Religion and the Dave Matthews Band

[matt_in_ohio]

[quote name='cmotherofpirl' date='Aug 15 2005, 01:32 PM']You were born when I was in college. :
Time only gets faster.
Now a month seems like about 2 weeks long, but still containing 6 weeks worth of chores.
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To all of the “old” people who have responded on this thread (and for that matter, the “young” people as well):

First of all, “Thank You” all for making me feel welcome here. Really I can’t say it enough! I was a bit worried at first when I saw how young some (actually most) of the posters that I had read seemed to be, and I worried that maybe I had stumbled into a “teen forum.” And that, in this post-Michael Jackson era, someday somebody would wonder what my motives were for being here. I’m glad to see that that appears not to be the case. And I guarantee you that my motives are what I stated them to be at the beginning of this thread.

But I’m also a bit uneasy about the whole “getting older” thing. The first job I had out of college I stayed at for almost a decade. The company really didn’t hire anyone new after they hired me, so I got to enjoy being the youngest for quite a long time.

Then several things happened all within the past year. For reasons that would require a much longer post, I switched jobs. In my new position, I find myself interacting with a group of interns who are still in college. I also started attending mass at a university parish. I went to this particular parish because my cousin went there, and she was a student at the university at the time. We actually completed the RCIA program there together, but again - another, longer post for another time. Anyway, given those two major events, I’ve found myself suddenly surrounded by people a decade or more younger than myself. I guess all of these things just hit me in a way that has made me realize I’m getting older, and because it’s kind of hit me “all at once” so to speak, it’s taking me awhile to deal with it.

The funny part is, I don’t feel like I’ve really changed all that much as a person. I still “feel” young. But then, maybe you never stop feeling that way. As a good friend of mine said recently: “Inside every old man, there’s a young kid asking himself ‘what the heck just happened!’”

I’m not sure that any of this makes any sense – but given that I’ve received more feedback on this thread than I thought I would already, I’d love to know what anyone else thinks. My father thinks that I should just find an “older” parish! But the people where I’m at have asked me to start doing the readings, and I don't want to pass that up! And I’ve grown comfortable there. And I think my father was just trying to get me to stop whining… :

Matt.

[matt_in_ohio]

[quote name='Sirklawd' date='Aug 15 2005, 11:53 AM']its strange to both want to not listen to them because of their beliefs and then hear a song like Bartender.. which i think is a really GREAT song. Dave is blatently begging for forgiveness and salvation in it. Its a very raw and open song, and it really strikes a chored with me.
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I appreciate everyone who has offered their thoughts on this “to listen/not to listen” idea. As for myself, I’m still coming to terms with the ramifications of this new revelation about a favorite band of mine. It’s going to take me some time for me to sort this all out and come to a conclusion I can live with. I hope everyone can understand where I am coming from on this.

Ultimately, I just really love music! I have since my mom introduced me to Elvis when I was very young. I have since the days when I used to write/record my own stuff. And since the days when a bunch of friends and I used to jam in my basement. I love music – playing, writing, listening -and I can appreciate good musicians from all artists. Now all I need to do is find a way I can appreciate music while making sure my conscience is clear.

Thanks again for everyone’s input!

Matt.

Edited August 15, 2005 by matt_in_ohio

[matt_in_ohio]

[quote name='Lil Red' date='Aug 15 2005, 11:52 AM']you know matt, don't just stick to "safe" topics. some may not agree with you, some might. but it's fun to dialogue. we're a phamily, and we argue, but it's important that we talk about stuff we enjoy, stuff that bothers us, etc. don't just take one person's word as Gospel. God bless, Lil Red.
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Lil Red

I really appreciate you post! And I really enjoy having good, healthy, intellectual debates with people. But it would be my luck that I would end up (unknowingly) singing the praises of a pro-choice band on a CATHOLIC discussion forum!!! I think that was a bit more than I bargained for!!!

And just so everyone is clear – I am not trying to make light of any serious issues. I’m on everyone’s side here. I’m only making fun of the luck (or lack there of) that I have. If you really knew me, you would know what I mean…

Matt.

[annabelle87]

[quote name='matt_in_ohio' date='Aug 15 2005, 06:13 PM']I also started attending mass at a university parish. I went to this particular parish because my cousin went there, and she was a student at the university at the time. We actually completed the RCIA program there together, but again - another, longer post for another time. Anyway, given those two major events, I’ve found myself suddenly surrounded by people a decade or more younger than myself.[right][snapback]686033[/snapback][/right]
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Yeah yeah...you know you love it. we keep you young, Matt


[quote name='matt_in_ohio' date='Aug 15 2005, 06:13 PM'] My father thinks that I should just find an “older” parish!
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They might not appreciate your harry potter obsession...

[annie]

Matt-- as an older one here (grad high school in 1981) I think your presence in a 'young' parish is important---remember, it is not always what you get from a group, it is also what you give. There is nothing I like more than a few 80 yr old ladies in our fellowship group. This year we are studying JPII's Theology of the Body. VERY important not to have a 'homogenous' group for that-- we need folks from all decades!

[matt_in_ohio]

[quote name='annabelle87' date='Aug 15 2005, 10:39 PM']Yeah yeah...you know you love it. we keep you young, Matt 

They might not appreciate your harry potter obsession...
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Thank you Anna

You're a very sweet person - regardless of what your sister says about you

Just kidding!!! You should know that your sister has only ever had nice things to say about you. Actually, we really don't get to talk all that much. Usually she's asking me about my mom. Or talking about her horse. But we both agree that you have a beautiful singing voice

Just so you know, I'll be doing the second reading at the 11:00am mass this Sunday (8/21). Most of my family is going to be there. I am very excited about it, but also a little nervous

I think I made Carmen a little nervous as well. I was joking around with her last Sunday, and I said I've been working on what I need to say. "A reading from the second letter of St. Paul to the Romans" I told her!!! I was trying to be funny, but I'm not sure she gets my sense of humor. She laughed, but she also walked away looking very concerned

But really, I am honored to do it. I just hope that all goes well...

Matt.

[matt_in_ohio]

[quote name='annie' date='Aug 15 2005, 10:55 PM']Matt-- as an older one here (grad high school in 1981) I think your presence in a 'young' parish is important---remember, it is not always what you get from a group, it is also what you give.  There is nothing I like more than a few 80 yr old ladies in our fellowship group.  This year we are studying JPII's Theology of the Body.  VERY important not to have a 'homogenous' group for that-- we need folks from all decades!
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Thank you very much for your post! And I agree - I feel that my experiences, both good and bad, give me something to offer to the comunity. Already, in one-on-one conversations I've had with the "kids," be they interns or students, I feel that I have said something or offered a thought which was well received and might have made an impact. I know that God has put me in these situations for a reason - I just hope that I can live up to the plan He has for me

Take care, from a 1992 Graduate...

Matt.

(P.S. - I know there's something else I should be doing - oh, yea, sleep!!! But I've found this forum to be strangely addictive )

[annabelle87]

you'll be fine I promise! It is an honor. Try not to be nervous...look at Jesus before you read (in the stained glass lol).

[Nicole8223]

I've always loved DMB, went to a lot of concerts back in high school, and had like every CD. Over the past few years, I've become less into them because of a few offensive lyrics and cause of the abortion issue. I still appreciate their amazing talent and listen to their stuff sometimes. I definitely wouldn't go to a concert again....everything smelled like pot and alcohol. It was craziness!

Anyway, they are talented...can't take that away from 'em.

Nice posts Matt....glad you're here!
I'm Nicole, 22 from Philly area. God Bless!

[matt_in_ohio]

[quote name='Nicole8223' date='Aug 15 2005, 11:19 PM']I've always loved DMB, went to a lot of concerts back in high school, and had like every CD.  Over the past few years, I've become less into them because of a few offensive lyrics and cause of the abortion issue.  I still appreciate their amazing talent and listen to their stuff sometimes.  I definitely wouldn't go to a concert again....everything smelled like pot and alcohol.  It was craziness! 

Anyway, they are talented...can't take that away from 'em.

Nice posts Matt....glad you're here!
I'm Nicole, 22 from Philly area.  God Bless!
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Thanks Nicole!

You're right on the pot/alcohol at the concerts! I've always been bothered by that, but the past few concerts I've been to I usually go with a good group of friends, and we all camp out together on the lawn. We try to find a good group of people and mingle with them. And the past couple of concerts that we did this at, we didn't have any problems.

I'm still sould searching on the lyrics/issues.

It's really good talking to you...Take care...

Matt.

[matt_in_ohio]

[quote name='annabelle87' date='Aug 15 2005, 11:16 PM']  you'll be fine I promise! It is an honor. Try not to be nervous...look at Jesus before you read (in the stained glass lol).
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I will - and thanks!!!

(must-get-sleep-now ... must-log-off-computer ... must-pull-myself-away ... noooooooooo!!! )