This is an intriguing proposition: a church formed with Jazz musician, John Coltrane (right), at its heart. I couldn't help wondering if it was blasphemous, or just an extreme manner of flower power Christianity. There's something perverse about going to a church for the novelty of its service. One would think that church services should be intimate experiences, not some freak show attracting the attention of voyeurs. But that is what non-Catholics do when they go to St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, or visit the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. There's something in the grandiose nature of those churches that make them seem like their awe and history is to be experienced by all. However, such thoughts are dispelled when it comes to pentecostal churches. It's almost as if only family members are allowed, which is why it appears peverse for the uninitiated to attend such a service. St. John Coltrane. Hmm...
Sunday, August 20, 2006
St. John Coltrane
This is an intriguing proposition: a church formed with Jazz musician, John Coltrane (right), at its heart. I couldn't help wondering if it was blasphemous, or just an extreme manner of flower power Christianity. There's something perverse about going to a church for the novelty of its service. One would think that church services should be intimate experiences, not some freak show attracting the attention of voyeurs. But that is what non-Catholics do when they go to St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, or visit the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. There's something in the grandiose nature of those churches that make them seem like their awe and history is to be experienced by all. However, such thoughts are dispelled when it comes to pentecostal churches. It's almost as if only family members are allowed, which is why it appears peverse for the uninitiated to attend such a service. St. John Coltrane. Hmm...
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2 comments:
At last, a Church I would love to attend...
I met someone from Memphis who told me that the Rev Al Green preaches in his church in a purple leotard (which makes number two on my list).
I had the good fortune to spend a couple of hours with Cornel West a few years ago in Boston. He waxed intellectual about John Coltrane's debt to the African-American church (it was the only place he could practice)..
think i would agree with Jez
i love john coltrane...he and Miles Davis did one of the best renditions of "so what"...please go and listen to this..its pure excellence, much sophistication
first heard of john whilst growing up and listening through my brother's (ayetoro) music collection
my bro also mentioned this church thingy to me, a while back and am surprised its only just come out in the guardian
very excellent post Nkem
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