Yesterday, we reported that the Jon Steingard, the lead singer for the Christian band Hawk Nelson, announced that he no longer believes in God. Now, his bandmates have broken their silence after this shocking revelation.
Hawk Nelson Speaks Out
Band members Daniel Biro, David Niacaris, and Micah Kuiper gave their thoughts to Fox News after Steingard took to Instagram to say, “I no longer believe in God.”
“One of our best friends, one with whom we have walked, worked and lived alongside for 20-plus years revealed some of his innermost feelings on his faith journey this past week,” the bandmates said.
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“We are called to love one another unconditionally, as God loves us,” Hawk Nelson continued He added that their mission is “to inspire and encourage all people with the truth that God is for them and not against them” is now for “one of our own.”
The Christian musicians concluded their statement by citing the New Testament Bible verse Romans 8:38, which partly says, “I am convinced that nothing can separate us from God’s love … nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved,” they added. “Ever thankful and grateful for how God has used this band, the music and the relationships and how He continues to do so.”
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Steingard Receives Backlash
Though the members of Hawk Nelson appear to be supportive of Steingard’s decision to abandon his Christian faith, some of their fans have not taken this kind of an approach to his announcement.
So I heard the tragic news that you surrendered to the devil. It was bad enough you sold out. What is so evil is that you betrayed all those who loved you. Look how many souls may be lost due to your selfishness.
— John (@downs_harry) May 26, 2020
@jonsteingard But without regard to anyone, you did! Hawk Nelson was inspiring, and now you’ve denied God and you destroyed ppl who looked up to you. possibly destroyed their faith in God for no reason. I’ll be praying for you! God will never leave you, even when you deny Him! #2
— James (@James13360136) May 27, 2020
So my question for you and that I hope you ask yourself one day; “Did I ever truly open my heart and want to seek him?” I pray one day you change your mind. Please read Deuteronomy 4:29 . Love you brother
— Austin (@nitsuas) May 26, 2020
My heart breaks for so many individuals who are leaders and role models for so many that continue to “leave” the faith.
Jon Steingard is one more added to the list.
Pray for those who have left the faith and have bought the lies of the enemy. https://t.co/ISGXh3lvbe
— Ben Hill (@Ben_Hill2) May 26, 2020
Steingard Receives Support
Others, however, took Steingard’s side:
@jonsteingard just read your Instagram post. It’s incredibly moving and, as a former person of faith myself, really hit home. Thank you for your honesty, with yourself and with your audience, and I’m glad you and your wife have found your peace. Keep building and do good work.
— Dan (@DANFlNlTY) May 27, 2020
@jonsteingard I can’t imagine the pain you’ve gone through the past few years. Not believing in god was something I felt I had to “come to terms with” but it has always been peoples’ treatment of me that made things hard. I have so much respect for you speaking your truth
— IngloriousBaxter (@ingloriousbaxtr) May 27, 2020
It takes a lot of courage and strength to escape the box of cultural conditioning. I’m happy for you. I know what a relief it is to transcend the relentless cognitive dissonance inherent in (honestly) attempting to reconcile what makes no sense. You figured it out!
— Holly Howard (@HoHoYipYip) May 27, 2020
We will continue to pray for Steingard, regardless of whether he believes in God or not.
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