Atheists, agnostics - would you take a church gig?

AlphaMale · #1 01-02-2008, 01:20 PM

Just wondering would you guys ever take a job at a church to play, what if it were just to play for fun, would you do either?

Basically, would you play at a church for pay?
would you play at a church for fun?
Should one disclose their atheism? It wouldn't be right to lie about your beliefs but should one keep them private unless asked, or should one simply say they're private.

i_got_a_mohawk · #2 01-02-2008, 01:23 PM

I wouldnt play in a church band. I just think it would be disrespectful to other peoples beliefs

bongomania · #3 01-02-2008, 01:26 PM

I'll play for or with anybody that isn't actively preaching anything hateful. If they started in preaching about X or Y kind of person being "evil" or to be judged/punished/shunned by the churchgoers, I would finish the gig and then tell them I would not be coming back.

I would let the individual case determine whether I would tell my reason for not returning.

lokolp · #4 01-02-2008, 01:27 PM

I wouldn't play in a church band. I just think it would be disrespectful to my beliefs

AlphaMale · #5 01-02-2008, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by i_got_a_mohawk

I wouldnt play in a church band. I just think it would be disrespectful to other peoples beliefs

Hm.. I don't see how that could be disrespectful, if a baptist played for a pentecostal band would that be disrespectful because they have different beliefs? I don't see it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

I'll play for or with anybody that isn't actively preaching anything hateful. If they started in preaching about X or Y kind of person being "evil" or to be judged/punished/shunned by the churchgoers, I would finish the gig and then tell them I would not be coming back.

I would let the individual case determine whether I would tell my reason for not returning.

Hm.. Great policy.

McHack · #6 01-02-2008, 01:28 PM

I'd consider it... If they knew me, & I knew them, & we're all ok w/ each other..... why not? But, the way most churches grub after money, I'd be surprized if any church had "Pay Gigs".

If you play a Metal song, which discusses satanic topics.... is THAT offensive to someone?

Besides, there is a certain comradery that goes on in churches, which you just dont get as an Athiest because there IS no church for us. Just because a person is an Athiest, it doesnt mean you dont care for a group of people.

**Eric Perry** · #7 01-02-2008, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McHack

...But, the way most churches grub after money, I'd be surprized if any church had "Pay Gigs"...

I was thinking this, but didn't want to say it.

AlphaMale · #8 01-02-2008, 01:34 PM

Should one disclose their atheism? It wouldn't be right to lie about your beliefs but should one keep them private unless asked, or should one simply say they're private.

Flintlock · #9 01-02-2008, 01:34 PM

Of course!

Music is about entertainment, I wouldn't mind playing a religious song for someone else even if I dont believe in the religion. Its not like I'm pretending I do believe, I'm just helping other people worship.

Anyway, someone has to play the bass

Jazz Ad · #10 01-02-2008, 01:34 PM

I wouldn't mind at all as long as they don't mind my atheism.

AlphaMale · #11 01-02-2008, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flintlock

Of course!

Music is about entertainment, I wouldn't mind playing a religious song for someone else even if I dont believe in the religion. Its not like I'm pretending I do believe, I'm just helping other people worship.

Anyway, someone has to play the bass

Great point!

agreatheight · #12 01-02-2008, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by i_got_a_mohawk

I wouldnt play in a church band. I just think it would be disrespectful to other peoples beliefs.

+1.

AlphaMale · #13 01-02-2008, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agreatheight

+1.

No! -1, he didn't even explain it. That post is very easily interpreted as someone who is simply intolerant of other's beliefs, especially since he did not explain his reasoning.

scotch · #14 01-02-2008, 01:42 PM

Why not? A paying gig is a paying gig. Of course, if you feel uncomfortable doing the gig or just being there, then don't. I doubt, that when the church water heater breaks, that anyone questions the beliefs of the plumber! I also doubt if the plumber cares what kind of a church he is working in. Work is work.

Yeah, I know I'm comparing apples to oranges.... but the logic is the same.

At one point in my life (long, long, ago...) I was working (getting compensated financially) at 3 different churches every week. There was occasional upright work at a Catholic service, playing bass in a "contemporary" Non-Denominational service, and arranging & directing at a Baptist church. All 3 employers were aware of each other & had no problem with it. Plus, they were aware of my playing in bars, clubs, etc.... Of course, I quickly got sick of church, but that sorta' figures.

morf · #15 01-02-2008, 01:44 PM

I'd play but I'd be straightforward, saying that 1) I'm not interested in being converted and I'd like that respected and 2) I will be respectful of their beliefs and it's obvious that by being a member of a church band I'll play the part.

Dave Muscato · #16 01-02-2008, 01:46 PM

There are certainly paid gigs at churches. You think churches that cost $1.5m and sit on $300k of land and send missions to Africa and South America etc are broke? I'm not saying churches are wasteful, not at all... just that people donate money to churches because they serve a purpose. Music (for services) is part of that purpose, and it has value. Unless you have pro-level (playing & schedule availability) musos willing to donate their time, what are your other options? Bad musicianship that can pull people right out of the worship mindset or distract them from getting there in the first place? Lack of music at services?

I think it is best that church musicians be members of the church they serve - it helps people get into the moment as far as worship, and there is a higher level (no pun intended) of worship that can take place when the musicians "feel" it, too. But, if it is a paid gig, churches are barred by law from discriminating because of religion in their hiring decisions, from what I understand (in the USA, at least).

quadebass17 · #17 01-02-2008, 01:48 PM

i respect your decisions as far as beliefs and ways.

I used to do so.

i AM NOT perfect, nor do i believe i am.

and no, i'm not a pastor,etc.

i'm a youth minister type, i play in the church band and i have a side-project of a christian band.

BUT. i do enjoy screamo. i mosh. i sing and scream. Music is my choice,and most respect that.

**barebones** · #18 01-02-2008, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlphaMale

Just wondering would you guys ever take a job at a church to play, what if it were just to play for fun, would you do either?

Basically, would you play at a church for pay?
would you play at a church for fun?
Should one disclose their atheism? It wouldn't be right to lie about your beliefs but should one keep them private unless asked, or should one simply say they're private.

Nigel Tufnel voiceover

"Well, I don't know - wh-wh-... what're the hours?"

Ha-ha!

No. Seriously. How early would I have to get up?

Matt

scotch · #19 01-02-2008, 01:56 PM

It looks like this thread is on the fast track to delete-ville.

It's too bad, as the original post was a valid question that many could benefit from.

Curtybob · #20 01-02-2008, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by morf

I'd play but I'd be straightforward, saying that 1) I'm not interested in being converted and I'd like that respected and 2) I will be respectful of their beliefs and it's obvious that by being a member of a church band I'll play the part.

I agree with this for the most part (maybe wholly, but hard to tell what you mean by "play the part"). I wouldn't want people to think I'm playing under any false pretenses. I believe everyone at the church should have the right to know that I am not a spiritual member of the church. If they decide that my playing doesn't fit the bill because of my lack of conforming to their belief system, at least I sleep at night knowing that I didn't lie to them.

I'd do it, but only because I think that belief in something is great so long as it produces desirable results. I mean, if someone believes in a goat god, but is a generally better person for it... I'll play at the goat god church. It's all about helping other people to be better people, and in turn, being better yourself. That is something that doesn't have to be tied to any religion.