O! Holy Night...One Christmas in the 1960s

[MineralMan]

Good song for both baritone and tenors. One year, after completing a total immersion 9 months USAF Russian language school, I was home on leave between assignments. The choir director at my old church learned that I was in town and since it was close to Christmas, he asked if I would sing something at the service.

I agreed, for old time's sake, although I was no longer a church-goer. I suggested that I do O! Holy Night, in a bilingual version. The original language is French,which I also spoke. He said, "sure."

Then, I thought, why not translate the lyrics into Russian, and do it in all three? So, I did a good, poetic translation into Russian. A rehearsal with the organist went smoothly.

So, that Sunday I returned to my old church, where I had sung many times before, and sang the three-language version of that popular Christmas son. I was in my USAF dress uniform.

To my surprise, a couple of church members came up after the service and vehemently attacked me verbally for singing the Russian lyrics. This was in December, 1966. I was dumbfounded. I couldn't even respond to them.

Later, I realized that they were so brainwashed about the Soviet Union that it completely walked over the fact that I had sung a purely Christian Christmas song in a different language. It had nothing to do with political theories.

That was the last time I ever set foot in that church. Ignorance, prejudice, and hypocrisy was the order of the day there.

[dhol82]

1. But it's interesting that now the right are brainwashed to love anything Russian.

Fascinating.

[MineralMan]

2. Yes, isn't it?

[Delarage]

3. Wingnuts now love Russia

And their dictator. Generally speaking though, the Russian people have probably always been pretty OK. It's always the moneyed evil greedheads that fuck everything up for everyone. So the language isn't the issue---it's the country's fucking epic corruption and evil leaders. Now our country has a puppet for their evil leader, so here we are

But I love O Holy Night---saw Chris Allen in Wilmington DE last year (same tour as below). One of my favorite Christmas songs...often brings a tear to my eye.

[Major Nikon]

4. For some, hate comes naturally

Even back in the day when people hated the USSR, I could never understand why many also hated the people of Russia and everything else about it.

[MineralMan]

5. I think it's because most people don't think beyond

their emotional reactions to things. Those church members heard the word Russian, and just reacted, but didn't think. They didn't think about those Russians who were trying to preserve their own religious beliefs in the face of many obstacles. They didn't think about the Russian Orthodox church just 50 miles north of that small town, with a congregation of immigrants who fled to the US after the October Revolution.

They just plain didn't think much at all. Sadly, I was not quick enough to respond to their anger with information.

[guillaumeb]

6. Define anecdotal evidence.

Forget it, you just did.

Now, build an argument on it. Or, read the post in religion about the Chinese atheists who run the Chinese Government cracking down on Christmas.

Or not.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/1218301935

[MineralMan]

7. Evidence for what?

I recounted a story from my life. What does that story mean? Decide for yourself.

[guillaumeb]

8. Did you read the link?

Interesting how some links get no respect.

[MineralMan]

9. I read that earlier.

What does it have to do with me singing a song at a church and having my choice of language criticized? The church wasn't in China. Did you even read my post? Non sequitur. Are you sure you posted in the right thread?

[guillaumeb]

10. Intersting how the rulers of CHina behave so typically as despots everywhere.

All that intolerance and repression of those who believe differently.

[MineralMan]

11. Oh, dear...

Now I'm starting to worry about you, Guy. You're making very little sense in this thread. This thread is not about that. Its about some people not liking me singing a Christmas song in Russian. I was never in danger. Just befuddled at their ignorance.

[guillaumeb]

12. And avoiding commenting on the indefensible

when it undercuts your constant litany.

I understand. You prefer to paint with one color and others of us paint with many colors.

[MineralMan]

13. Maybe go to bed, Guy. You're not making sense.

[guillaumeb]

14. You have no idea how often I have the same reaction

when reading your own sermons.