The Role of the Church in Sanctioning Music Concerts and Holiday Celebrations

The Role of the Church in Sanctioning Music Concerts and Holiday Celebrations

The Church, as an institution deeply rooted in tradition and spirituality, holds a significant role and responsibility in our society. One of its roles is to sanction music concerts and regulate holiday celebrations. So in this article, I will delve into the reasons and logic behind this role, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the Church's guidance in our lives.

The Church's Mandate

First and foremost, it is essential to recognize that the Church has both the right and the mandate to sanction music concerts. This dual responsibility stems from its historical significance as a moral and spiritual compass in our lives. The Church's role is not merely ceremonial; it extends to shaping our values and guiding our actions.

Abune Abreham's Perspective

Abune Abreham's viewpoint on this matter is rooted in a deep understanding of the current state of our country. In times when peace and harmony are elusive, inviting Hollywood artists and embracing new year celebrations might not be the most appropriate course of action. Even in times of peace, the Church's role is to comment on such holiday celebrations, as it deems them sinful.

Ownership of the Holiday Calendar

Another critical aspect to consider is the ownership of the holiday calendar. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) is the custodian of this calendar, known as "qemer." As such, it holds the responsibility to guide its followers and children on how to celebrate the various festivities it encompasses. This ownership is not just symbolic; it represents a duty to uphold the sanctity of these days.

Theological Perspective

From a theological perspective, it is essential to remember that "Music" is often considered a sin within the Orthodox Christian faith. Additionally, Meskerem 2 (E.C.)holds significance as a memorial day for Saint John the Baptist, who was martyred for the sake of opposing music and sin. This historical context highlights the Church's stance against certain forms of entertainment. Respect for Tradition For those who identify as Orthodox Christians or hold religious beliefs, it is crucial to respect and accept the Church's teachings. The Church's words are not to be judged or questioned lightly, as they are deeply rooted in tradition and spirituality. This respect is not merely a matter of choice; it is a duty.

In conclusion, the Church's role in sanctioning music concerts and regulating holiday celebrations is a vital part of our society. It is based on a rich tradition, moral values, and spiritual guidance. Whether one chooses to accept or question these teachings, it is crucial to do so with respect and understanding, recognizing the Church's unique position in our lives. In times of uncertainty and division, the Church's role remains steadfast, providing guidance and moral direction for its followers. And for those who wish to sing the song "Calm Down", Please Calm Down.

Dr Mekuye Aliye

Consultant Pediatrician at WUNEMMCS Hospital

1y

Orthodox church never condemn music

Henok Dargie, PMP®

M.Sc. | Lead Project Engineer |Contract Administrator |Transport Planner

1y

Interesting!!!

Dawit Kifle

Nigus comics and cartoons

1y

✊✊✊

Besufekade Mulu

Nerd, writer, filmmaker? and strategist

1y

Interesting take. I get that the Church has every right to preach and influence church goers not to attend or endorse events, brands and personalities that go against their values but Ethiopia is a secular state. The church has 0 mandate on dictating secular activities. It's a religious institutions. In a secular state, freedom of speech and expression are protected, at least to my knowledge, so long as it isn't hate speech. I mean you don't have the right to not-be-offended. That would be, for a lack of a better term, ridiculous. The right to offend is where free speech is protected. People shouldn't offend anyone, ideally but if you take away these rights, it almost always is a slippery slope that leads to a place where the state or other institutions can control what you say or cannot say. Also, St John wasn't martyred for opposing music. He saw King Herod's divorce and subsequent marriage to Herodias as immoral and spoke out against it and Herodias demanded that he be put to death. There are more layers to this of course, Jewish sources state that he was also executed because Herod feared a Jewish rebellion. This can be found in the writings of Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews. Apologies for the long comment! :)

Thanks so much for reflecting on the voice of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido religion regarding the planned New Year's Eve Concert, Thomas! May God bless you amply and strengthen you! We need many people like you!

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