Jewishness and carol-singing

[PrettyCandles]

I'm Jewish and I sing in a choir. AFAIK there are no other Jews in the choir. We are going to hold a carol concert.

I wouldn't sing at a carol service, but this is a concert, so to my mind it is not a religious service. As far as I am concerned, I don't particularly care about the words I am singing, they're not offensive to anybody, it's just an opportunity for sharing the pleasure of music.

Would this attitude be offensive to Christians?

Not the faintest bit offensive to me! I would guess that, even if you are the only Jewish person in the choir, many of the others won't be particularly believing Christians either, and will be singing the words in the same spirit as you are. Which is totally fine - and those listening may have Christian beliefs (in which case the words have a meaning in their hearts) or may be listening in the same way as you are singing, just because it sounds nice and is "Christmassy". No harm or offense whatever in singing Christmas carols without any specific belief in them.

Wouldn't bother me one little bit (am v v lapsed Catholic) - would be like saying you can't sing Handel's Messiah unless you're Christian - can't see anyone checking the faith credentials of, say, the ENO, before they're allowed to sing.

Enjoy yourself!

it wouldn't offend me.

You're not singing in order to get people to believe; just because you don't believe that story doesn't mean you can't sing about it.

We believe in the same God, you just don't believe Jesus is his son.

I can't see why any Christian would be offended that you're singing something you don't believe in - it's the listener's ears that are important.

Nor me, I'm fine with it.

Thanks, I thought that would probably be the case. Just worried - in case any other choir members asked - whether saying " I don't particularly care about the words I am singing" would be wrong.

Well, I wouldn't necessarily put it in those words. Maybe something like "as I'm not a Christian, then the words aren't going to mean as much to me as someone who IS a Christian".

I have no problem with it at all, either.