been described as, "the Reformation put to music", William Durant, In The Age of Voltaire - though this might be a biased anti-Catholic opinion, because of course Bach did write music for texts to be used in the Catholic liturgy, Masses and Passions. So, in that, he was pre-modern as an ecumenist!

That we take it for granted today that a wide range of music will be used in all churches (mainstream churches, anyway) is illustrative of the ground that has been made-up in healing family rifts.

Dear James,

The irony of it is that I never once considered Bach exclusively Protestant! I know he nodded at it with his divisions in the text of the B Minor Mass, which if was conceived for anything at all, and it is not a practical piece for service use, then it was conceieved for the Elector of Saxony, who was also the King of Poland, and whose court was definately Catholic. This does not seem to have occured to Bach as being a problem! Even though most of his music for the Church was for the Lutheran Church of Saint Thomas in Leipzig!

So probably he was well ahead of his time in that as well!

ATB from George

No such thing as a strange question George, but I love the way JWM describes one of the bloodiest chapters of history as a "family rift"

I agree that you should love that description, however bloody the rift! It kind of demonstrates the sort of far sighted lack of judgemenntalism and generosity of spirit that Bach, in common with other real Christians at their best, show!

Perhaps Elgar himself was pushing in that direction as well, though perhaps he did not regard Bach as a Protestant in reality either.

ATB from George

quote:

lack of judgemenntalism and generosity of spirit that Bach, in common with other real Christians at their best, show!

Have you actually read the Bible?

For most of my first twenty one years there was little choice!

Only with time to reflect have I arrived at my current view. I still have much to learn, but to answer your question, of course, yes.

The first time in public was the School Christmas service nearest my seventh birthday when I read the first lesson, Luke 2,2, "And it came to pass in those days,..." So just about thirty nine years ago.

Probably a good read for anyone with a mind to, even now.

And no I have not read it cover to cover!

One day I will tackle the Revelation, but so far it has seemed too serious to me!

ATB from George

.

For the second time.

I have just read his latest book - The Road. Awesome such an elegant and economical writer.

quote:

Originally posted by David McN:
I have just read his latest book - The Road. Awesome such an elegant and economical writer.

David,

I have not read 'The Road' yet. 'The Crossing', as well as 'No Country for Old Men' are excellent and highly recommended.

Haim

Andy Macnab "Crossfire". My annual secret pleasure, reading the latest Nick Stone story. Not great literature but a rattling good yarn!

Thanks Haim, I think I have read all Cormac McCarthy's books now. Do you know James Salter's books. If you enjoy Cormac McM I think you will find Salter to your taste. For instance his The Hunters must be one of the best (anti?) war books ever.
David

Daniel C. Dennett (2006) "Breaking the Spell: Religion as a natural phenomenon"

A book I urge anyone of religious faith to read!

Jon

quote:

Originally posted by Consciousmess:
Daniel C. Dennett (2006) "Breaking the Spell: Religion as a natural phenomenon"

A book I urge anyone of religious faith to read!

Jon

George already seems to. viz review in Scientific American: George Johnson, "Getting a Rational Grip on Religion"

quote:

Daniel C. Dennett (2006) "Breaking the Spell: Religion as a natural phenomenon"

A book I urge anyone of religious faith to read!

Already on my pile of books to read. I expect to enjoy it far more than Dawkins' TGD - not least because I rate Dennett's intelligence more highly. He's a smart guy, and always worth a read, even if he doesn't always persuade (did "Consciousness Explained" really explain consciousness?). "Darwin's Dangerous Idea" is probably his best work, and essential reading for anyone after a deep philosophical appreciation of evolutionary thought. He's a good speaker too - I saw him at a conference when I was doing my Ph.D.

Having said all that, I expect "Breaking The Spell" to miss the point about religion, and to end up fighting a straw man, albeit in a much pleasanter fashion than Dawkins did. I'll read it, because I enjoy reading intelligent discussions about this topic - but I doubt that it will enrich my non-traditional, and hard-won take on the value of religion. Won't bore you with the details here- just check out my posts on some of the other religion related threads, if the fancy takes thee.

quote:

Originally posted by David McN:
Thanks Haim, I think I have read all Cormac McCarthy's books now. Do you know James Salter's books. If you enjoy Cormac McM I think you will find Salter to your taste. For instance his The Hunters must be one of the best (anti?) war books ever.
David

David,

I have not read any James Salter books. I will try to get 'The Hunters' after I am done with 'The Crossing'.
Thank you for the recommendation.

Regards,
Haim

Unfortunately, my copy has Julia Roberts (from the movie) on the cover.I had no choice but to covered her with some car stickers so I could carry the book in public without shame...

Hard Sci-Fi at its' best IMHO.

Currently I am reading autobiography of ALEX HIGGINS - From the Eye of the Hurricane - My Story.

A gripping read of a very charismatic man. Since his departure from Snooker there is no one else in Snooker as exciting as him and no one else who could drew such a rampant enthusiastic support from snooker fans. Yes he may of been a social disaster, but when he was playing snooker, even when playing poorly, his presence around the table was electric. Because of him I began playing snooker and he also had a slight resemblance to Richard Wagner another hero of mine! If I am ever in Belfast it would be my pleasure to buy him a drink and have a chat. God bless you Alex! (I am not bias..?)

The Mask of Ra - Paul Doherty an Egyptian murder mystery. Quite enjoyable and only 10p in the library sale.

quote:

Originally posted by 555:

Me too!