'Radical truth teller' (Caedmons Call=Sojourner)

Washington Times ^ | June 26, 2007 | Jen Waters

[fkabuckeyesrule]

THE WASHINGTON TIMES - Singer-songwriter Derek Webb, formerly a member of the contemporary Christian band Caedmon's Call, won rave reviews for his 2005 solo album, "Mockingbird," which dealt with themes of war, politics and social justice.

The following are excerpts from an interview with Mr. Webb, whose most recent release is "The Ringing Bell":

Question: What is your relationship with Sojourners, an organization that expresses Christian commentary on faith, politics and culture?

Answer: Sojourners seems to be about people who think spiritually and yet socially. They see the implications of spiritual ideas in terms of social action. I definitely make those connections as an artist. There is a natural connection that has happened between us over the years.

[fkabuckeyesrule]

I've heard of this group but have not heard much about them other than their music on the radio. Haven't really paid too much attention to contemporary christian music since PETRA & Steve Taylor and other stuff back in the 80's.

[fkabuckeyesrule]

When I saw Sojourners red lights go flashing big time.

[jude24]

Caedmon's Call was one of my favorite bands. Unfortunately, once Mr. Webb left, neither he nor they were as good as they used to be together. They kinda kept him non-political, and he kept Caedmon's lyrically deep.

I largely agree with Mr. Webb's concerns that the church has allowed itself to be co-opted by political parties, and that the church does need to do a lot more about social justice.

Where Mr. Webb and I disagree is on policies to bring those about. But I will say this for Mr. Webb - he's raising questions no one else is.

[DaveMSmith]

The church should be the first in line to go and act and speak on behalf of the world's poor. The church is the only institution on the planet that has the moral imperative, the actual command, to go and love the poor

I see this as more a GOP ideal. Nice he's in the Sojourners spreading the word.

Agree with you 100%, jude24

[Alex Murphy]

Haven't really paid too much attention to contemporary christian music since PETRA & Steve Taylor and other stuff back in the 80's.

You're preaching to the choir, brother!

[Frumanchu]

Agreed, although the Share the Well album (made without Webb) was actually pretty vocal on politics...just not American politics. It was very focused on social justice in India, and I have a feeling that may carry back over stateside for them. IIRC they are planning to do another mission-oriented trip as a group again soon.

I was pleased to hear too that Derek is working with Caedmon's Call again on their new album and will be touring with them.

[Tax-chick]

The church is the only institution on the planet that has the moral imperative, the actual command, to go and love the poor. That this is how we show what we believe to people. And yet the church has been very slow to act. It's been kind of in the back of the line in terms of Africa. It's taken an Irish rock star to rally the church to really want to do anything.

Is this guy on Planet Zongo? Who does he think is digging toilets, running orphanages and hospices, opening schools, and offering salvation all over the world? BONO?!?

The same old same-old from your "social justice" type: "The church is commanded to care for the poor, and therefore the government should (fill in the blank)." Maybe he should have gone to college and taken a logic course, instead of getting a tattoo.

[lepton]

Haven't really paid too much attention to contemporary christian music since PETRA & Steve Taylor and other stuff back in the 80's.

I was so disappointed last fall to hear that I'd missed hearing of Petra's Farewell tour.

And Alex...I found this CD called "Liver"...

Good morning!

[Alex Murphy]

And Alex...I found this CD called "Liver"...

ROTFL How are ya doing, old friend? I have that album on cassette myself! I loaned someone my copy of "Squint" years ago, and I never got it back. THAT was a great farewell album for Taylor.

Did you know he writes many of the Newsboys (best) songs now?