This is the first in a two-part series exploring the vital role that music plays in building both intercultural community and cross-cultural connection. More than simply a pretty add-on to a worship service, music is a language of the heart itself, expressing all the struggle and triumph of simply moving through life, the complexities and beauty of being in relationship with One we can know only by faith. Universal yet highly specific to cultures, linked so deeply to our memories and emotions - how can we create a respectful space in our diverse communities where we can learn each other's rhythms, sing each other's songs, and together build our own diverse musical repertoire?
Both of these episodes feature an in-depth conversation with the Scottish hymn-writer and global music pioneer John Bell (you can find much of his music at wildgoose.scot). This first episode looks at concepts and contexts, and so leads us into our next podcast, looking at the specifics of the music itself.