We tsk, tsked and shook our heads as churches sold out to development companies that converted them into condos. Now the battle of secular versus sacred has added a new twist.
The United Palace Theater in Washington Heights. The former movie palace at Broadway at 175th Street — currently home of the Reverend Ike’s Christ Community United Church — will start hosting rock shows next week, when Bloc Party becomes the first band to play the way-uptown venue. And Modest Mouse, Björk, and Iggy and the Stooges are booked there in the next few months.
Source: New York Magazine [NyMag]
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Alex
April 25, 2007
Thank You
rev ike
March 24, 2007
This is Reverend “”I love money and money loves me” Ike’s church.
Anon
March 23, 2007
#2 Pls Give me a break. Are you really so naive? All religions have throughout history operated at times as greedy (not to mention bloodthirsty) enterprises.
A quick glance over the history of the Catholic Church in Latin America is a good example. Where it operated basically as another power broker in a colonial complex so brutal that the region is still reeling from it’s effects hundreds of years later.
Justin
March 23, 2007
Let’s not kid ourselves that churches have throughout history had to reconcile their beliefs with money and obviously secular culture… this is no different.
Where you’ve taken your argument (porn in the pulpit does not equal a musician singing about love and politics, etc. on a stage on a saturday night) seems extreme. Riverside Church has concerts… it doesn’t appear that their beliefs or mission have been compromised at all, in fact it could help bring a larger community of people together, of all beliefs and backgrounds in an environment of true respect and love for people, humanity and the culture it produces.
But I can respect your opinion of course…
Lucifer
March 23, 2007
When asked if she believes in God, Bjork replied: “I do not believe in religion, but if I had to choose one, it would be Buddhism.” (Les Inrockuptibles No. 14, June 16, 1995).
Way to go Church! And of course no one, not a single soul at the Rock concerts will be smoking weed and or passing around X. That never happens at these shows.
Can I be next? Siince drugs will be freely flowing in the church, I’d like to shoot a porno with the pulpit as the set. You’ve made it abundantly clear money reigns supreme over being congruent with your teachings, what’s it going to cost me?
Justin
March 23, 2007
I think this is great… the old theaters in ny are coming back to their former life as magnets for activity, culture, and commerce. It’s nice to see churches being innovative and open about methods of stewardship for the community & city. Also, for other ‘blipsters’ out there, bjork will also be playing at the apollo theater in may.