Katy Nichole - Self-titled EP

 Katy Nichole’s powerhouse vocals electrify her debut.

Katy Nichole
Self-titled release
Label: Centricity Music
Length: 6 songs/22 minutes

Not since Lauren Daigle’s debut have I been as excited by a first recording. The root word for excite means “to move, stir up, instigate” and that’s how I feel, especially after listening to two of the songs on this six song self-titled EP. Nichole’s testimonies of God’s power to set free move and stir me.

Power is another appropriate word since the Holy Spirit is often associated with it. Some of the lyrics reflect that source and the combination of words and music can be dynamite.

This is what reminded me of Lauren Daigle. They share strong voices, excellent backing and production, and a focus on God and his ability to transform lives.

“In Jesus Name (God of Possible)” is the soundtrack for Nichole’s going from being bedridden to becoming known to many. It’s compassionate and bold at the same time: “I speak the name of Jesus over you.” Lyrically, it’s Charismatic in nature: “I pray that a breakthrough would happen today/I pray miracles over your life in Jesus name.” Faith declarations abound.

Even though it’s immensely popular, it becomes a little over dramatic, which is why I favor the stripped-down version that closes out this EP. Still it’s too much like some modern worship that sounds the same. It reminded me of another popular song, “The Blessing.” Both have their appeal and strengths but can be monotonous to me.

I prefer the second track, “Jesus Changed My Life,” which reminds me of NEEDTOBREATH. It has a Southern roots rock feel. I hear a little country in her voice as she contrasts a soul’s journey from darkness to light. If I’m not mistaken it’s a slide guitar that gives the sound some swagger. Her voice soars and the music explodes on the chorus. The structure and melody appeal to me more than the previous song. It may not be innovative and deep theologically but it’s a testimony of liberation made dynamic by the music.

At the church I attend we have a large group from a nationwide addiction recovery center that join us. At times some of them will cry out during worship. Jesus changed my life is more than a trite expression. It’s the core of their being. I can imagine their outbursts of praise if they were singing along.

Big Daddy Weave joins Nichole for “God is in This Story.” Their relationship began when the group invited Nichole to join them on select dates for the band’s spring 2022 tour. The opening lines describe a desperation that might seem to define a person but assure that it’s not the end of the story:

There’s torn up pages in this book
Words that tell me I’m no good
Chapters that defined me for so long
But the hands of grace and endless love
Dusted off and picked me up
Told my heart that hope is never gone

On “Old Man,” Neil Young sings, “Love lost, such a cost. Give me things that don’t get lost.” “Things I Wish I Would’ve Said” is grieving such a loss, which comes with so much cost. Acoustic guitar gives it a plaintive feel with pedal steel furthering the sentiment.

Like “Jesus Changed My Life,” “Jesus Thank You” is electrifying. This release is worth having just for these two songs alone. This has a strong gospel influence complete with choir and excellent guitar work. Like the other aforementioned song it’s a celebration. It’s abundant life overflowing in gratitude. Once again I hear a little country inflection in the voice, which fits so well.

As with Lauren Daigle’s debut Katy Nichole’s EP is a significant discovery. They are not the same but each has the ability to make listeners feel more alive.

Long Way Home - Lynn Austin

 

There is no God in Downton Abbey.

Long Way Home
Author: Lynn Austin
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Pages: 387

“There is no God in Downton Abbey.” This thought from a review of the popular TV series stayed with me. The writer was pointing out God’s seeming absence in the show.

God’s presence is something I can count on in Christian fiction. Though this genre may not be esteemed by those with more sophisticated tastes, I appreciate a worldview that includes God. I hope my life proclaims that God is real. As incomprehensible as the world may be, nothing explains it better than his existence.

Not having read much Christian fiction for a number of years, I wanted to check out recent titles to see if I could enjoy it again. Somewhat randomly I came across Long Way Home by Lynn Austin, whom I had never read before. I like historical fiction, especially that which covers World War II, which is the setting for this novel.

This closely follows the lives of two people living in different times and places but whose stories ultimately converge. The setting is before the war and after it. Each narrative is told in alternating chapters by the two female heroines: one Jewish, starting in Berlin, the other a gentile living stateside.

Through Gisela readers witness the growing persecution of Jews and the growing terror that forced many of them to flee only to find themselves having to do it again as the plague of Nazism spread. The story depicts the heartbreak of unrealized hope. Imagine sailing towards expected refuge in Cuba, only to be turned away at the end with no country providing sanctuary, not even the US. I imagine this part has a basis in fact.

Peggy is the underdog that I want to succeed. She is shy, living with an alcoholic father after losing her mother, poor and bullied. Jimmy, her childhood friend who “always saw hope in places where there wasn’t any” (5), returns from the war depressed and barely speaking. Peggy endeavors to find out what happened in hope of helping him to recover.

Seeing the war through Jimmy’s eyes, especially the camps that were liberated at the end of the war is sobering. There is the shock of seeing the condition of survivors and beginning to understand their unimaginable suffering. Sadly, some were too far gone to live much beyond the liberation.

Fortunately, none of it is too graphic, so don’t be deterred from giving this a try. Some beautiful relationships sprout and eventually blossom from this bleak setting.

The loss of faith is explored through Jimmy’s life. In general, the book touches on post-traumatic stress disorder. Anyone interested in the subject might appreciate how it’s handled here. I like how the author addresses these and other difficult issues. In talking to Jimmy about suffering, a friend, fellow veteran, now a chaplain offers this solace in view of the inexplicable: “The only light we’ll ever have in this dark world comes from God. If we turn away from Him, we’re left with darkness and despair” (354).

This is what I appreciate about Christian fiction. It can offer hope because God is in the picture. It’s not the closed system, if it be the case, that is Downton Abbey. I’m not putting down the show. I’m just glad that in places like this story the cross of Christ is an ever present reality.

I hope to continue my exploration of recent Christian fiction. It’s not that I won’t read popular fiction. I like stories even when God is not consciously included. I can glean from them when the author is able to convey something of the realities in life.

I do not hesitate to recommend this book and author as I enjoyed my time with these characters.

Lionheart (Deluxe) - Awaken Worship

Declaring truth in worship and warfare

Lionheart (Deluxe)
Awaken Worship
Label: The Fuel Music
Length: 8 songs/40 minutes

Authority. Victory. Deliverance. Power. Identity. All recurring subjects in Lionheart (Deluxe) by Awaken Worship (now Awaken Music).

It starts with the gritty, bayou-sounding “Lionheart.” David and Goliath come to mind when I hear:

You come at me
With a sword but I’ve got a sling
Just one stone is all I need
You’re in for a rude awakening

Swagger is evident in words and style. This personal favorite may be the best track. Musically, it’s the only song that has that rootsy, Southern influence. It reminds me of NEEDTOBREATHE. Not to take away from the rest, which are more typical modern worship.

The shimmering, beautiful pop/rock in “There is Power in Your Name” follows. After the ruggedness of the former this conveys peace.

The first and only male lead vocal follows on “Authority.” In a way this song encompasses all the themes but the melody isn’t as strong as the foregoing, which makes it less appealing. It does, however, succeed in forcefully expressing God’s authority. Mike Yeager, the leader of the group, states that “our church (Awaken Church) is really big on the power of actually speaking out the precepts, promises and principles of God.” They do this repeatedly here and throughout. One small danger is that declarations can be misapplied. On the other hand, this battle emphasis may be a neglected one.

“Fearless” comes next with steady, driving pop/rock. It expresses courage and the power that is in Christ.

The keyboard-driven “We’ve Already Won” elaborates on the truth in the song title. We are seated with Christ in the heavenly places! It has a pensive beginning that builds into an anthem.

Delicate acoustic guitar opens “Sound of Heaven.” Tranquil guitar carries it forward with a lovely female vocal. In a variety of ways it expresses the desire to hear God’s voice.

A piano version of “Authority” with a female lead closes the recording. This is more acoustic and flows a little better than the earlier version, making it preferable to me.

Jaydn Valdez handles most of the lead vocals. Providence Cordell sings lead on two of the tracks. Joel Martinez is the male lead on “Authority.”

Though this can be viewed as spiritual warfare more than anything it’s expressing the believer’s authority in Christ, which is an act of worship.

Enough Already - Brandon Heath

 

One more thing? Enough already!

Enough Already
Brandon Heath
Label: Centricity Music
Length: 9 songs/32 minutes

Imagine being flawed but still worthy of love. Instead of needing one thing more, imagine being enough already. This is how Brandon Heath has me thinking on Enough Already, his admirable Centricity Music debut. It doesn’t flinch from humanity. It just serves to highlight the favor given when there is an open door.

The opening “Human Nature” sets the stage for what is to come. The first words heard are: “We’re not God’s problem/We are God’s children.” It sums up all that is to follow. We are not tolerated but loved. Not a burden to be borne; an object of desire.

The sounds too are a prelude of what’s to come. Synthesized and programmed elements mix with the more organic to produce a familiar hybrid of pop and R&B with a slight hip-hop undercurrent.

A short, lively piano riff opens “See Me Through It.” The opening lines remind me of the title of a song
that was popular some years ago:

Things are gettin’ real, Jesus, take the wheel
Only way I’m gettin’ to the other side

The playful, high energy sound coupled with being real lyrically captivate from the start. This could be described as gospel with some retro elements catching Heath at his most exuberant.

“He is Not Worried” is a keyboard-driven ballad that tells the story of a son’s relationship with his father. A sleepless night leads a young boy downstairs where he knows he can find his father: “Reading his bible at the kitchen counter like only a watchman would do at this hour.” What a picture of a noble dad!

He finds solace and safety in his dad’s steadiness: “If He’s not worried then I’m not worried. I lean on him like a rock. I know that nothing can hurt me.” It gets even better as he takes that as an example of how to act as a grown man toward his daughters. Ultimately, he applies his dad’s admirable qualities to Christ. If He is not worried than I am not worried. The storytelling and structure remind me of an epic country song without that style of music. The sober yet inviting musical accompaniment give it a quiet power.

Paul McCartney once observed in song that one might think the world has had enough of “silly love songs.” All these years later the protagonist in “Another Song About Love” has a similar cynical view towards “another song about love.” He’s asking, “haven’t we heard enough.” But this is a different song about love, one that proclaims “God is alive and our hope/and the reason I sat down and wrote.” God says, “You’re His and that you are loved, because He is love.”

The music relies on sophisticated technology that is mesmerizing. Heath speaks directly to listeners who may have doubts. He’s right in that it always seems to come around to this one thing.

“Enough Already” starts with just carefully plucked guitar chords. The gentle melody that develops fits well with lyrics that affirm God’s acceptance. This is a soothing balm for those who feel like they can never be or do enough to be right with God.

Those with a sensitive nature tending towards introspective may see themselves in these lines:

Nobody’s harder on me than myself
And I’m about as beat up as I’ve ever felt

If that is our experience we can take comfort in the chorus:

’Cause I’m loved already
I’m enough already
Totally yours, all in your hands
Couldn’t be more than I already am

Rich Mullins expressed it like this:

Everybody I know says they need just one thing
And what they really mean is that they need just one thing more

Enough already! Mullins went on to sing, “You’re my one thing.” He rightly praised the sufficiency of Christ. He is enough! That’s what much of this recording is about and for that reason alone is worth hearing.

Reading Evangelicals - Daniel Silliman

 

A fun, insightful read for Christian bibliophiles

Reading Evangelicals: How Christian Fiction Shaped a Culture and a Faith
Daniel Silliman
Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
Pages: 276

What is an evangelical? Looking to answer the question, author Daniel Silliman, a historian and one who grew up in a “peculiar” church and found faith as an adult, starts with a Christian bookstore. Though now a dying breed it was once a popular Christian focal point. I can personally attest to this. Becoming a Christian in August of 1976 I soon became a lifelong customer and eventually an employee of One Way Book Store in Eureka, CA. I was working there when sadly it went out of business after 30 years. So Silliman had me from the beginning in that Christian bookstore. If you are a Christian bibliophile this is not only an insightful analysis but a fun one.

Before I started I was a little apprehensive. Would I discover that I had run my course in vain? Would the author’s words be like a hammer or his thoughts cut like a knife? I didn’t want to see the environment that was formative for me lying in ruins. Although here the emphasis is on Christian fiction whereas I was more of a non-fiction reader. It was not until later that I saw the benefit of Christian novels. I’ll never forget the owner of the bookstore and editor of the George MacDonald series, Michael Phillips, giving me The Musician’s Quest. My eyes were opened. Later, I began to enjoy my mother’s collection of the House of Winslow series by Gilbert Morris.

So it was with some trepidation that I approached this book. To my relief I found Silliman to be fair and balanced; no bashing going on here. Even if he disagrees with views presented in the books under consideration, he doesn’t critique. I suppose it’s nearly impossible to be entirely neutral, but it’s only towards the conclusion that I saw a little more of his personal viewpoint as he mentions how some of the mindsets in the books paved the way for the acceptance and popularity of Donald Trump. But if you are a fan of the former president, there is no reason to be deterred since it’s not a book that is overtly critical of him. It’s a volume that I recommend to anyone who has an interest in Christian fiction and the bookstores and industry that gave rise to its popularity.

It’s greatest value may be in clearly articulating the background and worldview behind some of the most popular books in this category. It’s as if, like in the Wizard of Oz movie, Silliman is pulling back the curtain, not to reveal charlatans, but authors trying to convey what faith looks like in the world of their time. Having read one of these books when I was young in the faith and being aware of the others, through Silliman’s summaries I see the underlying messages in these novels. Perhaps they could be broadly summarized as a shift to more of a man-centered theology as opposed to being God-centered. To some extent they fall short of love being expressed through sacrifice, serving and suffering as encouraged in our own day by New Testament scholar N. T. Wright.

The novels reviewed in their order are:

Love Comes Softly
This Present Darkness
Left Behind
The Shunning
The Shack

The other day I attended a library sale that had a large selection of Christian fiction that had already been picked over from a previous sale. Aside from me there appeared to be little interest in these books, which consisted of the ones reviewed here or were similar in some way. They seemed destined to be thrown away or included in the next buck-a-bag sale. It saddens me that since they are no longer popular, they seem to be of little value to most people. Too much fiction today, Christian or not, is probably disposable. How I wish it were not the case.

Perhaps in considering Reading Evangelicals and books like Jesus and John Wayne by Kristin Kobes Du Mez, which I have not read but know enough about to see as a companion, we can have a more substantive engagement with popular culture.

It amazes me that what Silliman highlights defines evangelicals during the times the books were written. Each volume tells another part of the ongoing story, reflecting and influencing the movement. It’s a novel way of defining evangelicals but it succeeds in presenting a less than flattering picture. Evangelicals should welcome whatever is valid. It gives us the opportunity to change so that the rest of the stories we write having more lasting value.

The book itself is a beautiful green cloth with silver gilt edge on the spine. I also like the color scheme on the jacket.

Desert Rain - Trinity

Surprised by a multi-cultural sound!

Desert Rain
Artist: Trinity
Label: The Fuel Music
Length: 12 songs/56 minutes

It’s not often when I start to listen to something new that I’m taken by surprise. Such is the case with Desert Rain by Trinity. It starts with the title track, a short instrumental with Andean-like flute, hand percussion, and a few other exotic sounds. It’s a foretaste of a world music experience; a hybrid of folk, pop and rock styles drawing in particular from South America.

“Rise Again” follows starting with gentle guitar and some type of woodwind. It’s like a moving tribute to courage:

Though I’m bending in the storm
I’ll never break

It makes me think of the bravery of people in the Ukraine. If they could hear this, they might be encouraged in their struggle.

Another memorable line is found at the end of an interlude: “truth crushed to earth will rise again.” It can be an anthem for anyone engaged in a noble struggle.

“Metropolitain” is partly in French with a tight, fast rhythm and a definite South American vibe. The lyrics are broad in scope and juxtaposed with some opposites: “City of artists, of searchers and martyrs, of lovers and violence, of lambs and lions. What if getting was giving, what if losing is winning? What if the sacred comes out of its hiding, joining the searchers in finding?”

“A Miracle” is a mid-tempo exploration of the profound mysteries in a relationship. Here as it is throughout the perspective is from a position of faith rather than being overtly about the Christian life. I have nothing against the latter but the subtlety is refreshing. I found it interesting that a non-Christian friend told me the other day that the music by Christian artists that he likes best is when it’s not obvious. This falls in that category. There is as much attention to overall craft as the lyrics.

Low end bass, synth and sassy brass give weight to “Satellite Television.” The playfulness in sound and the use of satire make this a lot of fun and a favorite:

I hardly have a roof
but I’ve got Satellite television
My love life sucks
At least I’ve got Satellite television

A chorus of voices join in on the title to emphasize the gravity of the subject. Music could use more of this kind of humor.

A cheerful tune on the flute. Mandolin strumming. A chorus of voices gaily singing syllables. It adds up to the Celtic-sounding depiction of a father’s tender love for his infant daughter on “The Way That I Do.” It’s promise of constancy mirrors God’s lasting love for his children:

My baby my dear
I wish it weren’t true
But the world and its sorrows will someday hurt you
But know when you fall, I’ll be there with you too
To hold you and love you the way that I do

Festive sounds return on El Sonido De Mi Tierra, a mid-tempo Salsa-style number in Spanish and English. It lends itself to being interpreted as a prayer:

Be the reason that I live today
Be the air that I breathe, fill me now

“It’s All Gonna Change” is the first of three songs toward the end that include Neema Ntalel from Kenya on vocals. They take the form of a duet on the somber “Shooting Stars,” a reflection on bereavement.

C. S. Lewis said, “If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.” This idea fits with the sentiments expressed on “We Are Born,” whose sound has Middle Eastern influences. A driving rhythm propels the forceful thought:

We are born with an aching for more than we’ll ever know
To be fighters and lovers to know what we are living for
There’s a burning desire inside that can’t be controlled
An unquenchable fire that tells us we’re made for more

Trinity consists of three Dutch brothers, Elbert (lead vocals, flutes, saxophone), Johan (acoustic guitars) and Nick Smelt (drums & percussion), who grew up as missionary kids, and Dutch-raised Bert Bos (bass). It’s amazing that these four produce such a variety of earthy but sophisticated sounds. Listen and find joy in hearing a multitude of diverse cultural influences.

In All the Scriptures - Nicholas G. Piotrowski

 Away with allegory!

In All The Scriptures: The Three Contexts of Biblical Hermeneutics
Nicholas G. Piotrowski
Publisher: IVP Academic
Pages: 289

In All the Scriptures is about contexts: literary, historical and theological realities encompassing the writings of the Bible. This provides first principles to be considered.

The author defines hermeneutics as “the theoretical study of the science and art of how to legitimately and ethically interpret texts” (4). He emphasizes that it’s not just a matter of mastering the mechanics. There is an art to it, which can only come through “time, trial and error, reading and rereading with others” (4). Furthermore, it is all about properly interpreting texts, so that the main idea becomes clear and the interpreter is not reading into the text.

Piotrowski’s approach starts with the literary: discovering the flow of thought in a book. Individual verses and passages must be considered in light of the whole. The historical is learning something of the culture or time that pertains to a given passage. Christological or theological consideration looks at how themes “develop, flow and climax in Christ” (13).

The primary focus is on the underlying principles for interpretation rather than spending time on application. The exceptions being illustrating and briefly covering application in the last chapter, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Initially, I was a little disappointed hoping for more of the latter but the author convincingly argues for the necessity of sound hermeneutics. Plus, listening to popular sermons and teachings in our day one might conclude that application takes precedence. Making teaching practical is a noble aim but if the meaning is wrong than it’s counterproductive.

To start this journey you find an excellent overview of hermeneutic highlights from the past to the present. This section contains the first mention of allegory: “Allegory attempts to dig under the straightforward and historical sense of texts to find hidden, mystical meanings” (21). The author argues against allegory in favor of typology. The latter “starts from the historical sense and perceives the way persons, events, and institutions in the Old Testament prefigure the person and work of Christ” (21). The problem with allegory is that it “has no need for history and often enough runs around Christ” (27). There is more: “Allegory connects to derivative ideas outside the text. Moreover, the Bible was not written as an allegory. Thus it is a violation of genre. What kind of misinterpretation would one produce if they read a history book like a novel, or vice versa?”(70).

Deconstructionism also gets a mention: “Deconstructionism is complex, but we can define it here simply as an attempt to read (and/or rewrite) narratives (in texts or anywhere narratives are told) in a way that moves the center of attention away from traditional (and sometimes obvious) interpretations and give voice to the characters and ideas at the margins. There are social, political, and economic forces at work in all this that now make it hermeneutically in vogue as well” (43). He cites a TED talk by Malcolm Gladwell as an example where the meaning of the David and Goliath story is changed.

This book is a challenge to do interpretation with integrity. It shows the hard but rewarding work involved. It’s much easier to take an isolated verse or verses out of context, reading into it an unintended meaning. Any interested in the legitimate use of Scripture will do well to familiarize themselves with this content. This book can be read with profit many times over.

One reason I read this volume was my exposure to teachings that critics label hyper-dispensationalism. I wondered if it would indirectly address their errors. If their doctrines are measured against these guidelines where would there be problems? It would seem that at least in some areas their hermeneutic and application are defective. I suspect it has to do with the presuppositions that inform their hermeneutic. It highlights why this stage in interpreting scripture is critical. Getting the approach wrong leads to bad theology. Getting it right from the start and along the way is no guarantee of soundness but increases the chances of a better outcome.

As a side note, those who share the author’s ecological or science background will appreciate how he introduces each chapter with an illustration showing how his former field of study relates to the discipline of interpreting texts. It’s a fascinating way to introduce the different topics showing the correlations and making the material more accessible, even if you are not a student of the sciences.

Away with allegory! It’s hard to argue with the logic of the arguments, but the case might be stronger if it included some examples that differentiate application from allegory. Sometimes I wonder if applications made from the pulpit or in books go too far or are they legitimate? This is something that I would ask about if I had the chance to question the author or those who are knowledgeable on the subject.