I have been hurt by people claiming to be of that faith, but they did not follow it, nor the precepts of its founding teacher. It's a lovely prayer, Arfie. Thank you. :-)

Way back when I was still having seismic reactions to any and all of the Isms, I asked my husband, "Why are there so many horrible people in the Drum Circles, Temples, Churches, Mosques, Synagogues, etcetera, ad infinitum?"

He answered, simply, "Troubled souls seek peace."

I'm still buying that. . . Whatever your cosmic affiliation, Faith is an individual journey.

Glad you enjoyed it, Leo.

I grew up in a wayward southern Pentecostal preacher's home and have the scars to prove it. For any Pentecostals here, don't be offended, the Pentecostal church finally kicked him out for ti. The up side of the bad church services he led in his fraudulent ministry (he was kicked out for stealing church money) was gospel music. Even he couldn't ruin that.

Gospel is where rock n roll came from. Look into Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis (Rev. Jimmy Swaggart's cousin). So thanks for offering me the best of what I mostly had to overcome to be here. The music still soars. I was always sorry when the singing in church was over, because it was in the singing that it seemed people let God actually take the stage for a couple of minutes.

Then it was over, and the slinging of hell fire and brimstone started with the fundraising demands and you had to buckle up for the ride during an hour's worth of streaming abuse. For those few minutes, though, it seemed like God was actually there. Still does.

Is there a musical influence that can't be found in Rock 'n' Roll? I often think that Rock 'n' Roll is the greatest cultural integrator humanity has invented yet.

No question that Gospel music is well represented in that score. . .

One of my recent favorite rock sponsored cultural mixes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JNC6JF96kM

As I was raised old-school Catholic, I found the music to be the best of the Church and the main reason to stay awake. When they do a Latin mass? Oh, the soaring beautiy of the Kyrie really makes it seem like the voices are touching God/ness

There is a Catholic church near the School for the Deaf in Austin where they sign the mass in addition to the usual liturgies and music.

It takes my breath away. . . Gives me hope for the human condition.