Letters to the Editor
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CYA
Obligatory CYA addendum:
On the other hand, if Bach or other artists used religious structures, and even religious practices such as prayer or meditation, in advancing their art, these religious practices are surely to be emulated. The false and unnecessary are to be discarded, and the efficacious retained. Inspiration can come in many ways, sometimes through dreams, but I don't know any artist worth the name who simply barfs forth their art without undergoing some introspective moment, whether they call it "meditation," or "prayer," or just "thinking."
When I say this, I don't mean in any way that it is imperative to practice in just the way that a religious person practices. Many atheists or agnostics treat people kindly without a religious dogma. Similarly, many agnostic or atheistic artists do their work without praying to an external source, and still receive inspiration. They would say it's from within themselves; the religious might say it's from God or a god. If the work gets done well, who cares? But just be aware, as you reject the tenets of religion, of exactly what you reject. "Screw the Leviticus laws." I'm with you so far. "Screw prayer?" Up to you. But if you're an artist: "screw introspection?" I hope not. And if you're a human being: "Screw kindness?" No.