• 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
  • alligator
    Default Avatar
    Joined:
    do/think
    Yup I have to agree richard. "those who don't care for their needy have denied the faith..." paraphrase of verses in timothy I think. Although how we think/believe will determin how we act.pax.
  • richard
    Joined:
    Saying vs Doing
    Hackster,I agree that what we do carries more weight than what we say or think. James 1:19-27
  • hackster
    Joined:
    "I think"
    ...people who believe in Christ, and "think" that their way is OK- Matt. 7:21-23
  • KJ7XJ
    Joined:
    Baptist
    The whole Baptist thing went down when I was elementry age so I cant remember much more than getting up,singing, sitting down, etc... They got into it (dancin) more than us Methodists... lol.. BTW...I did get stoned in the parking lot...of the shows that is...hehe...
  • johnnyg
    Joined:
    I keep it simple
    Baptized a Christian, and I believe in the holy trinity, however:Church is just as boring now as a 40 year old as it was as a 14 year old. So I found that my soul and spirit received energy through my Other experiences. From The Warfield Theatre to Three Rivers Stadium and all points in between....that was church for me. I live my life in the most basics of principles....an honest and soulful life where kindness dominates and tolerance is a continual process. As Garcia said, "Uncluttered", if you will. “The Omnipotent Grateful Dead!”
  • Jodester
    Joined:
    Alright!!
    Are you kind? Some great stuff there! Stoned me to my soul! Yep, I agree with Richard on that point, well, that whole post really! The thing is, religions ARE man made. As are political parties. There not so different really. Sure, maybe there are religions around that mean well but I believe most are out to confuse the people in an effort to gain power and wealth. That is the way of the world, like it or not. You see it in any kind of organization. Not many people who have really examined a political parties manifesto would claim they agree 100% with every policy. I'm sure it's the same with religion. Why bother going through other mortals (which can't be possible)? Connect with God directly! Who needs an intermediary? I think a lot of folks just like the company they get from a crowd and like someone to just tell them what to believe. People don't want to make an effort, it's the way it is these days, everything is pre-packaged!
  • richard
    Joined:
    Dancing in a Baptist Church?
    Obviously NOT Southern Baptist. They would have stoned you in the parking lot. heehee
  • KJ7XJ
    Joined:
    Religion is....
    Here is a "snip-it" of a article I wrote and read for my congragation. God and Gratitude I have always been a musical person. The earliest time I can remember that this was part of my life was right after the Beatles broke up. I had an older Sears or Montgomery Wards record player and my dad owned copies of Abbey Road and The White Album. I played them until they had scratches on them. When you’re 5 years old record care is right up there with making your bed and cleaning your room. My parents, seeing that I was hooked on Lennon/McCartney, gave me my first guitar around this time. I learned how to play most of The Beatles repertoire and moved onto listening to the radio for more stuff to soak up. I remember realizing that there was a spiritual side of music early on. I was adopted as a baby, and grew up in a home that was filled with artistic opportunities. My mom was raised in the Jewish faith, and her side of the family did all the holidays, and we attended many. My best friend from 3rd grade on was also of the Jewish faith, and I was allowed to go to temple with him on many occasions. So before I was 10, I had the chance to dance and sing under Gods roof. I couldn’t understand Hebrew, but dancing and singing was alright with me. I also had friends in school who were Baptist. I can vividly remember getting up, singing and dancing at church with them. This time I could understand the words too. My dad and his side of the family was protestant, but there was tension between my folks in this area, and I was never really sure which path was for me…. As it goes, I hit the teens and the troubled youth stage. God’s grace would have to wait. I kept playing guitar during these times…. however now that I look back, it kept me out of some serious trouble. As one decade ended and another began, I found The Grateful Dead. (or they found me) This was my first experience of “church” in some ways….it was through the people I met at the concerts (and the lyrics) that I found acceptance and the freedom to be whoever I was. There was something deeply spiritual about this for me, and I think there always will be. I was free to be me….apart from my family, apart from expectations….in this community I was able to figure who I was as an individual. Music brought us together across different backgrounds and life experiences….music unified us all. Life is filled with ironies, and my life is no exception to this….after working for AT & T for many years and being transferred from state to state, I happened to move to Oregon. During this time, something strange happened. I met a woman who was a United Methodist Minister….what a trip! As things unfolded, we began a relationship and things continued to become interesting in a way I never imagined. At first, I was curious about church, but mainly on the sidelines. I attended church events when necessary, but wasn’t into participating on a regular basis. I believed in God, but I wasn’t sure how all that worked out when it came to “religion”. It goes on into some other personal tidbits, but in all I have been married to Denise for 7 years, we have 2 wonderful children, and I look forward to playing guitar on sundays for all..... Eric PS I would love Hunter write something about this....lol...
  • richard
    Joined:
    God and Religion
    I think a lot of people confuse God with religion. Or, to put it another way, they look to religion to define God. I know I did for a long time. I was unwilling to believe in God until I could find a religion that I thought adequately defined God. I never found one.I now think I know why. God did not invent religion, as we know it. Man did. When I stopped trying to tell God who he ought to be and asked him to show me who he IS, he did. I believe the word Christian comes closest to describing my beliefs about who God is. But I have lots of debates/discussions with my christian friends about what that means. As for religion, the apostle James said "The only religion that is true and pleasing to God is to care for orphans and widows (in other words, people who really need our help) and to keep ourselves from being polluted by this world." Now that is a religion I can get with. Peace, Richard
  • alligator
    Default Avatar
    Joined:
    Transcendence.
    I am a Christian and a deadhead. For me the beauty of the Grateful Dead at it's best is that it points away from itself to something transcendent, just like seeing a sunset or forest or the night sky. Just like recieving a letter from someone you love, the paper and the ink are not the end in themselves but it's the person, the mind behind the letter the love in the relationship that really counts. For me when I hear songs like Dark Star and the way Jerry plays guitar, it points to the goodness of the creator. Love to Y'all p.s great forum topic.
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 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 9 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 9 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 6 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 4 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 1 month
Permalink

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

Member for

17 years 1 month
Permalink

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

Member for

16 years 2 months
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 4 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 9 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 9 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 9 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 5 months
Permalink

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

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

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

Member for

17 years 5 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 5 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 5 months
Permalink

English!LOL
user picture

Member for

13 years 9 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 5 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 9 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 9 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 6 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 5 months
Permalink

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

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

Prayers With You ...
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

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

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

Thank You !!!
user picture

Member for

13 years 9 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 9 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...