Sound & Spirituality

Our Christian life—like that of virtually every other faith—is saturated with sound. Bells call us to worship, we sing our praises to God, and we are moved by beautiful anthems with accompaniment by organ, piano, and other instruments. We clap our appreciation; utter aloud prayers and liturgy; and listen to sermons, teachers, and the scripture being read. We hear these sounds with our ears and reflect on them with brains; but the sound itself also has an effect upon who we are and what and how we believe. Scientists study the actual physical effects of differing sound waves on matter, and mystics have long acknowledged the impact of sound, including the sound of silence, on the open-hearted.

Join the Spiritual Life Committee this year as we explore the science and spiritual dimensions of sound in both our own tradition and that of other faiths. Our study begins on Sun., Oct. 29, following Sanctuary worship, as we are joined by Dr. Elaine Abbott, director of the Music Therapy department at Duquesne University, as she demonstrates the healing effect of music. A light lunch will be served.