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Welcome All Wonders: A Composer's Journey
As a sought-after composer in the television and motion pictures industry, J. A. C. Redford seemed to have it professional achievement, artistic fulfillment, and the love of his wife and children. Yet something was a spiritual need that was no longer being met by the Mormon teachings he had been taught as a child.
Welcome All Wonders is at once a revealing look at one of the most powerful religions in America, the fascinating story of Redford's development as a composer, and the inspiring testimony of how God used music and art to speak to one man's heart and change him forever. His compelling spiritual journey will inspire you to have a richer appreciation of your Christian faith.
Welcome All Wonders is at once a revealing look at one of the most powerful religions in America, the fascinating story of Redford's development as a composer, and the inspiring testimony of how God used music and art to speak to one man's heart and change him forever. His compelling spiritual journey will inspire you to have a richer appreciation of your Christian faith.
341 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 12, 2009
This book is a warm and gentle explanation of composer J.A.C. Redford's struggle and falling away from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints due to imperfection in leaders, the rigidity of dogma and hierarchy, and the ambiguity inherent in every search for truth. I am a Mormon and believe profoundly in prophets and continuing revelation from God.
Welcome all Wonders agitates me and leaves me feeling sorrowful, not only for the departure of J.A.C. but for the compelling arguments he clearly presents (I've only read a few chapters, but it's clear to me where he's going). This is nothing like The Godmakers or other laughable works intended to slam the church, but a probing and persuasive complaint that will intrigue those with open hearts, depth, and honesty.
I read an old conference address by Boyd K. Packer in which he describes the perfecting process of the church. I interpret his statement that the process continues today to mean that the church is not perfect--even its hierarchical structure and its dogma change. There is very little that will not change, and I'm thankful for that understanding because some things don't make sense to me no matter how honestly and openly I try to fit them into my understanding. I can tell myself, "All in good time." I also know that my understanding is very limited, and in time I hope that, too, will be perfected.
One of J.A.C.'s major issues is found in the doctrine that our personal worthiness sets our reward in eternity, and taken out of context, that is truly offensive. In this mortal existence we are conditioned to see everything from that viewpoint. Serving others because it will eventually reward us is base and vulgar when compared to the love with which Jesus Christ succors us. Moses taught the Jews that keeping the law gave them favor with God, so many believed the law was what would save them. The performances were given to remind them of the Savior's Atonement and to keep the weakest from straying after other gods who could not do anything for them. I'm profoundly grateful I do not have to keep the Law of Moses, but sometimes even the laws of performances I am expected to keep now can seem like emphasizing the letter rather than the Spirit.
Some question why a marriage certificate should be required for legitimizing marital relations. That's a good question, but it has an answer. Keeping the law simply cannot be left out of the doctrine, because accountability is an immutable law. And why the emphasis on rules and rewards? We suffer from a general lack of depth and a propensity to invent laws convenient to us personally without regard for truth (see what's been proposed or passed lately in your state and country). Dogma is meant to keep order where we are weak, and it sometimes overshadows the deepest truths because of our weaknesses.
At a pivotal moment in life I realized that there's only one reward that's worth sacrificing everything for, and that is God's love. The truth is that we already have it given to us freely if we will receive it--and therein lies the difficulty. You can only receive it when you open your heart in humility and faith. Perfect humility is a willingness to do whatever God requires of us, and how can anybody expect to be able to live with God forever without perfect humility?
But it is the here and now that counts, and the here and now prepares us for anything we will do in the future. The here and now is directly connected to commitments we make, which is often connected to dogma. I need saving everyday, not just in the end. And that's what I've found as I have dug, pondered, and prayed through the years. I have been "saved" numerous times, and I expect to continue to be saved because otherwise I'm not going to make it through this life without some terrible scars. The gospel of Jesus Christ is about saving people, and all of us should do our best to help each other, because that's the way we learn to love, and ultimately find true happiness.
J.A.C. is also bothered by the rigid structure and hierarchy within the church. This can be very frustrating, especially when leaders unfortunately say things that mislead people. God expects us to think for ourselves no matter what anybody else tells us. Although I believe the prophet won't lead me astray, some leaders might. And maybe even worse, they might frighten me away! Here again is a tremendous need for humility and faith. Every person has a right to a personal relationship with God, and sometimes the things I hear in church drive me to my knees to receive comfort and reassurance that God really does love me and all of us. The hierarchy of the church holds it together in a world whipped about by every wind of doctrine, but it can also break or strengthen individuals as they learn to deal with their own and their leaders' personal pride and imperfect understanding.
One hope that I cling to was rekindled in the story of J.A.C.'s mother and grandmother singing together a song, "Homing": "All things come home at eventide, like birds that weary of their roaming." Yes, we are sent away from our heavenly home with clear knowledge that we will all roam from the path during our earthly journey. We will roam from the truth we find when somehow it cannot satisfy us. And I do hope that all who roam but sincerely seek will by eventide come home. I hope this for my children who seek, for J.A.C. and all those who wonder and wander, and even for myself because I still wonder and wander.
Welcome all Wonders agitates me and leaves me feeling sorrowful, not only for the departure of J.A.C. but for the compelling arguments he clearly presents (I've only read a few chapters, but it's clear to me where he's going). This is nothing like The Godmakers or other laughable works intended to slam the church, but a probing and persuasive complaint that will intrigue those with open hearts, depth, and honesty.
I read an old conference address by Boyd K. Packer in which he describes the perfecting process of the church. I interpret his statement that the process continues today to mean that the church is not perfect--even its hierarchical structure and its dogma change. There is very little that will not change, and I'm thankful for that understanding because some things don't make sense to me no matter how honestly and openly I try to fit them into my understanding. I can tell myself, "All in good time." I also know that my understanding is very limited, and in time I hope that, too, will be perfected.
One of J.A.C.'s major issues is found in the doctrine that our personal worthiness sets our reward in eternity, and taken out of context, that is truly offensive. In this mortal existence we are conditioned to see everything from that viewpoint. Serving others because it will eventually reward us is base and vulgar when compared to the love with which Jesus Christ succors us. Moses taught the Jews that keeping the law gave them favor with God, so many believed the law was what would save them. The performances were given to remind them of the Savior's Atonement and to keep the weakest from straying after other gods who could not do anything for them. I'm profoundly grateful I do not have to keep the Law of Moses, but sometimes even the laws of performances I am expected to keep now can seem like emphasizing the letter rather than the Spirit.
Some question why a marriage certificate should be required for legitimizing marital relations. That's a good question, but it has an answer. Keeping the law simply cannot be left out of the doctrine, because accountability is an immutable law. And why the emphasis on rules and rewards? We suffer from a general lack of depth and a propensity to invent laws convenient to us personally without regard for truth (see what's been proposed or passed lately in your state and country). Dogma is meant to keep order where we are weak, and it sometimes overshadows the deepest truths because of our weaknesses.
At a pivotal moment in life I realized that there's only one reward that's worth sacrificing everything for, and that is God's love. The truth is that we already have it given to us freely if we will receive it--and therein lies the difficulty. You can only receive it when you open your heart in humility and faith. Perfect humility is a willingness to do whatever God requires of us, and how can anybody expect to be able to live with God forever without perfect humility?
But it is the here and now that counts, and the here and now prepares us for anything we will do in the future. The here and now is directly connected to commitments we make, which is often connected to dogma. I need saving everyday, not just in the end. And that's what I've found as I have dug, pondered, and prayed through the years. I have been "saved" numerous times, and I expect to continue to be saved because otherwise I'm not going to make it through this life without some terrible scars. The gospel of Jesus Christ is about saving people, and all of us should do our best to help each other, because that's the way we learn to love, and ultimately find true happiness.
J.A.C. is also bothered by the rigid structure and hierarchy within the church. This can be very frustrating, especially when leaders unfortunately say things that mislead people. God expects us to think for ourselves no matter what anybody else tells us. Although I believe the prophet won't lead me astray, some leaders might. And maybe even worse, they might frighten me away! Here again is a tremendous need for humility and faith. Every person has a right to a personal relationship with God, and sometimes the things I hear in church drive me to my knees to receive comfort and reassurance that God really does love me and all of us. The hierarchy of the church holds it together in a world whipped about by every wind of doctrine, but it can also break or strengthen individuals as they learn to deal with their own and their leaders' personal pride and imperfect understanding.
One hope that I cling to was rekindled in the story of J.A.C.'s mother and grandmother singing together a song, "Homing": "All things come home at eventide, like birds that weary of their roaming." Yes, we are sent away from our heavenly home with clear knowledge that we will all roam from the path during our earthly journey. We will roam from the truth we find when somehow it cannot satisfy us. And I do hope that all who roam but sincerely seek will by eventide come home. I hope this for my children who seek, for J.A.C. and all those who wonder and wander, and even for myself because I still wonder and wander.
September 7, 2018
A moving account of one man's journey in his search for truth. A worthy read.
July 30, 2018
It's a fine apologetic for departing the LDS church in favor of conventional evangelical Christianity, and that's clearly his main purpose for writing. The story of his personal conversion and progression is insightful in some spots and cliché-laden to the point of distraction in others, having myself been plugged in to some of the 1990s Christian-culture currents this book was written to swim in. I had hoped for more insights on his musical development, having purchased this book after singing Redford's "Welcome All Wonders" cantata this fall, but that's not what this is about.
Overall, Redford seems a genuine, decent person, and that's nice, but maybe this just wasn't the read for 2017 me that it would have been for someone questioning childhood LDS faith or seeking reassurance in 1997-style evangelical faith and practice.
Overall, Redford seems a genuine, decent person, and that's nice, but maybe this just wasn't the read for 2017 me that it would have been for someone questioning childhood LDS faith or seeking reassurance in 1997-style evangelical faith and practice.
February 27, 2009
So far it's been a well written autobiography, relating the composer's musical, personal, and faith journey.
July 21, 2009
Great story of a man converted to Christ form mormonism. He is very intelligent concerning music because he is a composer. He wrote several pieces for well known films.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews