Historically I think we owe a lot to religion for a great amount of various styles of music. We also 'owe' religion a fair amount for the wars that have lead to a great many great songs. But not all...

I remember years ago some Archbishop or other stating that Atheists could not be true altruists. I thought it then and I still think it now. Hogwash! It seems some think that Atheists could not make great songs. Again: Hogwash!

Whether your life is under, what I will call, 'positive religious control', or not, will not make you a great singer or lyricist. Ultimately what is in your heart and head will be what influences what you do and so anything that follows comes from your life experience, not just spirituality or absence from it.

I had ti resist putting "surely" on the end of that last sentence asit is not my wish to call anyone Shirley! ;-)

Religious or not... none of it can take place without YOU! Never forget the part you play in that and outcomes of anything. Believing in God or not... there is good and bad in everyone.

In honesty I actually thing the altruistic atheist has a kind of upper hand. They are not looking to do anything for some higher reward after death. But that is an entirely different thread and I do know not all believers actually look for reward that way.

With the fullest respect to all who believe in God. When did God ever issue an edict for us to have ONLY a relationship with him without a relationship with each other? When I listen to a singer it matters not what religion, colour, creed, sexuality or gender they are. If I enjoy them I enjoy them

mp