Not Secular: Interrogating the Sacred-Secular Binary through Gospel-Pop Performance

Secularisation theory proposed that the modernisation of society would bring about a decline in religiosity across West, leading to ‘entzauberung’ (disenchantment). Eventually, be devoid belief transcendent. Some theorists have challenged this by suggesting (with some qualifying factors) enchantment better describes secular age we occupy. Charles Taylor suggests can perceive through human relationship with art. In article, I suggest that, when present popular music, black gospel music (in particular) complicates notions sacred-secular binary. The distinction was not familiar West Africans arriving New World during transatlantic slave trade. Music had played central role lives pre-diaspora Africans, no differentiation between sacred and musicking. Despite historical opposition many black-majority churches, owes its heritage African worldview. propose four-quadrant model troubles accepted binaries secular. use Kingdom Choir’s 2018 performance ‘Stand Me’ at Royal Wedding Duke Duchess Sussex as basis for discussing alternative ways viewing holy-profane, dichotomies.