One of the things that I like to do that befuddles my sister is watch religious documentaries (mostly Christian, but would watch other religions if they were on). The history of them and long term appeal to the masses fascinates me. As for art/music...... art transcends religion. When I look at art or listen to music, I'm taking in the art that the person made not the religion that inspired them. There are several pieces of art that I love (Leonardo da Vinci is a wonderful artist). Not as much music, but there are some that I don't mind listening to.

I saw Stryper a few years ago, I was able to appreciate them as musicians and Michael Sweet is an incredible vocalist, but the religious message in many of their lyrics is a turnoff.

I still have favourite bible passages, I believe that the stories and poetry of some religious books are beautiful and the imagery moving. It's just a shame those're overlooked by dogma.

Yes I appreciate it if I like it. I have always loved music and I think religious music has some beautiful music. The one thing I did love about attending church when my mom expected me to as a child was singing the songs. I also have enjoyed many shows and movies that have a religious base. I love mythological stuff it can be fun.

I appreciate art from all religions, cultures, etc. There are many beautiful songs that are Christian but I still enjoy them. I enjoyed the new Moses movie too, and I appreciate them for what they are. There is a lot of history in a lot of the art pieces too like in the Cathedrals and such or older paintings.

As a practicing glass artist, I am always happy to see the stained leadlight glass work in churches and cathedrals. The religion has no bearing on the quality of the art.

I'd like to borrow a line from kiramea: "As for art/music...... art transcends religion . . ."

It is always about the subject matter or the message that is being displayed. I would not like it myself personally but being in the art world on many levels, I appreciate art for arts sake. It's all about matter of taste and if there is beauty in it on some level.

I know that I find religious architecture like the ancient cathedrals to be incredibly moving. It doesn't matter to me what the inspiration was, all I see is awe inspiring human achievement.

I definitely could not enjoy christian music - it's all awful in my opinion - the pining for a fictional character is more than I can bear. Same holds true for a film that is religious - to me it implies a hidden agenda. However, art that depicts various aspects of religion - any religion - can be quite beautiful in its own right. Also, regular music (blues, bluegrass, country) that mentions god or religion doesn't particularly bother me - depending on the song and context. I

I like good art even if it is religiously themed as for christian rock if their was an good music in that art form I might enjoy it to but, any I have heard is just crap or stolen rock from other artists put to religious words.

Some religious music and art is beautiful, but I do admit that the subject matter takes away from it. For example, imagine the most beautiful art and music, representing Nazis (a christian group) killing people in the camps? How much could a person enjoy that?

There's no denying that there's a lot of great creativity that has religious elements, but I take them in historical context. Michelangelo and Bach lived in times where not being religious were punishable by death.

I love religious art. I like good gospel music. I have a couple of evangelists I listen to because of their use of logic in making points. But when they turn to magic and my god is better than yours -- or theirs -- I turn to Law and Order. Beauty and inspiration are beauty and inspiration. My favorite rock band is Body County. But I'm not about to go out and do anything those morons say to do.

Appreciate religious art for its own beauty. Churches for architecture. Gospel music for the harmonies (just no blood of the lamb). Choirs for the level of music.

the vatican , the parthenon and the king's palace in bangkok are amazing tributes to craftmanship inspired by religion. Yes they are beautiful and should be seen by all.

That's a lot of incredible, thoughtful responses, everyone! You all are awesome! I'm a bit surprised some of you aren't more conflicted by this. For example, one band I had in mind when posting this is Avenged Sevenfold. Musically, they kick ass, but I always feel quite awkward singing along with lyrics that are straight out of the book of Revelations sometimes. Anyone else feel this awkwardness?

The marble not yet carved can hold the form of every thought the greatest artist has.
Michelangelo 1475-1564 Sonnet 15

I would like religious art waaaay before religious music. Music, Imo, is much more worshippy than art. Also, a lot of religious art has much more content than the surface suggests. With movies, it depends. Is there a historical angle, or is it all Noah's ark nonsense? History I can appreciate.

No. No Christian rock for me. I do appreciate the visual arts however. As terrifying or ridculous they may be at times. I also like Christmas carols and some gospel.

Art, or music with religious themes are not quite so enjoyable for me. There has just been too much unhappiness in my past associated with religion, and I see a lot of unhappiness cauised by religious beliefs today.

My general impression of religion is that in ancient times ersons who saw or heard things that nobody else could see or hear were said to be "touched by the gods", but today we would diagnose them as mentally ill. So, all those so-called prophets and holy men were mostly suffering form mental illness.

My career for many years involved musical artist relations and I have always appreciated talent of all aspects.
I've had the opportunity to judge many talent contests and have never had a bias toward beliefs!

I haven't been fortunate enough to see them in person but the old cathedrals are beautiful.
As Kiramea said, I like to watch documentaries about religions and how got their start.
As far as christian rock? No thanks.