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Yes, I'm wary of a career in music performance being a viable option economically, particularly within the conservative Anabaptist community for which performance art is pretty far down the list of things they would shell out money for. There may be other reasons to be wary also, which others have ...

No, I wouldn't disagree with that. But, unless I've been misreading you, I've gotten the impression that you are still wary of more Anabaptists pursuing a career in music, particularly in performance. I still don't understand why; maybe I'm missing something. I get the economic concern, at least pa...

That's an interesting argument. I believe God obviously created music and that as such it enhances human existence in many wonderful ways, some of which we may not understand. Whether it is actually true that it improves human well-being "more than the average," that I am not sure of. I w...

Yes. Notice that I specifically said music in terms of products and services that you pay for . There is a huge amount of free recorded music available. And singing, singing and playing with others, and listening to others play and sing is often free. I'm talking specifically music that people pay ...

Music, in terms of products or services that you pay for, is without question a luxury. It's one of those things that is first to go when you are short on money. Really? There are many who love music, myself included, who prioritize having it as part of their lives even when the budget is tight. If...

I think the introduction of Maslow's hierarchy was a red herring. How so? Was anyone arguing that the arts should be enjoyed before basic care needs are met? I think the debate was surrounding whether certain occupations/pursuit are inherently more worthwhile than others. Maslow's hierarchy does no...

I understood Matt to be saying that no such hiarchy exists. And perhaps going further to propose that meeting the soulish needs of mankind is higher in his estimation, than meeting mankinds physical needs. Spiritual needs being met are the third element. These separations are what he says that he i...

There does exist a correct hierarchy of values in work. A person with an empty belly will sell all the art he has to fill it. And the homeless person freezing to death in the dark and cold will go inside, instead of enjoying a most exquisitely performed outdoor winter nightime symphony. As much as ...

That's nice. Plain Anabaptists are not such a culture, and have decided that we don't do things like clap in church services. I do not understand the relentless push from some to try to turn plain Anabaptists into not-plain-Anabaptists. Aren't there plenty of other church groups to go be a part of ...

Ernie wrote: ↑Fri Aug 21, 2026 10:47 am
In general, I think humans are diminished if they give their lives to feeding hedonism and luxury.

Agreed. And just to make sure we're on the same page, you're not implying that performing arts are in this category?