Producing a Christian Album as Someone Without Faith
I haven’t been a man of faith for some time. Years, really. So it’s probably not expected that I’d be the producer and musical arranger for a new Christian album in 2024. But that’s exactly the case, and I’m more than proud to have been one of the key figures behind James Robert Kibby’s Center of the Universe.
I was a Christian for most of my life. I was even a worship leader in church during my teen years and early twenties. It was integral to my musical confidence and helped me make many connections and friends I’m still close with. I served my church weekly, and my faith was a source of comfort and direction.
Without going into much detail, with time, I came to the decision for myself that the Bible was no longer something I found spiritually significant. It wasn’t a sudden change. I had long been skeptical, favoring rational thought over an ever-decreasing trust in the unknown. There’s more to it, but that’s a story for another day.
James Kibby, however, is a devout believer to this day, and he’s fully aware that I’m not. Still, he wanted me to be part of his newest album, Center of the Universe. I was honored that my friend and longtime musical collaborator wanted me to serve such an important role in his latest endeavor, despite my agnostic status. That gave rise to the thought, though -- should I be doing this, or will Christians who hear the new album be uneasy about someone without spiritual inspiration or guidance playing such a big role in it? I would hope that the listening experience, if it is part of their worship, is not tainted for them.
Put the shoe on the other foot for a moment – is Christian music, like Third Day or Casting Crowns, something that has to be spiritual for a non-Christian listener? I don’t think so. When I was younger, these bands helped me feel better connected in my relationship with God. I would listen to lyrics like “You are beautiful, my sweet, sweet song,” knowing that Third Day frontman Mac Powell was professing a love for Jesus Christ. And I would sing along with the same sentiment.
I still listen to these songs sometimes. The only difference is that now, they hold no spiritual significance to me. I just like how they sound. Powell’s got a killer voice, Lincoln Brewster’s a phenomenal guitarist, and Phil Wickham’s melodies are just beautiful.
And I’m sure there are others who feel the same way -- former Christians who still enjoy a tune about Jesus. I mean, I’m a bluegrass musician; old hymns and other church-centric songs are bound to show up in my set lists on occasion.
Growing up, the style of music played in church worship sets was often a debate. It was frustrating. More than a decade ago, another Christian gave me comfort in the perspective that people worship in different ways. They have different mediums and methods to fit their individual practices, including different music choices. At the time of that conversation, this person and I were talking about how a person doesn’t need to hear overtly-Christian songs to feel a connection with God. For instance, maybe there’s a U2 song or dare I say it, a Nickelback tune that gives you a sense of spiritual peace or belonging. (“If Everyone Cared,” anyone?) I don’t know; we’re all different.
So, if I can joyfully work on a Christian album and enjoy a song that goes “Lord, make us one, to live like you did,” meanwhile Bono’s inspiring someone to thank their god for the “Beautiful Day” they see outside, then let it be a message to Christians and non-Christians alike – music unites us. Just like faith can unite a Chris Tomlin fan with someone who strictly sings from the hymnal, a song can unite people of different faiths.
I hope that James’ new album is something that can be enjoyed by folk fans of faith as well as those with different perspectives on the world and beyond. May it be a catalyst for those who wish to raise their hands in praise, and for others, may it simply be something sweet for listening, or connecting with part of life in another way. Music’s cool like that.
