A to Z Blogging Challenge 2015: W is for songs of Worship

Religion can be a loaded subject. 

We are not promoting any one religion over another.

We are featuring songs which may have spiritual significance to people with certain beliefs.

No belittling or bigoted commentary regarding anyone's beliefs (or lack thereof) will be tolerated.

~The KHEL 666 Krew~

Songs which have spiritual significance can move people emotionally, and perhaps get them in touch with the realms that exist beyond the physical.

For a Buddhist, chanting and instrumentals which invoke feelings of peace and relaxation are essential.

For Christians, a song of this nature can remind them of the peaceful messages taught by Jesus, and of his great sacrifice.

Jewish songs invoke feelings of celebration and reverence, keeping traditions alive and celebrating those who have gone before.

Muslim chants are often very powerful and moving, invoking strong feelings of spiritual reverence.

Pagan beliefs practices are extremely varied. Wiccan and Pagan songs celebrate various gods and goddesses, or the beauty of nature. Unitarian songs of worship tend to focus on peace, tolerance, and togetherness rather than religious beliefs. 

 I hope you have enjoyed my choices demonstrating songs of worship from various belief systems. I am not an expert on religion, and the thoughts expressed are simply brief explanations of my understanding of the music utilized by a few of the world's religions.

Peace,

DJ Illsa

Cross-Posted to:

KHEL 666

One Love

J is for Jazz

Jazz originated in the late nineteenth century. The style was created by black musicians of the time. It combined African and European forms to create a new style of music. Early jazz drew heavily from the spirited gospel style of music from black churches.

These days, there are a myriad of jazz subtypes. If you're in the mood for jazz while going about your day, the above mix may be just what the doctor ordered!

~DJ Gunnar~

Sami Yusuf Playlist

Here is a playlist of spiritual Middle Eastern music (some words are in English) by Sami Yusuf, whose beautiful song "Who Is the Loved One" I shared yesterday. Let his voice soothe your stress.

I am very impressed with this young artist. He uses his popularity to spread positive messages. While his work comes from a Muslim perspective, he also takes on important sociopolitical issues which know no religion. In one song, he mentions the need for clean water for all people. In another, he takes on the Israel-Palestine issue, which is a difficult one to address without being accused of being anti-Semitic if one disagrees with the Israeli position.

He has a strong conscience and uses it to try to make the world a better place. Kudos, Sami!

Josh Groban: You Raise Me Up

Al Hibbler Playlist

A playlist featuring the golden voice of Al Hibbler.

He

A spiritual by the man who gave us "Unchained Melody."

Man of Constant Sorrow

If One Does Not Know Good, How Will S/He Do Good?

A profoundly simple concept, yet illustrating a truth that many seem unaware of.

Goodness is not according to your religion. Religion is simply a set of tenets to help people make decisions, and hopefully to help people live a righteous life. Religion can be used for good or evil. It can help people find their path to a closer relationship with the Divine, or it can delude people into thinking that they themselves are divine, and better than those who do not believe as they do.

Videos such as this one have relatively few views. People seek videos where others are exploiting themselves/being exploited, rather than seeking enlightenment. In today's world, many have lost their way. They are being taught to seek self-aggrandizement rather than spiritual fulfillment. This behavior is being modeled for them at every turn.

If one does not know good, how will he or she do good?

The answer is simple. It is time to teach the value of doing good for others. Stop worshiping empty values. Stop seeking glory for the self.

Be Near

Mari Boine Persen Playlist

I'm thanking whatever ancestors saw fit to encourage someone to put together a Mari Boine Persen playlist. Enjoy!

Rain Down

Check out Delirious? – Rain Down http://www.last.fm/music/Delirious%3F/_/Rain+Down via @lastfm

This is a really pretty song. Definitely a favorite in the spiritual genre.

Good Stuff

A good whatever time of day it is for ya, KHEL 666 Crew! I'm going to be sharing on the mellower side, some spiritual stuff and slow and easy tunes for your Sunday night/Monday morning. Let's share a peaceful vibe and bring on the positive changes in the world, one person at a time!

Follow us on our blog or our Facebook page, if you care to.

Love,

Vikki

Check out Matt Redman – You Never Let Go http://www.last.fm/music/Matt+Redman/_/You+Never+Let+Go via @lastfm

Open Minded Christianity

More Didj

Check out Paradiso – Travelling Laser http://www.last.fm/music/Paradiso/_/Travelling+Laser via @lastfm

My brain is thoroughly melted! I think I'll switch back to the Didj for a few and catch my breath.

Didj Switch

Check out Paradiso – Grounding Roots http://www.last.fm/music/Paradiso/_/Grounding+Roots via @lastfm

No, this is absolutely, positively, not thrash. But if there is one thing I love, it's Didjeridoo music. One of my fellow Didj fans just messaged me and said, Mo, you've got to check this out!  So I said hold on, let me find it on Last FM, so I can share it. And here it is!

People, this is KHEL 666--it takes all kinds of music to make it what it is! If you don't like it, there's always something else you will like.