While both Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel were raised Jewish, their personal connection to organized religion varied, with Paul Simon stating he was not 'religious' in a traditional sense, yet maintaining a belief in God.
Paul Simon's Religious Perspective
Paul Simon was raised in a Jewish household by Jewish parents. Despite this upbringing, he did not identify as Christian, nor did he consider himself an atheist. He explicitly stated that he was "not 'religious'," indicating a distinction between his personal beliefs and formal religious adherence. However, he maintained a profound belief and interest in God, which occasionally manifested in his music through gospel-influenced songs.
Art Garfunkel's Religious Background
Art Garfunkel also shared a similar upbringing, having been raised Jewish. The specifics of his personal religious views beyond his upbringing are not detailed, but his background aligns with Simon's in terms of being raised within the Jewish faith.
Summary of Religious Backgrounds
To clarify their respective relationships with religion, here's a concise overview:
| Member | Religious Upbringing | Personal Stance on "Religion" | Belief in God | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Simon | Jewish | Stated he was "not 'religious'" | Yes | Showed interest through gospel-influenced songs |
| Art Garfunkel | Jewish | (Not explicitly detailed beyond upbringing) | (Not explicitly detailed) |
In essence, while their foundations were in Judaism, their individual paths diverged from a strict adherence to 'religious' labels, especially for Paul Simon, who maintained a spiritual belief without identifying with traditional religious structures.
