That Sound You Hear Is the Apocalypse

The 2006 documentary Apparition of the Eternal Church, which will be screened Thursday at the L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center, asks nonreligious musicians such as the Scissor Sisters' Ana Matronic how they are affected by a super Christian and well-regarded organ composer.

"What does this passionately Christian music sound like to those of us who are not Christian?" wondered director Paul Festa in his book based on the documentary.

The music itself, from famed composer Olivier Messiaen, is often described as apocalyptic and isn't the easiest thing in the world for some to hear, often noted for chords stacked on top of chords.

On the following pages, see the expressions of some of the 31 participants as they heard his music for the first time.