In Theory:

Jeffrey Symynkywicz, a Unitarian Universalist minister in Boston, recently wrote “The Gospel According to Bruce Springsteen.” He says the Boss’ lyrics inspire him. “What he does for me is help me discern my own traditions, my own personal theology and faith — but more deeply.” Which musical artist inspires you, and why?

I honor the Rev. Symynkywicz — he is mirroring a theme I have been presenting for the last eight years. Life follows the rhythm of our soul’s sense of being, and my annual summer series — “A Season for Rhythm and Soul” — explores the lives and music of important musical icons and messengers of the soul.

The first Sunday in August will be a tribute to Melissa Etheridge and Sheryl Crow. Erin Barton, accompanied by the Center Band, will sing the music of these powerful women, and I’ll talk about their dedication to the environment and women’s rights.

The following Sundays I will explore the lives and music of Elvis Presley; Janis Joplin; ABBA; Van Morrison; Bruce Springsteen; Aretha Franklin; Earth, Wind and Fire; and Joe Cocker. These artists left their impressions on the world, and it is my privilege to examine their musical contributions and celebrate the spirit of their lives.

Pastor Jim Turrell

Center for Spiritual Discovery, Costa Mesa

Bob Dylan! Religion has always loomed large in Dylan’s worldview. This was most explicit in his turn to evangelical Christianity in the late 1970s that produced a trilogy of albums and one of my favorite lyrics: “Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord, but you’re gonna have to serve somebody.”

Dylan has consistently channeled American religious idioms through biblical allusion. Among scores of examples: “All Along the Watchtower” essentially paraphrases Isaiah 21:5-9; “The Times They Are A-Changin,’” “Slow Train A-Comin,’” Other words and music are eschatological, about “last things”; and apocalyptic imagery, alluding to the end of world history, fills “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall,” “Desolation Row,” “Angelina” and more.