Exploring the Interplay Between Religious Music, Emotions, and Ethics in Cultures Worldwide

Abstract

There is no doubt that music significantly impacts people in their daily lives, emotionally and spiritually. This study explores the impact of religious music on people’s well-being, emotions, and ethical values. The paper provides evidence supporting the positive effects of religious music on mental well-being, reducing psychological distress, and enhancing life satisfaction. The literature review showed that within musical and religious activities, individuals have positive associations between certain aspects of musical and religious experiences and specific domains of happiness, such as sociability, satisfaction with life, and well-being that were not seen in correlation with happiness to membership of religion. It also analyzes the role of music in reinforcing morals and ethical standards within religious worship by influencing pro-social behavior and ethical decision-making. Listeners are attracted to the immersive world of religious music in reaction to the songs' symbolic suggestions, which forces them to reflect on moral quandaries and solidify their ethical views. Religious music serves as a tool to encourage a more robust emotional engagement, resulting in a more loyal following for religious groups. Case studies on Bapedi music and Gregorian chants are also reviewed and further support how religious music strengthens spiritual connections, fosters shared values, and contributes to cultural identity within religious communities. In conclusion, religious music profoundly influences an individual’s quality of life, emotions, and moral convictions and, therefore, has an enduring effect on shaping a religious experience for people.