Billy Joel, the iconic singer known for classics like "Piano Man" and "Uptown Girl," doesn’t follow any particular religious faith despite his Jewish background. He identifies as an atheist Jew and was raised in a secular home, not deeply tied to his Jewish heritage in terms of religion. Interestingly, as a child, he explored Catholicism—not because of the faith itself, but because he was drawn to the music and the acoustics of the church.
In a 2010 interview with Howard Stern, when asked if he believed in God, Joel replied, “No, I’m an atheist. I tried it all. I used to go to mass when I was little. I liked the sound in the church. The singing always moved me. No matter the religion, the acoustics were beautiful.” His connection to religious spaces was more about the art and atmosphere than the belief system behind it.
Bruce Lee, the legendary martial artist and actor, was not just known for his physical prowess but also for his deep interest in philosophy. Raised in a household that reflected both Catholic and Buddhist influences—his mother was Catholic, and his father was Buddhist—Lee ultimately chose a different path and identified as an atheist.
His love for learning about different philosophies, combined with his martial arts discipline, shaped his personal beliefs. Reflecting on his upbringing, Lee once said, “When my mother went to church on Sunday, my father sat at home. This didn’t seem to worry her, and it didn’t worry my father that she sent me to a Catholic school.” Despite this exposure to religion, Lee made it clear when asked about his belief in God: “To be perfectly frank, I really do not.” For Lee, his focus was on self-mastery and personal philosophy rather than traditional religious faith.
John Lennon, one of the most influential figures in music history, had a complex relationship with religion. Raised Christian, Lennon became increasingly critical of organized religion during the 1960s. His lyrics in songs like “Imagine” captured his evolving views, with lines such as “Imagine there’s no heaven / Imagine no religion too,” signaling a rejection of traditional religious beliefs.
Lennon stirred major controversy when he claimed that the Beatles were "more popular than Jesus," angering many fans, especially in more religious communities. Despite this criticism of religion, Lennon’s views weren’t entirely dismissive. He once remarked, “I believe in God, but not as one thing, not as an old man in the sky,” indicating an openness to spirituality, though not in the conventional sense.
Freddie Mercury, the iconic frontman of Queen, was known for being fiercely private about his personal life, including his religious beliefs. Born in Zanzibar to Zoroastrian parents, Mercury was raised in a tradition that followed the teachings of Zoroastrianism, where the primary deity is Ahura Mazda, symbolizing goodness, light, and truth. Despite this religious background, there is little evidence to suggest that Mercury actively practiced Zoroastrianism or any other faith in his adult life.
While Mercury didn’t openly declare himself an atheist, his lifestyle and personal philosophy seemed to lean away from organized religion. Instead, he appeared to draw inspiration from his cultural heritage and upbringing in ways that influenced his music rather than his spiritual beliefs. His enigmatic personality kept his deeper thoughts on religion private, but many speculate that he was more focused on self-expression and living life on his own terms rather than adhering to a structured belief system.
CM Punk, born Philip Brooks, is widely known for his straight-edge lifestyle, both in and out of the wrestling ring. While many might assume that his strict stance against alcohol and drugs stems from religious beliefs, Punk is actually a devout atheist. His commitment to sobriety was heavily influenced by personal experiences, particularly watching his father struggle with alcoholism. This personal history shaped his rejection of substances, but his lack of belief in God or religion also played a significant role in his worldview.
Punk has been vocal about his atheism. In a 2012 tweet, he bluntly stated, "Stop believing in a man in the sky. It’s illogical," making it clear that his beliefs are rooted in skepticism toward religion. Despite this, CM Punk's values extend beyond his personal choices—he’s also an outspoken advocate for LGBT rights and equality. Married to fellow wrestler April Mendez, CM Punk’s life is defined by his dedication to living authentically according to his principles, not based on any religious framework.
Adele, the globally renowned singer behind hits like "Someone Like You" and "Rolling in the Deep," has openly stated that she leads a largely secular life. Despite the soulful, gospel-like quality of her music, which often touches on themes of love, heartbreak, and loss, Adele has made it clear that she isn’t religious. In a 2015 interview with Rolling Stone, she shared, "I’m a feminist, I believe that everyone should be treated the same. I don’t care if you’re a boy or a girl. Also, I’m not a religious person."
Though her powerful voice and emotional lyrics might evoke a spiritual connection for some listeners, Adele’s focus remains on the universal experiences of life rather than religious or spiritual themes. Her music speaks to the trials of love and personal growth, avoiding overt religious messages. Instead, she embraces a worldview centered on equality and human connection, free from any particular faith or belief system.
Cyndi Lauper, the iconic singer of "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," has been candid about her lack of religious belief. Known for her bold personality and outspoken views, Lauper has shared her skepticism about organized religion on multiple occasions. In a 2013 piece with Interview Magazine, she remarked, "I am under the distinct impression that all religious groups need the devil... I’m not in the God business. I don’t believe in that. I believe in good."
Lauper has expressed that, for her, the contradictions within religion make it hard to embrace, though she believes in the importance of people doing good in the world. Lauper’s music, which is filled with themes of individuality, freedom, and joy, reflects her philosophy of life. While she respects those who find meaning in their faith, she has openly criticized beliefs driven by fear and ignorance. Instead, Lauper focuses on kindness, goodness, and equality, values she champions both in her music and in her activism.
David Bowie, the legendary musician and cultural icon, had a complex relationship with religion and spirituality. Throughout his life, Bowie openly wrestled with his beliefs, famously stating, "I’m not quite an atheist, and it worries me. There’s that little bit that holds on: ‘Well, I’m almost an atheist. Give me a couple of months.’" Bowie explored a variety of spiritual paths, including Tibetan Buddhism and even dabbling in Satanism, but he never settled on a single belief system.
In a 1997 interview, Bowie admitted, "I don’t have any faith in anything, but I’m curious about it all. I feel comfortable being in the midst of an enigma." This curiosity drove him to constantly question and search for answers, making him more of a "devout skeptic" than an outright atheist, as one commentator put it. Bowie's music often reflected this sense of mystery and exploration, touching on existential themes without aligning with any particular religious ideology.
Britney Spears, the pop icon who burst onto the scene with “…Baby One More Time,” once openly expressed spiritual beliefs. In a 2008 interview with MTV, she shared, "I pray all the time. I believe in God," revealing a sense of faith amidst the pressures of fame. However, as her life became increasingly entangled in the well-documented struggles of her conservatorship, that faith appeared to falter.
In 2022, during a highly publicized Instagram rant, Spears declared, "There is nothing to believe anymore. I’m an atheist, y’all." These words came after years of legal battles, family turmoil, and immense personal hardship. While her statement seemed to reflect deep frustration and anger, many fans empathized with the toll her circumstances had taken on her spiritual outlook. Given the intense challenges she has faced, it's understandable that Spears might feel disconnected from faith.
Miley Cyrus, the child star turned pop sensation, has been candid about her evolving views on spirituality. During an episode of her Instagram show "Bright Minded," she opened up to childhood friend Hailey Bieber about her departure from organized religion. Cyrus explained, "I had some friends in school. The reason why I left my church is that they weren't being accepted. They were being sent to conversion therapies." This experience profoundly impacted her faith, leading her to question the values of the institutions she had been a part of.
However, during their conversation, Bieber challenged the notion that God would not accept everyone, which resonated with Cyrus. She acknowledged, "So I think now you telling me that I’m allowed to redesign my relationship with God as an adult and make it how it feels most accepting to me would make me feel so less turned off by spirituality."
Ken Anderson, known for his multifaceted career as a wrestler, actor, trainer, and ring announcer, has made his mark in the world of professional wrestling, particularly during his tenure with WWE from 2005 to 2009. While he captivates audiences in the ring, much of his personal life remains under the radar, with the notable exception of his marriage to Shawn Trebnick. Anderson is open about his atheism, a belief he has discussed publicly, particularly during an episode of David Vox Mullen’s podcast alongside fellow wrestler CM Punk.
The conversation took a revealing turn when CM Punk remarked, “The greatest cause of atheism today is the actions of Christians,” to which Anderson added, “And Christians actually reading the Bible…” This candid exchange highlights Anderson’s critical stance toward organized religion and its practices. Additionally, he has utilized social media to declare his atheism, further establishing his identity outside the ring.
