From the other side of the fence- because I like gospel songs (actually I like most songs, gospel or not, that are actually saying something) I suspect that most of the music friends who come to my song circles think that I'm far more traditionally religious than I am. I used to say pre or post a gospel song that even though I may not subscribe to the theology of a particular song, I think it's important to sing it 'straight', ie, respectfully.

I no longer bother with prefacing a song, so when the group hears me sing about 'Jesus' or 'heaven' or 'hell' or 'saviour', they may easily take it at face value.

I'm thinking at the moment of songs like You Never Mentioned Him to Me and Jesus, Saviour, Pilot Me and I'm Building a Mansion and others of that ilk. All songs I like.

It doesn't bother me. The friends that I know more intimately know my views on countless subjects, just as I know theirs.

It follows that when I sing a love song or an adultery lament or a murder ballad, I give it the same intensity. And I ain't currently doing any of those things. :)