"Bruce Springsteen's run for home" Critical reflections on his musical.

[guillaumeb]

From the article:

Bruce Springsteen’s one-man show on Broadway, which recently ended its run at the Walter Kerr Theatre and is now available on Netflix, doesn’t depend much on suspense...

What will catch even many Springsteen fans off guard, including me as I sat in the balcony at the Walter Kerr Theatre last year, is the setup to this finale. Before he launches into his signature song, the Boss leads his Broadway congregation in the Lord’s Prayer — a reminder that he continues to be formed by his Catholic upbringing in the working-class precincts of Freehold, N.J....

Over the years, Springsteen has become the darling of progressive politicians. He campaigned for John Kerry in 2004, Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012, and (briefly) for Hillary Clinton in 2016. But when he tells his story on Broadway, he transports us back to a day when progressive ideals and the relentless quest for the American dream were not separated from tradition, roots, place, a longing for home, and Christian faith.

To read more:

https://religionnews.com/2019/01/09/bruce-springsteens-run-for-home/

We are all formed by our roots, and our past.

Sometimes, we reject what we were taught, sometimes we reject and return to what we were taught. Sometimes, we never leave. And we all "learn" different things even when we are taught roughly the same things.

[cilla4progress]

1. I've been downloading old albums from the 60s-70s

into my music app. These are albums lost in a wildfire that took our home and possessions in 1994.

CSNY/Deja Vu; Elton John/Madman Across the Water; numerous Van Morrison albums, etc.

I am STRUCK by the many references to Jesus, from the Bible, to religion (Christianity). I never noticed it at the time. I don't find them preachy. They are quite profane (secular).

I find this musical thread fascinating, and so interesting to read your comment about Springsteen as well. Touching. Even to me as a humanist pagan.

[guillaumeb]

2. Well said, humanist pagan.

My comment about Springsteen is intended to also be a general comment. For me as a Christian, my reading of the Bible evolved as I continued my education.

And as I wrote in a previous post, religion is an inescapable part of our social fabric.

A question, if you feel like responding:

What is your particular view on being a humanist pagan? I ask because I know 2 people, both very progressive, who define themselves in that way.

[cilla4progress]

3. The Bible is a compelling book of stories,

on a par with Aesop's fables, Roman and Greek mythological pantheon, Shakespeare. It prevailed due to timing and technology of the day.

Jesus is Gandhi and MLK.

Religion is an anthropological storyline born of tribalism and fear.

[guillaumeb]

4. What social construct is not based on tribalism?

Tribalism uses fear as one way of ensuring social cohesion.

[cilla4progress]

6. Yes, of course,

tribalism is birthed by fear.

[guillaumeb]

8. But tribalism is a survival mechanism.

Based partly on fear of the other.

So is it hard wired into humans? Even if we embrace multiculturalism, and tolerance for difference, the tribal instinct, if instinct it is, is very strong.

And shared belief systems build a cohesive social unit.

[cilla4progress]

12. Maybe we have our tribes mixed up

Define tribalism.

Is it to secure survival of our DNA? Or is it about beliefs and values?

[guillaumeb]

13. Thank you for suggesting the answer.

The tribe itself takes many forms. But humans, being social animals, need the tribe for survival.

The family unit is the basic form, followed by extended family units, and growing in size from there.

So I would argue that the biological value is, as you implied, is survival.

But for any social unit to be cohesive, there must also be shared beliefs and values.

[msongs]

5. cultural brainwashing manifests itself in many ways nt

[guillaumeb]

7. For all of us.

But some of us seem convinced that they are immune from it.

[MineralMan]

9. And others long ago recognized it and moved away from it.

After analyzing and dissecting cultural imprinting, it is quite possible to leave it behind and find unique paths through life. It's not easy, and requires plenty of thought and reason, but the rewards are many.

You should try it, perhaps. It involves recognizing that what you think you know is incorrect and searching for what is correct. Eliminate your blind spots and generalizations and find what is real, rather than rely on what is imaginary.

Just a suggestion, Guy. Just a suggestion.

[guillaumeb]

10. Or thought that they did.

Or replaced it with other beliefs, unaware that cognitive bias affects everyone.

And it assumes that you, or anyone, knows all of the own blind spots and can actually move passed them.

Just a suggestion, MM.

[MineralMan]

11. That's the trick, isn't it?

Recognizing truth and fiction and getting on with living. I assume nothing. I require evidence for things. I accept nothing on faith alone.

[Act_of_Reparation]

14. About how many times a week do you find yourself reflecting on your biases, Billy?

No worries. I'm sure it's like, a lot, and stuff.

[MineralMan]

15. I believe his reflection is directed outward, rather than inward.

Sort of a mote in others' eyes sort of thing. It's a popular hobby with some - examining others for flaws, while ignoring the deep cracks in their own psyches.

It all comes from "knowing" you're right and that others are wrong. When you "know" that, you needn't worry about your own shortcomings and misapprehensions, I guess.

[guillaumeb]

16. Do you ever do so?

Or have you evolved past them?

[Act_of_Reparation]

17. Obviously not.

I'm just another lemming chanting up the choir, right? Certainly no paragon like yourself.

[guillaumeb]

18. Lemmings have a choir?

I had no idea.