Week 6
1053 words by Daniellewilson
In an earlier blog I stated that I am a Vocal Performance major. My ambition is to perform sacred music on the main stage as well as to become a Music Minister. The first is an easy concept. I love “spirituals” and “hymns”. I would like to perform concerts around the world. This Biblical Studies class is important because I need to understand what I am singing about. When I sing a song like “Calvary” that talks about the crucifixion of Christ it is essential to understand the history of that story. A great performer can relay the meaning of the song in any language using “sub-text” This means I can sing this song in English to a Spanish speaking country and they can understand what I’m saying based on things I don’t say. There needs to be great emotion evoked from “seeing” Calvary as I sing. The song asks, “Can you hear the hammers ringing?” When I study the history behind the Bible I learn about the crucifixion process. It was a gruesome practice. As traumatic as it was, I need to know about it so I can internalize the reactions a person would have had, and relay that to an audience. There are many more examples where it is important to know what you are singing about.
The second part of my goal may not be as clear to some people. A Music Minister is responsible for leading the music in the church service. They choose appropriate songs. They are expected to have a strong sense for music and for the Bible because here again, it is impossible to lead the group if you do not know what you are singing about. This person should have a close spiritual relationship in order to get the inspiration to perform and lead. As I learn in this class I feel stronger spiritually. This will be beneficial later. This class encourages me to study not only “the Bible” but I also get to look at the scripture from other points of view. I have seen more of the literary beauty that it contains. I have seen the historical places and I also saw the “differences” between various versions of the Bible.
Feminist criticism is unique because it combines multiple types of criticisms to create its own version of the story. I think this is useful because it broadens the scope to allow for a more accurate conclusion. I believe the most important question feminist criticism asks is, “Whose interests are being served?” Everyone has an agenda. I can find several scriptures to support the idea of providing for the homeless. As a matter of fact when I read the article about “liberation theology” I wanted to know where I could sign up because I thought that would be the ideal society. But just like the liberation theologians and me, the writers of the Bible and maybe more importantly the translators of the bible had an agenda. Most, if not all, of the writers/translators were men. Many of them were intimidated by women. And in most cases women are portrayed as one or more of the following: mothering, fragile, weak, or seductress’. They were in need of the male’s protection.
There is still a separation between genders. And many of the former stereotypes remain. For my project I have attempted to contact both women’s and men’s shelters. Some of the women’s shelters do not have an address listed because they are not just shelters for people with financial difficulty. These shelters house women who are in fear for their lives. The men’s shelter on the other hand has large writing on the side of the building visible from the interstate. So even in these modern times we can see how the woman is still the more fragile person. It has been difficult to reach people directly this week. I have however spoken to people who previously worked at both shelters. One of them gave me something to think about as I am doing this project. He wrote his dissertation on the “God of the Ghetto”. After speaking with him I realize that it is probably very difficult for a person who can’t afford food and a place to sleep to believe that there is a god who provides for people. This has motivated me even more to do this program through the church. I know that religion isn’t fair. But I do believe that people can have better lives if they have the proper tools. I believe he will be an asset to the program. He connects the financial and spiritual sides.
I have also been in contact with other members of my church to inform them of my plan. At this point it is unanimously supported. We have decided that the workshops will be best presented on next year. This will allow me time to complete my research, contact the speakers, reserve the space, and advertise the workshops.
I find that the deeper I get involved in this project the more sensitive I become to the reality of homelessness in our city. I have met more homeless people in the last month than I have in the last year. I don’t know if there are more homeless people or if I am just more aware. If it is the latter I am hoping that the people attending the workshops will have the same experience. People say that “knowledge is power”. I agree. Knowledge is powerful enough to raise a person’s consciousness. It is powerful enough to equip a person with the skills necessary to excel at work. It is also powerful enough to help someone develop a personal relationship with God, which is the key to all success.
I have not taken the midterm yet so I cannot say how I did. I can say that the review for the midterm was helpful and encouraging to me. I feel I understand the format of the test better. I feel I will do well on the exam.