Athlete
We wouldn't expect a Christian plumber to fit a font in lieu of the power-shower we ordered.
Nor would we expect a Christian accountant to round their figures consistently up or down to a magical 7, 3 or 12. Such an overt expression of faith could be considered, surely, a little over zealous.
So why, when musicians who happen to be Christians finally find themselves in the limelight - after years of struggle through obscurity, endless gigs and grind - should we expect them to turn Top of the Pops into a pulpit?
Take Athlete - the excellent indie-pop quartet who released their second album, 'Tourist', this week to wide critical acclaim. Although regular church-goers, the band don't openly shout about their faith from the rooftops - a fact which prompted the Guardian to ask why the famously faithful (Yusuf Islam and Sir Cliff aside) seem so reluctant to air their beliefs.
The article quotes Conor McNicholas, editor of the New Musical Express, who cuts to the heart of the matter: 'The problem with religion is it's never cool. At the heart of all religions, there's a notion of control, and that's the opposite of rock'n'roll'.'
We may, perhaps, wish to substitute 'surrender' for 'control', but he has a point. Do artists such as Athlete and the blessed Bedingfields feel that a confession of faith is tantamount to career suicide? As part of a media-savvy generation, do they shy away from the prospect of being impaled on the horns of a popular press, whose art is misrepresentation?
Alternatively, could it be that their faith is well enough rounded that it doesn't require blatant proselytising to convey heartfelt beliefs?
Take one case in point. 'Wires', the wonderfully emotive first single from 'Tourist' (which went to number 4 in the charts), expresses the feelings of a father as his new-born daughter struggles for survival in hospital. Such a personal, artistic reflection from lead singer Joel Potts prompted one critic to respond: 'The love expressed on this album is not just this year's; it's a daily, toilet-cleaning, baby-sick-wiping endurance type love.'
A love that demands sacrifice? Sounds like gospel to me.
Jason Gardner
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