When I was a child in the 1990s my mom blasted the Depeche Mode album “Songs of Faith and Devotion” regularly from our living room stereo. As young as I was, I liked the beats of the songs and would sing along. I continued to come back to the album, and many other Depeche Mode songs, throughout my life.
As I matured I related to the lyrics more. Many of the album’s songs had religious undertones, such as using spiritual-oriented words like “condemnation” and “mercy,” as well as integrating gospel choirs into the heavy melodic sounds. I considered the album to be one of the most unique albums I had ever heard.
I interpreted the lyrics and spiritual undertones as showcasing appreciation for religion and spirituality, while also admitting struggle. This subtle approach to religion influenced my views on religion immensely because I could see the benefits of it while also seeing the hardships.
When I became atheist at 18 I did not feel hatred for religion, but rather continued to have a level of appreciation for it. I just had a change of perspective in believing in a supernatural being. Depeche Mode’s lyrics contributed to me continuing to have appreciation to a degree because I could see religion was still important in their lives despite their struggles. I thought it was interesting that they did not abandon religion altogether.
Over time I related to the album, acknowledging there were many things I liked about religion, but at the same time there were things I could not come to terms with. This has been an influence on me to be a Christian atheist.
I am writing this in memory of Andy Fletcher, a founding member of Depeche Mode, who passed away on May 26, 2022. My heart felt heavy when I heard of his passing, and I have reflected on the influence Depeche Mode has had in my life.
Photo: Alessandrio Bossio/Alamy Live News
Lauren Ell grew up in a secular Christian household in Southern California. She became atheist at 18 years old, but maintained appreciation for her Christian upbringing. She is an outspoken atheist speaker and networker, and founder of a number of atheist-oriented organizations, such as Republican Atheists, Atheist Moms and Atheists We Are.