Atheist playing in a Christian band?

[LarkinLondon]

I use to be a fundamentalist Christian and now I'm an atheist.
I was playing in a music store a while back, and a guy my age came up to me and told me I was awesome and said his band was looking for a permanent bass player. I told him I was just filling in for a friends band atm and would be interested to hear there stuff.
I looked at there old recordings and I liked them; and he invited me to come hear them live to see if I liked there new stuff.
Well, me and my buddy showed up to hear them; and the first band playing was a local churches worship band. And me and my buddy just stared at each other because it was totally unexpected. Ends up, it was a small Christian event. And surely enough, when the band got up; the last song they played was a worship song.
I REALLY liked the music though; there songs weren't overtly Christian; just like super pop without sex as the main topic. I went up after the show and asked the guy who I've been in contact with if I had to be a Christian to be in the band. And of course, that was super awkward, lol. But he said that they were more like Christian guys in a band; like they take there Faith seriously but they're not holier then thou. He said the tour they were going on was mainly churches and Christian events. Once again, totally unexpected to me until today.
Since it's not a worship band, I don't feel it's bad in any way for me to be in the band. Little side note, in college I studied to be a worship pastor, lol. You know, it's our job to entertain in a pleasing manner to Christians (and whoever else is there), not to lead them to Jesus threw music.
I wondered if this was common for an Atheist to play with a band of Christians on a mainly Christian tour? Has anyone had a band like that? How did it work out?
The first thing he asked me after I asked him if I had to be Christian was if I drank or smoked pot. I laughed and said I don't, because I don't. So, lifestyle wise were kind of on the same ground. Clean cut kids not doing anything overtly harmful or stupid.
I wondered if some of you had been in this position on either side of the fence, does it work out well? Or could there be a lot of tension because of it?
I'm not really worried about it; I just wanted to get this off my chest and make sure I wasn't about to make a big mistake.
He said he would have to talk to the other guys, so they're thinking threw this too. I just wanted some advice or opinions of an educated manor. Conjecture won't help me here even though it's welcome.

[CindyB]

As long as you're honest with them and they're ok with it, I don't see a problem. Christians get all the bad press for hypocrisy, but they don't own it!! Don't you be a hypocrite!! If you're not a believer, don't pretend to be one. Be aware however, depending on their beliefs, they may feel compelled to witness to you and that may create some uncomfortable situations. Mutual respect may be difficult to find. If you can deal with that, and you like the music, go for it.

[Jim Campbell]

Originally Posted by LarkinLondon

I use to be a fundamentalist Christian and now I'm an atheist.
I was playing in a music store a while back, and a guy my age came up to me and told me I was awesome and said his band was looking for a permanent bass player. I told him I was just filling in for a friends band atm and would be interested to hear there stuff.
I looked at there old recordings and I liked them; and he invited me to come hear them live to see if I liked there new stuff.
Well, me and my buddy showed up to hear them; and the first band playing was a local churches worship band. And me and my buddy just stared at each other because it was totally unexpected. Ends up, it was a small Christian event. And surely enough, when the band got up; the last song they played was a worship song.
I REALLY liked the music though; there songs weren't overtly Christian; just like super pop without sex as the main topic. I went up after the show and asked the guy who I've been in contact with if I had to be a Christian to be in the band. And of course, that was super awkward, lol. But he said that they were more like Christian guys in a band; like they take there Faith seriously but they're not holier then thou. He said the tour they were going on was mainly churches and Christian events. Once again, totally unexpected to me until today.
Since it's not a worship band, I don't feel it's bad in any way for me to be in the band. Little side note, in college I studied to be a worship pastor, lol. You know, it's our job to entertain in a pleasing manner to Christians (and whoever else is there), not to lead them to Jesus threw music.
I wondered if this was common for an Atheist to play with a band of Christians on a mainly Christian tour? Has anyone had a band like that? How did it work out?
The first thing he asked me after I asked him if I had to be Christian was if I drank or smoked pot. I laughed and said I don't, because I don't. So, lifestyle wise were kind of on the same ground. Clean cut kids not doing anything overtly harmful or stupid.
I wondered if some of you had been in this position on either side of the fence, does it work out well? Or could there be a lot of tension because of it?
I'm not really worried about it; I just wanted to get this off my chest and make sure I wasn't about to make a big mistake.
He said he would have to talk to the other guys, so they're thinking threw this too. I just wanted some advice or opinions of an educated manor. Conjecture won't help me here even though it's welcome.

my stock answer is that "religion is a very personal matter with me",and i discuss it no further.....play in the band,and feel free to cop my stock answer,and focus on the music....

[salcott]

"Im just the bass player".

[Eater_of_Birds]

the musics is more important imo, if you're the same and the tunes are good give it a go. im an atheist but i wouldnt say no to faith music. cant imagine id be into it much but if i was id definately consider it anyway. if you're worried about someone asking and dont want to get into it just say that your faith is BASS ^ ^ you seem on common ground so i dont think much bad can come of it, maybe just some fun music.

[big90sbasshorns]

Go for it! Playing music in itself is a gift and being able to play it live and connect with others is almost like a religious experience, no?

It sounds like you all know where you stand and you enjoyed the music, as long as everyone is respectful of eachother it could be a great time and lead to friendship and interesting conversation with people who have a different worldview than yourself.

[faulknersj]

My band consists of born again evangelicals, prosperity gospel worshippers, socialists, agnostics, atheists, mormons, catholics,democrats, republicans, green party members, tea party advocates, apathetics,Sarah Palin lovers, Sara Palin haters, Obama lovers, Obama haters, and everything in between. We are all open and accepting of each others diverse points of view and that is why it somehow works. We all have the ability to bust on each other in good fun. The key is, be yourself. If they accept you for who you are, and u accept them, it should work well. Otherwise....probably not gonna work out in the end.

[peledog]

That is indeed rare faulknersj.

And to the OP, do what your heart tells you and be honest with yourself and your band mates. If anything goes 'wrong' (I hope it doesn't) - you can feel good that you were upfront and on point. No hiding or being fake.

[BFISHER1970]

Pray about it ;-)

[NateS]

Originally Posted by salcott

"Im just the bass player".

+1

[bassplayer8953]

Originally Posted by salcott

"Im just the bass player".

"JUST" the bass player???

[Rudyboy98]

Originally Posted by LarkinLondon

I use to be a fundamentalist Christian and now I'm an atheist.
Little side note, in college I studied to be a worship pastor, lol. You know, it's our job to entertain in a pleasing manner to Christians (and whoever else is there), not to lead them to Jesus threw music.

Hey Larkin:

I am a Christian, and I have been both a worship leader, minister, and a plain old musician in several bands and worship teams.

Can you elaborate on the first part of your quote? As a Christian musician and as a leader, I have never felt that it was my job to entertain people at all. I don't know anyone that has not changed his or her mind about it, if they at first started out this way.

Originally Posted by LarkinLondon

I wondered if this was common for an Atheist to play with a band of Christians on a mainly Christian tour? Has anyone had a band like that? How did it work out?

I doubt this is common at all. It just happens to be the situation that you are in.

I am not criticizing you here, but not knowing you or your background I am wondering what the concern on your part is.

If the band is willing to accept you (which is absolutely fine to me, in my opinion) then that's all that matters. Of course-as Cindy pointed out: You may be subject to being approached about your beliefs and evangelized-if you haven't been already.

I fully understand that hypocrisy has found its way and even permeated every culture, nation, political party, corporation, and churches. Although, as a mature adult with imperfections (just like anybody else) I strive to be the best man I can be. IMO, it is my responsibility to be a real witness and live as a Christian to the fullest. Others may be unwilling to do the same, but as a musician and a worshipper-it IS my duty to draw everyone around me towards friendship and togetherness-Christian or not.

I respect your opinions and in no way do I mean any disrespect, but perhaps your original approach (when you were a Christian) was skewed or distorted in some way? Whatever made you change your mind about Christianity is one thing, but I hope that perhaps playing in this particular Christian band may change your perception that not all Christians are hypocrites, if that was your experience before.

Best regards,

R...

[peekypoo]

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS BEING AN ATHEIST, STUCK IN A FOXHOLE FIGHTING FOR YOUR LIFE...

[seanm]

I would be more worried about the people you will meet while on tour. While the band may be very open, it could get awkward at some of the venues.

[iridiumrocks]

Originally Posted by CindyB

As long as you're honest with them and they're ok with it, I don't see a problem. Christians get all the bad press for hypocrisy, but they don't own it!! Don't you be a hypocrite!! If you're not a believer, don't pretend to be one. Be aware however, depending on their beliefs, they may feel compelled to witness to you and that may create some uncomfortable situations. Mutual respect may be difficult to find. If you can deal with that, and you like the music, go for it.

I totally agree. As long as both sides are honest with each other and are OK with the differing religious views, enjoy the music and have a great time. Nothing causes more conflict than religion and politics, so we tend to not discuss either in my band

[elocke2009]

Ask anyone who has been in a successful band and they will tell you that the focus of the band needs to be set on the same goal. As a Christian band, they're goal is likely to evangelize their area/country or continent, how could your goal mesh with this?

[LarkinLondon]

Originally Posted by Rudyboy98

Hey Larkin:

I am a Christian, and I have been both a worship leader, minister, and a plain old musician in several bands and worship teams.

Can you elaborate on the first part of your quote? As a Christian musician and as a leader, I have never felt that it was my job to entertain people at all. I don't know anyone that has not changed his or her mind about it, if they at first started out this way.




I doubt this is common at all. It just happens to be the situation that you are in.

I am not criticizing you here, but not knowing you or your background I am wondering what the concern on your part is.

If the band is willing to accept you (which is absolutely fine to me, in my opinion) then that's all that matters. Of course-as Cindy pointed out: You may be subject to being approached about your beliefs and evangelized-if you haven't been already.

I fully understand that hypocrisy has found its way and even permeated every culture, nation, political party, corporation, and churches. Although, as a mature adult with imperfections (just like anybody else) I strive to be the best man I can be. IMO, it is my responsibility to be a real witness and live as a Christian to the fullest. Others may be unwilling to do the same, but as a musician and a worshipper-it IS my duty to draw everyone around me towards friendship and togetherness-Christian or not.

I respect your opinions and in no way do I mean any disrespect, but perhaps your original approach (when you were a Christian) was skewed or distorted in some way? Whatever made you change your mind about Christianity is one thing, but I hope that perhaps playing in this particular Christian band may change your perception that not all Christians are hypocrites, if that was your experience before.

Best regards,

R...

There's a difference between being Christians in a band, and a Christian band. For a year I was part of my churches youth group, and we played a lot. There WAS a distinct difference from when we played a youth rally event and when we led worship. Leading worship is an entirely different calling then playing in a band; I would not feel right leading a worship service as an Atheist. But playing at a festival isn't the same as leading worship at all; it's Christian entertainment as apposed to a service through music. And while some bands in that position use is to witness, it's no different then a day laborer talking about Jesus at lunch with his co-workers.
If you disagree with my view, you can call it skewed and I wont take offense, but this is a view I cultivated threw the trade; as a strong Christian in a band and as a Leader of Worship. Not just an educated guess or conjecture.
I'm not sure if you meant my view on the band thing was skewed or just my view on Christianity as a whole; and I don't take offense to either. Not to get too philosophical, lol, but everyone has there own views on Christianity; each sect considers the other skewed to some extent, and that's why they have 1,000s of sects. But if you're asking about maybe I became an atheist as a result of having a skewed Christian belief, it would really come down to your interpretation of my beliefs and understanding; My judgment is that I understood very well what I believed and why I believed--And it was through trying to become to best Christian I could be that I became an Atheist. And I don't mean that as a stab at Christianity.

Thanks for all the quick replies guys; I guess it will just come down to mutual respect. I'll try and get back to everyone if I join the band and how it works out.
Thanks again!

[gjbassist]

So you are kind of like Adam Clayton then? When the rest of U2 was getting heavily into Christianity, Adam wanted nothing to do with it and nearly quit over it. I guess he figured out how to make it work despite their religious differences. You can too.

[Elrend]

Are they paying you?

If they do it shouldn't matter at all to you.

[LarkinLondon]

Originally Posted by elocke2009

Ask anyone who has been in a successful band and they will tell you that the focus of the band needs to be set on the same goal. As a Christian band, they're goal is likely to evangelize their area/country or continent, how could your goal mesh with this?

That is a really good point; I imagine this is one thing they're running threw in there minds as well.
But, for instance, if I was in a completely secular band and one member was a strong Christian who felt it necessary to witness wherever we go; I don't think that would be a conflict of interest.
I'm an atheist, but I don't find it morally reprehensible to spread religion. So as long as we're not standing in each others way on one issue, we can share the experience of playing music together?