Ragamuffin
Rich Mullins
“And if you listen to my songs I hope you hear the water falling
I hope you feel the oceans crashing on the coast of north New England
I wish I could be there just to see them, two summers past I was
And the Holy King of Israel loves me here in America”
– from ‘Here in America’ by Rich Mullins
Rich Mullins was killed in a Jeep accident in 1997. He is most known for writing some of the most well-known worship songs of all time, such as “Step by Step” and “Awesome God”, but he also had the courage to create an album like “a liturgy, a legacy, & a ragamuffin band”, an artistic musical exploration that was inspired by Catholic liturgy, released in a market that catered to Protestant inspired cookie-cutter pop. Rich did his own thing, and followed Jesus with passion and without apologies. He let that passion drive his art. You can hear it and feel it.
Rich Mullins is the type of artist I would have no problem recommending to someone who doesn’t follow Christ, and to be honest, I can’t say that of most Christian artists. His music is good, crafted carefully and lovingly. It is that kind of love that truly reflects the glory of the King and the beauty of creation.
There are a lot of Christian artists these days who are trying to push the envelope. In my opinion, they are trying too hard. It is one thing to be shocking for the sake of shock. It is quite another to speak honestly. Controversy sells albums. Mullins was considered by many to be a controversial figure, but I don’t think he sought controversy for controversy’s sake. I think the truth is dangerous, and Rich was unafraid to speak the truth.
It is my hope that we will have more Christian artists who are unafraid to be honest. It is very easy to sell yourself. You can sell your self to the machine, or you can sell yourself to “cool”. I have no problem with creating art for an audience, whether that’s hipsters or suburban housewives, but when you cease to let the art come from a place of vulnerability and submission to the work, then the art you create won’t say anything at all.
I like Rich Mullins because he said a lot, and it was worth hearing. And we lost him too soon. I know that is not true. I know God took him home when he was supposed to go home. I just wish we had him a little bit longer.
“Be praised for all Your tenderness by these works of Your hands
Suns that rise and rains that fall to bless and bring to life Your land
Look down upon this winter wheat and be glad that You have made
Blue for the sky and the color green”
– from ‘The Color Green’ by Rich Mullins
