In the Christian tradition Pentecost is not a polite occasion. It was full of fire, wind, confusion, and a diversity of linguistic utterance. It was a divine mess. And all of this led to healing and transformation. We need more mess like this.
I compose music because I must give expression to my feelings, just as I talk because I must give utterance to my thoughts.
There is a tendency in the West to absolutize our religion. Instead of viewing it as a road sign that points beyond itself, we consider it a stop sign. It becomes the destination, the end. When that happens it becomes confused with the Ultimate Reality that is always...