• 882 replies
    marye
    Joined:
    In one of the other topics, one of the folks seemed not to be so sure of the reception he'd get for saying he was a youth minister at his church. In my experience, Deadheads span the full spectrum from Agnostic to Zoroastrian. I've met atheist Deadheads, Muslim Deadheads, Buddhist Deadheads, Catholic Deadheads, Jewish Deadheads, and Wiccan Deadheads. My Deadhead friends are all over the map on this stuff, and as far as I'm concerned one of the real richnesses of the scene is the ability to see how things look to other folks and, sometimes, experience it from their world. Believe it if you need it, if you don't, just pass it on. But talk about it here, and please maintain a safe respectful place to do so.

Comments

sort by
Recent
Reset
  • marye
    Joined:
    Baby Jesus artwork and image
    on artist Wes Wilson's site: http://www.wes-wilson.com/offthewall.html Always been one of my favorites too.
  • Anonymous (not verified)
    Default Avatar
    Joined:
    May The Baby Jesus...
    Thanks Hal R. I want the bumper-sticker. Might sell it on this tour and put some roses on Chet Helms grave.
  • misngfingr
    Joined:
    Christian Deadhead
    Love Jesus, Love Jerry(I'm alittle miffed @ Bob right now but I'm sure I'll get over it) God Bless the Grateful Dead!
  • free idea
    Joined:
    from the Seattle Times August 9 1995
    from the Seattle Times August 9 1995 Quotes: "You need music. . . . We need magic, and bliss, and power, myth, and celebration and religion in our lives, and music is a good way to encapsulate a lot of it." - Jerry Garcia. A "grateful dead" is a type of traditional British folk ballad in which a human helps a ghost of someone who has died recently find peace. Wednesday, August 9, 1995 By Elizabeth Weise Copyright (c) 1995 Seattle Times Company, All Rights Reserved.
  • littlebri
    Joined:
    It's all the same higher power
    It really is. I believe in the cosmos above before I choose to believe in this "God" fellow. There is no right religion and there is not one God, but I do believe that there is something larger than myself out there... we just need to have faith. I am currently beginning to practice yoga on a daily basis, not just once or twice a week and I have found that through the yoga and meditation practice I become very tuned in and very centered around my place in this world. Lots of these thoughts of religion come in and out of your head, but it all comes down to knowing thyself. Any great spiritual leader will tell you that it is only within you where strength, reason, compassion and love come from. It is by knowing yourself that you allow yourself to find something greater. Now I too am starting to ramble, the point is that we have to accept what happens and move on. Yes the church may have way too much money, but it is with the numers of people that changes occur. You have to be the change that you want to see. I don't believe in killing for love either, but loving for love... all you have to do is practice! sweet dreams everyone as I am off to bed. ~littlebri remember the wise words of Gandhi "There is no way to peace, peace is the way."
  • johnman
    Joined:
    well GOGD, as you said
    in the early part of your post, i'll paraphrase....it's all the same higher power, be it wiccan or christian or islamic.....jewish too........i was raised a catholic and regularly attend catholic mass......i have never been charged admission....all are welcome .......and confession is just what it says...confession....doesn't mean you can sin and get away with it....it's what in your heart....we all sin ...and confess or not in our own fashion. sometimes it's easier to get something off your chest if you know there is someone to talk to that won't condemn you.....what turns me off is the televised evangelists that may or may not be sincere, wanting you to send them your hard earned dollar while wearing a $300 suit and wearing enough gold jewelry to choke a small horse. and yeah.....why must humans kill in the name of their version of "God"?.........buuuuut i talk too much....so i'll stop now.
  • Good ol GD
    Joined:
    Holy shit
    hey all my last post was pretty long, hope you may have take the time to read it would love some feedback. anyway guess I was just going off, started to write and kept going. haha whew. Let it grow!
  • Good ol GD
    Joined:
    aaaaa gotta put in my two cents.
    Ok, "us and them" why are we not WE? fine idea. cultures, hate and religions bring this to us the human population of the the big blue world. All religions mention "love thy brother" but is not practiced on all terms, to kill or to clense in the name of God. this is only predjudice. One belief in God is the same for all no matter how the name of. the name God is universal. Think about it do some research, fascinating stuff. Earthy religions as Wiccan or Druid are still relative because is to believe in a power higher than one's self. To each his own and live and let live are powerful words, but could also be a copout for not giving a shit all together. Are we working towards this as reality. HOPE, We all have some form of predjudice or bias, and you if you don't think so look deep inside yourself, cause if not you are fooling yourself. People die in horrid ways each day over religeous beliefs. Others over territory and money related to geographical location and social status. And as we have seen in the past some use religion as a financial enhancer, scapegoat and justification for whatever. That stuff really gets me The teaching of is not wrong though many will twist it in hateful, false, manipulative and cynic ways. There are many views and practices that I personally don't agree with, But I'm not burning down the house or trying to convert your children after killing the parents or to ethinacally cleanse a country to where societies have lived for thousands of years. but only after searching and learning where and why it is. And not say that it is wrong in anyway and promotes the well being and faith of. As for me I have been Baptised christian in an Episcapol church. cool good for me, had no contol at that time. Do I disagree with the whole thing No. probably need some saving. am no choir boy hehehehehehe. Have been exposed to many religions and beliefs and always had to question things. I will make the following statement and maybe need to educate myself more, but think Catholocism is a very materialistic religion. one of status and hyprocrocy. The more gold and stuff we have we are closer to God, why confess to a miidle man and not to To god himself, Why is the Pope greater than any other man. is his FAITH that much more than the common man. Kiss the ring on your knees. not clicking here. So I can go do anything bad on a fling confess my sins give 20 bucks and I'm in. The catholic church is corrupt and has more money than the mafia. Like the crusifiction of Jesus of Nazareth. What a while later Romans say woops we fucked up, must repent now. Now all must be Roman Catholic to believe in the son of "God" to where as Jews do not aknowledge Jesus. Wow. hey can't stop learning I hope to find answers to my questions. I lived in Italy for 10 years, poulation is 99% catholic. I was married in a Catholic church in Vicenza, Italy with mosaics dating back 2000 yrs. very beautiful church of classic Roman design. acoustics are great. she had her friends play on the sidelines, during ceremony and played at on point, kinda coordinated too, IMAGINE, all acoustic was really touching. Guess could call that our wedding tune. As the Soldier and the Nurse join hands, each has a piece in the futre of life. fantastic stuff. Had to sign a paper, because I was not catholic that my child would be raised catholic before they would allow me to be married there. mmmmm prime example of a us and them. maybe, was fine for me. Me, when I'm there take communion you know the body and blood of christ, and do so in any church that I enter that pratices that, without ever making first communion or attending required classes, because if was denied Would really make a scene as to question the integrity of the priests themselves, I am a child of God no matter the name. The whole confessin thing still kinda boggles me. what if I was to walk into a church enter confessional , and say forgive me father fo I have SIN' first of all he's not my father. ok a representive of God by vows taken???????????????????. Would I be sent away for not bieng catholic or member of the church, gimme 50 and I'll hear you. Ok enough of that, How many of you have ever laid on the ground, looked to the sky and said God can you hear me, gotta a couple things to say, smiled and went on your way?. I feel very lucky to have experienced so much, cultures, religions, countries and people that some of WE may never get the oppurtunity to do. everyday a child is born and an elder is gone, take another by the hand, because everything can't always be taken with a grain of sand. when there is no pebble tossed
  • Hal R
    Joined:
    “May the Baby Jesus Shut Your Mouth And Open Your Mind”
    That is the quote. It came from Chet Helms who gave it to Wes Wilson and was used along with the Indian wearing the top hat and his pipe as the logo for the Family Dog who ran the Avalon Ballroom. If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is, infinite. William Blake
  • Anonymous (not verified)
    Default Avatar
    Joined:
    Correction on "The San Francisco Scene...."
    Cover quote:"The baby Jesus wants you to shut your mouth and open your mind."
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Forums
In one of the other topics, one of the folks seemed not to be so sure of the reception he'd get for saying he was a youth minister at his church. In my experience, Deadheads span the full spectrum from Agnostic to Zoroastrian. I've met atheist Deadheads, Muslim Deadheads, Buddhist Deadheads, Catholic Deadheads, Jewish Deadheads, and Wiccan Deadheads. My Deadhead friends are all over the map on this stuff, and as far as I'm concerned one of the real richnesses of the scene is the ability to see how things look to other folks and, sometimes, experience it from their world. Believe it if you need it, if you don't, just pass it on. But talk about it here, and please maintain a safe respectful place to do so.
user picture

Member for

13 years 8 months
Permalink

Hey, great name there brother-sister.I hope that one of the enduring legacies of Fare Thee Well is that no one has to treat being a Deadhead as a contradiction to any other aspect of their life. When more non-Heads realize how many Head have been living in their midst all these years, they might start to recognize the common traits in them.
user picture

Member for

13 years 8 months
Permalink

The blue moon this weekend makes me look back.: 5 young adults in my extended family went to FTW there with their Deadhead parents (not exactly dragged there). Each came away ready to confess: There is NOTHING like a Grateful Dead concert. The full sensory immersion, plus the overflowing love, peace and harmony shown by everyone there, did much more than would any amount of listening to recordings. But full credit to the band, to continue to experiment and innovate, to improvise new music in front of a massive crowd which did have its skeptics. Morgan40, I read the article you link below. There is unquestionably a message of hope and redemption running through the Dead music, but it would be too much to say that it is only draws on Biblical influences (which I know you did not). In the same way, I would not want anyone to think that my avatar implies I see a unique link between my faith and Dead-ism. That’s not any more true of my stealie than someone who inserts their favorite team logo on the Face.
user picture

Member for

9 years 5 months
Permalink

what`s your religion. Music takes your spirit and gives you wings so you can soar upt to heaven if you want to.I`m very grateful to the spirits that my baby-grandson , born July 31 - two days ago - is healthy and so beautiful........
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

9 years 3 months
Permalink

amen, amen. Thanks for your note, Graceful Dead. I feel very blessed by the Fare Thee Well event. I was fortunate enough to fly into the states and attend the last night. It was a bit sad to say good-bye, but really i feel like the music means as much to us now, and can lead us to shine our love lights into the future. Know our love will not fade away. Hey, btw... did you happen to see the following article??? http://www.patheos.com/blogs/religionnow/2015/07/once-in-a-while-you-ge… Peace be with you and yours, a sister down under
user picture

Member for

17 years
Permalink

Turn around and I'll be there like a road leading home.We are everywhere⚡️
user picture

Member for

17 years
Permalink

Heard Phil yell that after Box of Rain encore 12-18-93 Oakland col. Great show!!
user picture

Member for

16 years
Permalink

I'm In Adelaide. I was lucky enough to see both Santa Clara shows. It was bittersweet saying goodbye to the guys as a group, but we can't say goodbye to the Music. What they started 50 years ago is still evolving, and will continue to as the legitimate genre it has become. Thanks, Guys! See you at Bluesfest, loveandpeace (Sat Tedesci Trucks, Lucas Nelson and Promise of the Real, and Joe Bonnamassa)
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

9 years 3 months
Permalink

I'm in Melbourne. We're an American family with three children, who came here four years ago. I was blessed to attend the last night in Chicago... my original hometown. It was a beautiful night, spent with folks from tour 20+ years ago. I have to admit that i felt both inspired and sad after the shows. The spirit of the shows lingered for weeks and i was completely blown away by how the music and the vibe of a show was just as relevant and important for me now, as it was back then. In fact, it felt like it had just been too, too long. We need that music, and i think you are right... it's so important, that it will evolve and stay alive. anyways... i'll have the check out bluesfest. Any music suggestions are welcome, as i haven't got a clue down here. Peace be with you and yours, jennifer
user picture

Member for

13 years 8 months
Permalink

Three observations about the infectious lilt that is the pace of Grateful Dead music (and that gives Deadheads their characteristic walk while listening to Jehovah's favorite choir). John Mayer said that the pace of Dead music made him notice how different it was from "everything ..processed and quantized and gridded out – to hear 'Tennessee Jed' played with that lope.." And in Kreutzman's recent interviews he stated that one of the main lessons he learned from Garcia about music was to play "a really full four beats. Don't rush to the end of the bar". Finally, learning that the St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds have joined the Giants in planning Grateful Dead nights (thanks for the tip from Holly Hiker), makes me speculate that a steady, measured pace of things might make for more overlap between Dead fans and baseball fans than there is with football fans. I'm runnin', but I take my time.
user picture

Member for

13 years 8 months
Permalink

You know who I mean. For their unrivaled track record of creativity and innovation, continuing even today, in light and sound. For the highest level of musicianship, sustained over many decades. For the breadth and durability of their own songbook. For their lively and invigorating interpretation of the traditional American songbook. And of course the testimony of the fan base, who the word "loyal" does not begin to describe. No other band has ever had anything like that following, neither in their heyday nor continuing so long, long after.
user picture

Member for

13 years 8 months
Permalink

A mighty giant had laid down to join his ancestors. But he fell across the trail in the Pacific rain forest that we were hiking on. The forest service cut the tree to re-open the path, and left the fresh face of the trunk at about eye level, leaning up the hill side where it fell. The outer edge of the bark was a deep rust color, and the color had been seeping down in the month or so since it fell. In successive rings, though, the inner core had brighter and brighter tones, until the central core was virtually white. And centered there was a pattern that resembled a tree in outline, with a great canopy spread above the center point, and a vast root system below. At the well spring of life for that large creature was the very idea of Tree, the Form of what each tree of its kind should be. Though this particular embodiment of that concept was now to begin its very prolonged decay, it is succeeded by many, many others which sprang from the same source. Or maybe I am projecting my feelings about my father in his decline.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

Sounds like compassion ,pouring out of the pores. Very Beautiful, THANK YOU ,GOD BLESS .
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

PEACE ,TOO AWL,KEEP ON TRUCKIN. YEAH, LOV LIFE !
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WAIT,THEY REALLY DO ,EASIER SAID THEN DONE I KNOW ,BEING AS ONE WITH IN IS A GOAL,YOU CAN ALWAYS UP,WERE EVER YOU GET YOUR ENERGY FROM ,BE GRATEFUL!
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

Going thought some hard times ,same as everybody else ,just looking around,man its a different world,been sleepin,lol lol ,wake up tomarrow ,[spellings bad]lol.PEACE.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

English!LOL
user picture

Member for

13 years 8 months
Permalink

I do hope that what sounded like a very good night for you did not turn in to a bad day come morning.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

All is Good,All is Well,opened up a couple more doors, Thanks for Asking, Hows things on your end?
user picture

Member for

13 years 8 months
Permalink

Thanks for asking, 1973. My Dad died two weeks ago; myself and my siblings were at his side, trying to comfort his passage. We can always wish that the inevitable will be put off a little longer, but his very long, very fruitful life had finally run its course. All of his 15 young adult grandchildren participated in his funeral (and two great-grandchildren delighted the very large crowd that gathered). One grandson did him proud, and moved everyone in attendance, by reading a passage from Saul of Tarsus: "Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you." What more could you want?
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

13 years 8 months
Permalink

Very sorry for your loss.....it is never easy.....it sounds like your dads memory was honored and will continue to be.
user picture

Member for

9 years 4 months
Permalink

I'm sorry. May God's peace be with you and your family. What God did in Saul's life, renaming him Paul, is amazing. HE can change us all one person at a time.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

Im truly sorry for your loss,Saul to Paul,WoW, Strenth,Love,God Bless...
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

Prayers With You ...
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to All!!!
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

Thank You !!!
user picture

Member for

13 years 8 months
Permalink

It is my impression that a high percentage of Dead Heads are 5-for-5 on the beliefs that William James lists in his 1902 book "The Varieties of Religious Experience: A Study in Human Nature" as the "characteristics of religious life": 1. That the visible world is part of a more spiritual universe from which it draws its chief significance; 2. That union or harmonious relation with that higher universe is our true end; 3. That prayer or inner communion with the spirit thereof—be that spirit 'God' or 'law'—is a process wherein work is really done, and spiritual energy flows in and produces effects, psychological or material, within the phenomenal world. 4. A new zest which adds itself like a gift to life, and takes the form either of lyrical enchantment or of appeal to earnestness and heroism. 5. An assurance of safety and a temper of peace, and, in relation to others, a preponderance of loving affections.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

13 years 8 months
Permalink

Tom you hit the nail on the head, those words ring true here. glad that you are enjoying your new musical stash.... please pay it forward...