Don't like some of the songs in my choir...

[SuperBrunetteCutie4Ever]

I'm singing in my High School choir and since I've become non-religious aka an atheist I've been really annoyed by the songs that refer to God being amazing or about Heaven since I think it's bullsh*t
I've been thinking about refusing to sing the sings that talk about that but I'm not sure if it would just cause unnecessary trouble for my classmates since they DO believe in God and I'm the only feeling this way (from what I know) also most people assume I believe in God from my purity ring which I got when I was still a Christian and now I keep it out of habit more than anything else. Anyways I'm rambling right now so I'll get to my question lol Do you think it would be worth it to tell my choir teacher that I don't want to sing any songs that refer to God or Heaven or should I just suck it up and “take one for the team“?
Btw I wouldn't make other people stop singing the songs because they sound great singing them and I know we have all practiced for a while on them. I just want to be able to not sing it with them because I get really uncomfortable singing about God and Heaven

[ReluctantPegasister]

When I asked my choir teacher to drop the religious songs from our repertoire, I was told (nicely) to suck it up and sing. I think it just depends on where you live and who your choir teacher is.

[OMFG!You'reActuallySmart!]

It'd be ridiculous for the entire choir to change because of just one person, however, it's more reasonable if just one person changes. By change I mean doesn't sing but you could lip-sing some of the songs if you wanted just so you don't look out of place when there's an audience. If the majority of the songs make you uncomfortable, then perhaps you should cut your losses and leave the choir.

[jenpiglet17]

I was in 3 different choirs in High School & in a Barbershop choir currently. 2 of the High School choirs were elite, traveling 9 hours guest singing in Lincoln Center, NY multiple times, and barbershop, we go to States every year. 2-3 songs in the HS repertoire, out of 5-8 would be religious. And one of them, a gospel. (think baptist church meets 4 to sometimes 8 part section splits.) Choir is something you do because you love to sing, not necessarily what you sing. (But it most definitely helps when the audience and your peers can see people who are into it & creates a wonderful atmosphere with the beauty of singing). My best friend is the "hardcore" athiest, yet choir is his niche, and LOVES it, and wouldn't miss one practice. He sang in 3 choirs as well, AND took on a Choral Arts society during and after High School. He sang them because of his love for singing and the way he feels singing, being part of a group, and making something beautiful & sharing it with everyone. The songs don't personify your love of singing, it's how you sing it. Singing in a choir helps build up your repertoire, understanding of different musical pieces, helps you find your strength singing with other people, and if you really think about it, helps sight singing, solfege if your choir does that, rhythms, pitch, etc. Singing is a passion, and one to be shared if you're comfortable. If you don't like the choir, by all means leave. If you don't like what they sing, maybe you could find another group or start your own. Do what you do because you love it. It will show if you put your passion for singing into it. Everyone's different, do what feels right for you. Hope this helps...

[Megan1]

Well I'm not athiest, I'm Chistian...but maybe this will help you think about the singing thing anyways....

If you truly don't believe in God, it's just fantasy to you, just like fairies, unicorns, etc. So why is it weird? Lots of songs are fantasy.

I'm just asking this with honest curiosity, I could be wrong...but is it possible that you are blocking God out because you are angry at/about Him, and want to not believe in Him? Just wondering, because if you truly don't believe it's real, I don't quite understand why it would offend you.

Just something to think about.

[SuperBrunetteCutie4Ever]

Well I feel uncomfortable because when I have to sing something like Don't Laugh at Me when it says "in God's eyes we're all the same. Some day we'll all have perfect wings" I just get a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach and all I can think is "this isn't what I believe so why am I singing it?"

[ReluctantPegasister]

Originally Posted by SuperBrunetteCutie4Ever

Well I feel uncomfortable because when I have to sing something like Don't Laugh at Me when it says "in God's eyes we're all the same. Some day we'll all have perfect wings" I just get a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach and all I can think is "this isn't what I believe so why am I singing it?"

Yep, I agree you there.

Even the singing the Hallelujah Chorus would make my stomach churn:

The kingdom of this world
Is become the kingdom of our Lord,

except he's not my Lord, nor is it his world.

Or this little gem:

Herod the King, in his raging,
Charged he hath this day;
His men of might, in his own sight,
All children young, to slay.

We sang that one at Christmas concerts. Disgusting.

I eventually dropped choir.