Interesting for such a creative to be so dismissive of anything other than scientific method.

I agree. It is interesting.

Does every motif you use in your compositions come as an idea which is then scientifically tested?

Sometimes.

Have you not ever had an experience of a creative moment which is over and above the rational, logical and scientific?

Yes.

Don’t you ever feel a certain ‘magic’ from great music or other art?

I have a problem with the word ‘magic’, especially seeing as what we’re talking about here is religion. ‘Magic’ are tricks and illusions that make us think something has happened when it in fact hasn’t. Part of what makes magic work is ignoring what you know to be true so that the illusion may be maintained. That’s what this flowchart is about. History has a lot of stories about people dying and killing each other over issues of ‘magic’. Death and misery over nothing, an illusion. But to answer your question, I sometimes feel that way. Most times good art just makes me think and feel differently from what I normally do. I don’t call that ‘magic’.

If so, is that really so different from the ‘faith’ in something over and above yourself that you dismiss so easily?

No, not really. I guess unlike most people with religious faith, I don’t feel the need for a middle man (priest) or church type structure to come to terms with whatever that is. I try to be the best person I can and make some sound along the way. It seems like reasonable way to respond to ideas of a higher purpose. I don’t feel the need to convert or convince anyone regarding this. I don’t see people who live otherwise as ‘lost’.

I don’t think you’re as cynical as you make out…

I’m never cynical when I’m making out.

That kind of rationalist crap is death for the arts.

Art is already dead. It’s a lie that points to the truth. And since when is science not an art?

Just my two cents worth…

Have some change Jordan. Buy yourself some time to question your beliefs. It’s a healthy thing to question what you believe against what you know.

richie