Trinity Wall Street tribute to Michael Jackson

From organist Robert Ridgell.

Posted by John B. Chilton on July 1, 2009 8:45 PM | |
Comments (6)

While he was certainly a huge and popular talent, Michael Jackson crossed too many boundaries in his relationships with children. If anyone lay or clergy in our church engaged in the sorts of sleepovers he admitted to having they would be barred from functioning in the Church. I have to wonder how a "tribute" is justified.

Posted by Michael Russell [TypeKey Profile Page] | July 2, 2009 9:18 AM

I thought that the purpose of music in worship is to glorify God, not a human being - especially one a flawed as Michael Jackson. While he was a great secular talent, his talent did not point towards God.

YBIC,
Phil Snyder

Posted by Phil Snyder [TypeKey Profile Page] | July 2, 2009 5:56 PM

obviously the exercise of creativity in the service of the sheer delight of the beauty it creates is lost on those whose opinions determine what is proper to hallow a part of god's creation and what is not. not a word about the organist's talent, the people who came to hear the tribute, or even a generous, christian thought for a tortured soul. may the god of love and life meet you some day and kindle your cold hearts with joy.

Posted by Jon Carl Lewis [TypeKey Profile Page] | July 2, 2009 8:07 PM

Jon,

The purpose of music in worship is to point to God, not to the talent of the musician or any other human being. Music in worship is designed to draw us together and send our hearts towards God.

If the organist wants to do a "tribute" to Michael Jackson on the wonderful organ we heard, then great! Do it as part of an organ recital or after worship. Actually, I thought that the music was wonderful and the arrangements showed great talent. But worship is not the time for something like that.

YBIC,
Phil Snyder

Posted by Phil Snyder [TypeKey Profile Page] | July 2, 2009 9:36 PM

Actually, I was there for this piece, it was played AFTER the service during the voluntary... Its not as if the words were printed in the bulletin and we sang MJ before the reading of the Gospel.

Warning: be careful judgers, be very careful

(Editor's note: Thanks for the info, WF. We need a real name next time.)

Posted by WanderingFolker [TypeKey Profile Page] | July 3, 2009 9:21 AM

Yes - the story specifically says - post lude and if you notice most people had already gone to coffee or somewhere else.

Posted by Ann Fontaine [TypeKey Profile Page] | July 5, 2009 12:26 PM

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