London V

Works means not working. Any sign or announcement that states "...works" is a notification that there is repair taking place. This one took me awhile to understand since I assumed the object must have at one time been broken but now it works. Yet the sign "escalator works" obviously was wrong since the escalator was not working. Confusing, yes. But many things in London were different and adjusting to it was a matter of perception and open-mindedness. In the end, I truly enjoy my trip.

Taking the Piccadilly line to the Victoria Line and then hopping aboard the DLR line, I headed to the O2. http://www.aviewoncities.com/london/millenniumdome.htm. Quite a place, built at a cost of $750 million, it houses a massive arena, shops, restaurants, museums, and a movie house. I only had time to experience a small part of this astounding area, but it was sure a treat. I ran through the British Rock experience and learned much more than I expected. I particularly enjoyed a holographic presentation of how England and America influenced each other in Rock music. The final image showed a "tug-of-war" over who was the most influential or perhaps winner in Rock music. With amusement, I noticed that England won the contest!

After a nice lunch of raw eel and bean sprouts, I headed back. Stopping at Canary Wharf I was treated to yet another underground world of shopping, food, games, and every kind of modern convenience. So different from old London, Canary Wharf and the O2 demonstrate the changing world. It was nice to experience cutting edge technology and contemporary architecture, but I found myself longing to return to old London with its beautiful structures, great art, magnificent theaters and old style shops. Yes I found myself humming the children's song, "Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold!"

But while humming, my usual practice by the way, I noticed nobody else would hum. In fact, very few people make noise at all. On the long tube ride, nobody said a word to anyone. Just quiet, self-reflective riding on the tube. Lots of reading, some sleeping, but no talking. Other than the roar of the train and screech of the brakes, silence. I tried to smile at people and make eye contact but there was very little of that.

A brief stop at Covent Garden and I found myself in the market, a multi-level shopping treat. While picking through some gifts for the family, I heard a beautiful sound, the sound of Bach. Migrating that way, I found a quartet performing various Bach works. Gorgeous sounds by the highest of professional players. They were selling CDs as well. What is happening in the world where the finest performers are resorting to playing on street corners to make a living? About 30 minutes later I heard an opera singer. She was incredible and singing Carmen to an accompaniment track. Can she not get work? Are there too many great musicians for the market? Is supply and demand destroying classical music? Maybe.

A group of us attended "Flare Path" on Tuesday night and enjoyed it. Very professional with a nice blend of drama and comedy. Incredible actors, rich story, and a great theatre. Stopping at a bakery while walking back, we picked up some chocolate, some bread, and various pasties. Yes I said pasties not pastries. Same thing though. We returned to the motel, found a nice room, chatted awhile and turned in. London trip over.

The ride back was eventful but also normal travel inconveniences so I'll stop writing about London soon. But I must say that London changed me a little. Opened my eyes to a world of architecture, a world of the ancients, a world of artistic application to the mundane. I feel somehow enriched by my experience. Perhaps in the end, London reminds me to keep the petty problems in a small compartment while remembering the majesty of God's world. It's a grand world out there, no sense allowing the thorns to rule the day.

London IV

Beginning at the end of the day: arrived back to the hotel almost at midnight after navigating the fun complicated world of the tube. Excuse the boring details but after the show I had to board the Victoria Line in order to get to "Green Park." At Green Park I hopped off ("mind the gap") and got on the Piccadilly line and took it straight up to Russell Square and walked here.

Okay, so it was a typical, ho-hum plot--boy without a mother but with a demanding father struggling to make ends meet, wants to be a dancer. Father is dealing with political problems in his job as a miner and forced to strike. Boy eventually gets accepted into dance school and is successful. Dull stuff that is a rehashing of several stories we have heard before.

Yet, what a fantastic show in all respects (okay, most). Billy Elliot is one of my favorite shows I have experienced. An eclectic and expressive musical score accompanies a host of fascinating scenes that alternate well between serious and light. Dance sequences are incredible and the scenery is picturesque without being lavish. Gritty when necessary, warm when appropriate, the music, the acting, and the story pull together to put the audience right in the middle of everything. Rather than becoming an objective disconnected series of songs, Billy Elliot is a whole package of emotional, energetic joy.

On the down side, I grew weary of the swearing (lots of f word usage) and struggle with the heavy English accent. Also the "gay" overtones were a little disturbing at times particularly in a young boy. Cute scenes but maybe a little bit of an agenda made me uncomfortable. Aside from those things, it was a great show made even better by a gifted singer/dancer in the form of a 12 year old boy.

I spent the afternoon at the Victoria and Albert Museum looking at everything imaginable including theatre history, silver, mosaics, paintings, tapestries, jewelry, and the list goes on. What a great place. Almost couldn't leave it but had to go get my tickets to the show.

The morning was spent at the British Museum where I saw Syrian art, Babylonian Art, Egyptian Art, and an amazing display of Afghanistan historical pieces. Learned much about history and mythology in this 2 mile long museum. Certainly one of the finest cultural museums in the world.

And that my friends was my day. Lots of walking, riding, and experiencing the city of London.

London III

A fair nights sleep, a large tasty breakfast, and a small group headed to church. Nearly late due to the crowds at the Underground to get on the tube. But some brisk walking (and I mean brisk) and we arrived. I removed my hat, walked in, and nearly lost my breath.

We were at the Westminster Abby http://www.westminster-abbey.org/ and it was truly a stunning experience. The single most beautiful, ornate, magnificent structure I have ever seen. Almost unable to move and having trouble breathing, we were ushered to seats on the side and prepared our hearts for worship in one of the greatest churches on the planet. Often I have felt the presence of God when hiking or when praying or at particular moments that I treasure. That moment was nigh. If God were to choose one place on earth to reside, it just might be at the Westminster Abbey in London.

The service was an Anglican service (no need to extrapolate on what Anglican means. It would take several paragraphs of church history and would only scratch the surface of knowledge.) replete with call and response, organ music, readings, prayers, communion, confession, a hymn, meditation, and peace. No praise and worship, no guitars, no drums, no microphones, no wires of any kind, no clapping, no swaying, no hugging, no inordinate human activity that would detract from attention to the Lord, no self. Simply a time to worship God in the old liturgical tradition.

Beautiful choral music lightly accompanied by the warmest sounding organ I have ever heard. Each ending of the phrase reverberated gently but completely throughout the cathedral, providing a sense of the infinite glory of God. It was a humbling but inspiring experience and one that I will want to replicate someday in some way. Of course it also causes me pause as I reflect on contemporary worship and how different it is where we live. But I shall not simply give lip service to my belief there are many ways to worship the Lord Our Savior. In spite of my commitment to this ideal, and I do believe it, I can also see where there is great personal joy in a liturgical Anglican service in a glorious structure designed to reflect the majesty of God.

More on this later. After the service and a nice lunch of lamb, squid, and cod, we headed back to the room for a few moments of rest. I then jumped on a bus, landed in Leicester Square, found the theatre, and experienced STOMP! Wow, what a great show. Tremendous athletes with amazing rhythm and timing. Just a super great show and quite captivating to everyone present. Following the show was a taping for a television show the next day, but I would not get to see it and am not sure my Americanisms wouldn't mess it up anyway! So I left and walked around to experience Leicester Square. Pretty crazy stuff at night. Almost like Bourbon Street in some ways.

Headed back and correctly navigated the tube this time. Home for the night but am now tremendously sore in every muscle. Hope it is a good night's rest. Tomorrow is the British Museum and being a part of the college classes. Time to learn how to teach in London!

London II

Long day of walking and sight-seeing. Lots of people and very large buses--gotta look right not left. Learning the lingo, the system, the city, and mostly the culture of London and there is plenty of it and plenty to learn. Got on the tube several times and realized the polite idea of "ladies first" is not applicable in this world. Whoever gets to the open seat first is the one who sits. So most people are standing and holding onto the steel bar. But yikes, how many years of hands have been in the same spot? Thousands upon thousands have touched the bar. Whew...trying not to think about it. Probably ought to carry some sanitizer or something.

Take away means to go. I ordered some coffee and the lady said, "take away?" I quickly said no that I will pay for it. A quizzical look followed my statement and she said "will you drink it here?" I realized my mistake and said "No, to go, I mean I will take it away." I'm sure she spent the day wondering about the dumb American.

"Way Out" does not mean far-fetched or New Age or anything. It simply means Exit. When you enter a large modern eating establishment, you should get a card. The card is used to figure out what you owe when you leave. However, if you simply walk in and use the restroom (which everyone refers to as a toilet), then you should still have a card. Nearly caused bedlam when I left the restaurant without a card. The cashier who was several feet away raised her voice and said "Stop, please turn in your card and pay." After my loud, nervous, and slightly embarrassing explanation, she smiled and said "Next time, please get a card." I took the "way out" very quickly at that point!

Apparently it is okay to be physically involved with a friend in public, provided you are in a park. This awkward moment change my mind about walking in the park or at least getting off the walking path. Enjoy the world but don't look at anyone. Nobody will say hello anyway and there are many with different lifestyles from myself. Lots of smokers I noticed and lots of "earthy" people not much concerned with appearance.

Stopped in at St. Martin in the Fields cathedral and noticed they were performing Mozart's Requiem today. Wow! I wanted to hear it and see the orchestra, but already made plans to go to Billy Elliot. Which should I do? I am a Mozartian, a Mozart fanatic, an obsessed lover of Mozart's music. But I am also a huge Broadway musical fan. Hmmmm....what a dilemma.

Okay, rather than go and on arguing with myself, I am electing to go see Billy Elliot. I have heard Mozart's Requiem many times plus have several recordings of it on iTunes. Still...a toughie for sure. Thinking more about church music, I am further convinced that architecture is driving church music. Who would want to hear or could even tolerate a minute of a praise band in a cathedral with perfect acoustics?

But my feet are sore, my legs hurt, and I am generally worn out. Is it worth it? You betcha! London, one of the greatest cities in the world.

London I

Here I am in London staying at a quaint motel on Bedford Place around the corner from the massive British museum. Cold and loud with very little space but I still love it. Of course being a little spoiled with a large home, large vehicle, and unending Texas sky, everything seems close together in London. Narrow streets, halls, lots of people, fast walkers, old close buildings, it is all very different from my spacious Texas world.

Flight was tough though. 10 hours on the plane and ended up with stiffness in every joint. Plus a lack of sleep didn't help. Slept all night though and ready for the London experience. Today is a day of tubing (not innertubing!) where I learn how to navigate the city on the subway called a tube. Some sort of fun adventure of discovery on the tube.

One thing very different is my tendency to talk to strangers. Apparently it is not done in England. I know it is not done in New England so it makes sense not to do so in old England. Still it is my natural curiosity and friendliness that makes me want to talk to people. I may try it anyway and see what happens.

Eating: I stopped at a famous fish and chips place and ordered the premium item--fish and chips. They brought it and I thought there was a mistake. There on my plate sat a nice piece of fish and a bunch of fat french fries. Plus a small bowl of guacamole. That surprised me since in Texas guacamole is reserved for nachos and salads.

So a moment of thinking about it and I dipped the fat french fry into the guacamole. It was very good but very strange and I couldn't quite place it. Then I heard someone say at another table in a strong British accent--"That fellow is dipping his chip in the mushy peas." I looked around and realized the fellow was me! It was smashed peas not guacamole. The fat fries were the chips.

But it was delicious and I enjoyed my experience. So today is my first full day in this amazing town.

Response to Church Music Comments

I made the comment that our national past was "dark and dramatic." I then related this to church music of the past 40 or 50 years. I was correctly questioned as to my comparison and asked for specific examples. In addition it was mentioned that today's choruses are often filled with "I" "Me" or self. I wish to respond to both of these.

In talking about our national past as being dark and dramatic, I wish to stand by these descriptors. Around the turn of the 20th century, our country was experiencing stark changes in transportation, in industry, in labor, in immigration, and race relations. Looking back we are chagrined at the treatment of people and the violence perpetrated on African-Americans, on children in factories, on the American Indian, and mostly on anyone not born in America. The struggles for a family from another country to buy a home, to make a living, and to receive an education are nearly criminal and a cause for great embarrassment at our past. Forcing children to work, knowing they would not receive an education, for the sake of putting food on the table demonstrates an economic situation caused from cheap labor and desire for increased production. This led of course to labor unions which although well-intentioned created another set of problems, problems we have today. Does the gain outweigh the costs? Maybe.

Not being of liberal mind-set, at the same time my compassion for people cannot condone a situation of pain and suffering that existed for many families in the early part of the 20th century. More could be said about this particularly as related to race relations, but I think I will spend more time on that at a later date. To generalize, over many years our incredible country and her people became more refined and tolerant of outsiders, resulting in our being one of the most powerful and compassionate countries in the world. We worked through the difficulties and in spite of the darkness emerged glowing. Not that all is perfect and we have a long way to go, but I certainly would not want to return to that time period. For more information, I recommend reading "Murdering McKinley" by Eric Rauchway.

How does this relate to church music? I do stand corrected that my comparison of being "dark and dramatic" in U.S. history is related to church music. That does seem a bit overstated. Yet I refer to the gnawing problem of worship wars driving churches apart and sending people out of our walls of the organized church. Who wants to worship in the house of the Lord when people are angry at each other? Who can focus on the Lord when we are focused on what we do not like? Who wants to be amid a body of believers who are intent on their own selfish agenda? Anne Rice, who denounced the church, while retaining her faith, was shocked at the internal hostility within churches today.

So yes, I do believe that our immediate past in churches and in church music is somewhat dark and dramatic in that division and polarization seem to be the norm. We chase people away by our judgments instead of drawing them in by our love. That is dark and it is dramatic.

Onward to lyrics of today. It does seem anecdotally true, albeit without empirical data to support the thesis, that lyrics today often dwell on "I" and "Me" rather than on the sovereignty and majesty of God. And we can certainly find several obvious examples. Think on the words found in Holy, Holy, Holy, or Come Thou Almighty King or A Mighty Fortress Is Our God. Now compare those to Tomlin's I Will Rise or Beautiful One or How Great Is Our God. All of these modern choruses reference I or me. In fact, studying the top 100 Praise choruses of today, many of them do seem rather self-oriented.

Now let us think about the hymns used today. We have established that the more established hymns from traditional hymnody do seem less self oriented than choruses of today. Yet a closer look at the hymnal reveals over 52 Hymns that begin with "I" and another 20 plus that reference "me" with many others talking about "I" somewhere in the hymn (Amazing Grace is an example). Furthermore a precursory look at the current top 100 choruses being sung in churches today, shows that about 40 do not use I or me but take a more collective approach and sovereignty of God idea. Of course this does mean that around 60 have a personal plea or personal look.

My suspicion is that it is true that today's music is more individualistic and less global although the percentage of this type of music is well within the bounds of balance of presentation. Yet maybe there is truth in the statement that older hymns acknowledge the majesty of the Lord over "how I feel" about God.

Perhaps there are two reasons for this trend: 1) Much of the music today was composed by an individual holding a guitar and singing about his relationship with God, and 2) Much of the music today has the same composer as the lyricist. When we look back on the great hymns, we notice a different poet/lyricist from the composer of the music. The melding of the two concepts is inherently collective and less personal than 1 person doing both music and words. So it is no surprise to find this trend today as musicians are creating their own songs in an individual framework.

To summarize: points given for mentioning the extreme of church music being as "dark and dramatic" as American history; and a point or two for the perception of today's music being individualistic and less global than hymns of the past. But here is the question--Is this a problem or simply a difference?

Generosity and Joel

Questioning Joel as to why his money gets depleted so quickly, and assuming it was due to buying cokes and chips from a machine, he casually mentioned that a lady had needed $20 to help her grandson. Red flags went up in my mind and I began asking him more questions. Asking Joel questions is a delicate art and one I have not mastered as of yet. Too many questions often ends up having the reverse effect of no answers, usually resulting in Joel saying "Too many questions." So I have to ask questions slowly and very benignly, almost indirectly with the hope of determining the truth. While Joel cannot tell a lie, he does tend to leave out details and speak as though the event were typical of any other event. To him all situations are normal and do not warrant any kind of emotional reaction different from any other reaction. All things are the same.

Subscribing to the philosophy of "make all you can, save all you can, give away all you can," my boys have often seen me give money to the homeless, the indigent, and yes to those who ask. Sometimes I witness to them, sometimes remind them to use the money wisely, and sometimes simply say "God Bless You." While it is possible and maybe likely the receiver uses the money for something other than good, I let it go with the idea that I did the right thing and hopefully the person will share the same concept. But for better or worse my children are the same way. They tend to be generous when they can, making a difference in their small corner of the world. I am proud of them for this characteristic and would not want it any other way.

Back to Joel. Unlike my other two boys, he does not have any powers of discernment. I am generous with people but also am aware of the lies that rarely but possibly accompany the requests for money. I recall a dicey situation years ago in San Antonio when a man insisted I give him money to pay for a bus for his wife and child who was sick. He said that his car broke down and he could not get it fixed. I asked him where they were and why he had no grease on his hands. He became angry with me and threatened bodily harm. Luckily a police officer saw us and urged the fellow to leave the area.

Joel does not know the difference. He assumes everyone is telling the truth, all are honest, all are good, nobody would ever do anything wrong. We discussed the lady with the grandson only to discover that the child was not present in the car. The lady requested $20 and Joel gave it to her. I reminded him that while most people are honest it is possible to encounter someone who is lying. He said no. He told me that everyone is good and bad guys disappeared in the 1970s and now can only be found on television.

I do not want to erase Joel's inherent goodness and his positive belief in all people's honesty, but I do wish there were a way to teach him discernment. At this point however, I do not believe it is possible. Joel will always see the world through his own rose tinted glasses. This is a quality that makes Joel the innocent special child he is and the quality that draws people to him. It is also the quality we have to watch and protect him from the possible times that others may intend some kind of harm.

May the road Joel walks throughout his life be filled with people who intend good and may Joel always rise to the goodness he finds in others. Charity, a dangerously wonderful quality, and one that makes the world a better place.

A few thoughts on Church Music History

Driving to Brady for the service this morning, I began thinking about church music and a little of the changes that have taken place the last few years. As a student of American history, focusing primarily on the late 19th and early 20th centuries, I often contemplate how labor laws, government intervention, race relations, and wars have shaped our country and our culture. We cannot escape, nor should we, our National past, a past that although dark and dramatic replete with pain and suffering, joys and victories, labor and leisure, has made us the nation we are today. Looking a little more microscopically, the same is true in church music.

Superficially knowledgeable in the Reformation and the changes wrought in the Religious world following the escapades of the radical and brilliant monk Martin Luther, I choose to deal with, at least for now, the last 40 years of Protestant church music in America. Forgive me for ignoring other denominations and developments around the world and for imagining such a myopic time period, yet that is what I know. To quote from the intellectually sophisticated show Rugrats, "This is our world, and it is all we know!"

The anger rages forth in church music today as congregations grapple with their own personal preferences of church music, wondering what is right, what is best, and what will accomplish the greater good. That said, it seems to me that aside from the "youth" music that jumped into the mix in the late 60s and early 70s, most of the music of 40 or 50 years ago was designed around the organ, an instrument often considered the King of all instruments or the grandest of instruments. The organ, replete with a multitude of sounds and possibilities reigned supreme in the design of all church music dating back to its inception before the Baroque period. Not to say other instruments were not also used, but the music was typically suited and conceived with the organ as the centrality for the musical experience. The organ is a smooth, rich instrument with a wealth of sounds that allow for complex polyphony and a multitude of musical events at one time. I suppose mention should be made that prior to the use of the organ in churches, the human voice was the preferred medium. The organ came along and enhanced the vocal experience. But let's jump forward again to the 1970s!

As youth music began to move in and pianists found themselves in the forefront of artistry, composers of church music began writing music more for a piano. The piano became the central concept of church music, with the organ taking a back seat and not playing quite the dominant role it did earlier. Some of this is due to the percussive nature of the piano and some due to the sustaining of sounds while other sounds take place. Of course fine pianists do not blur the chords, preferring a cleaner approach to music, but many people almost embrace the idea of a "wash" of sustained sounds at times. Sadly, during this period, the organ began to be considered the instrument of choice for weddings and funerals. While certainly legitimate for this purpose, it did and does relegate the organ to a more functional role, far away from its value as a solo or accompanying instrument.

Time moved forward, as it is wont to do, and the organ and the piano remained true to church music. But soon another instrument jumped into the mix--the guitar and with it the trap set. Since composers do not and likely will not be able to design musical melodies around a trap set, the guitar became the driving central force. And we are in this world today. An added complexity, probably similar to the controversy that existed many years ago in the organ world is whether to use only acoustic guitars without extra amplification or should we allow electric guitars?

And now we live in this strangely wonderfully eclectic world with music designed around the guitar, some music around a piano, and still others emphasizing the organ. And sitting in our congregations are people who have a particular preference for a sound, a type of music, and a genre. While we can formulate a model church around something--organ music of mostly hymns, or piano music of a mix of hymns and older choruses, or guitar music of primarily modern choruses, it seems to me the best approach and likely the inevitable one is to create a gloriously complex church world that includes all three.

Although the risk involved is the possible alienation of those strongly preferring one over another, the gain is unification of the people and the ultimate cultural and spiritual growth. For each instrument, organ, piano, or guitar, has value and regardless of the choice, an expression of musical talent serving Christ's Kingdom in our church is a grand and glorious exercise. So I urge people to consider the role of the diversity in our church music and the inclusion of all kinds of instruments (apologies to my Church of Christ friends) in the worship of our Lord and Savior.