Last week, the band Haste The Day issued a statement on their website announcing that they have asked their guitarist Jason Barnes to leave the band.
They write on their MySpace blog:
"For a while Jason has been searching and searching for real meaning in his existence. After several months of reading literature and talking with friends, Jason had determined that he felt there was no God and certainly no Jesus. We as a band do not have problem with those that do not believe in Jesus, nor do we cast judgement on those that do not believe in Jesus ... We would call ourselves a Christian band and for that reason, we felt we couldn't have someone in the band who didn't agree with the band's foundational drive."
Before you all go leaving comments about judgemental Christians and how unloving that decision was, consider the fact that this is a band that shares a message about Jesus and God, and hopes to use the message to bring others to the same beliefs.
In short: CHRISTIAN BAND.
In other words: It makes sense that the members of this Christian band would need to be Christians. That's not always true with all Christian bands. But this is the way that Haste The Day operates, and I for one don't have a problem with the decision.
I'm guessing Jason understands; I would imagine that a guy who doesn't believe in God or Jesus would get tired quickly of singing about how great God and Jesus are. (I've been trying for a few days to confirm the story with their publicist and to see if Jason had a statement, but everyone's tied up touring and with festivals. I'll keep you posted, because I think Jason needs to share his thoughts as well.)
The band explains that they love Jason, that the decision came with much prayer and discussion, and that it didn't happen overnight.
If nothing else, the announcement confirms for me that indeed, some Christian bands take that label seriously and that they're committed to their calling, even when it means making tough decisions. I hope Jason's searching brings him peace and that he knows that walking away from God doesn't mean God walks away from us. And I hope he knows that his bandmates still love him regardless of what he believes.
The band's latest album, Dreamer, hits stores in October. The first single from the album, "68," will premiere on their MySpace page on August 1.
For more about Haste The Day, visit their MySpace page.
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when i heard about this i was disapointed and was like wat the hell did they do that for!!!. Being a christian myself and after reading the reason why, i agree that this was the best thing to do.I am in a band that places christ at the head of the band and we as a band would not accept others from a different faith because if there heart is not in it than there is no point, it also makes things harder. That is not to say we dont like non christians because a majority of my mates are just that but i still love them the same. i just hope and pray that jason finds direction and a purpos in his life that he had before all thos happened. btw are they getting a new guitarst?
In my opinion, this was the best choice for the band to do. My only problem is when people go onto a website like this (I'm pretty sure this is a Christian website) and post things like claiming they are anti-Christian and things. My only question for those kind of people- If you are so anti-Christian, and you dislike us so much, why are you on a Christian website? I was just wondering because I want to know exactly how to pray for my enemies. God bless you, Jesus loves you, and I hope to see you in heaven.
Well, i hope you find another guitarist who is madly on fire for Jesus! He is the only reason we're alive.
JESUS ROCKS
i would feel the same way about the decision cuz its all for God. its to worship glorify God !!!!! :D wooooooooooooooooo ily Lord
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