An Australian sociologist conducted a study on the relationship between religious people and music
A recent study found differences in musical taste between religious and non-religious people, as well as between those deeply religious and those less committed to religion.
Sociologist Haydn Aarons , who conducted the research, published the article on the Australian website The Conversation . In it, he says that “more theologically conservative Christian groups tend to shy away from popular forms of music. In fact, Christians and religious people more committed to the Church prefer genres such as classical music and opera. Of regular churchgoers, 43% attend classical music and opera concerts. Of those who have never attended, only 29% do so.”
According to Aarons, committed Christians and churchgoers tend to avoid “rock, heavy metal, and alternative rock.” This perhaps suggests they have a “moral aversion based on the perceived incitement of sex and violence in the lyrical content. Classical music is less explicit on these themes and has become central to some Christian liturgies.”
But while metal fans are generally seen as violent, lonely, maladjusted, and addicted, the study points out that “there are dangers in mixing morality and music. Jazz, rock, heavy metal, and blues have commonly been demonized (literally as 'devil's music') for inciting particular passions. These genres were eventually appropriated by religious groups. But my research suggests that discomfort remains in the secular landscape.”
The complete study can be read, in English, here .
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