Members of the Christian rock band 'Hawk Nelson' have responded to the recent revelation that their lead singer, Jon Steingard, no longer believes in God.
Posting to Instagram last week, Steingard said that he had been struggling with a number of deep theological questions and, after years of spiritual turmoil, had come to the conclusion that he must admit he no longer has a faith. He wrote: "I've been terrified to post this for a while - but I feel like it's time for me to be honest. After growing up in a Christian home, being a pastor's kid, playing and singing in a Christian band, and having the word Christian in front of most of the things in my life - I am now finding that I no longer believe in God."
In response, Hawk Nelson's three remaining band members — Daniel Biro, David Niacaris and Micah Kuiper — said that their mission as a band "has always been to inspire and encourage all people with the truth that God is FOR them and not against them."
"Now," they said, "we turn that truth towards one of our own.. that God is still FOR Jon and he still matters. Why? Because that truth doesn’t change just because we question it."
The musicians added: "We are called to love one another unconditionally, as God loves us. We should also encourage and challenge one another in our faith, seeking truth.
"Are we the authors of our own salvation and eternity? Has God provided a way to salvation for us through Jesus? These are the questions that we each must ask and explore.
"In the Bible (Romans 8:38) Paul writes, “… I am convinced that nothing can separate us from God’s love… neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow - not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below - indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The same Lord is Lord of all, and gives richly to all who call on Him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Ever thankful and grateful for how God has used this band, the music and the relationships and how He continues to do so."
In a follow-up Instagram post on Wednesday, Steingard said it had been a "wild week" but that the "love and support" he's felt has been "overwhelming."
"Thousands of people from a wide range of belief and unbelief have reached out to let me know I'm loved," he added. "How could I have expected that? How could I have asked for more?"
