Sorry Taylor–John Reuben Has the Boldest Comeback of 2017

Last September I interviewed rapper and songwriter John Reuben on the release of his new album, Reubonic. Reuben's clever, philosophical lyrics have made him a success in both the Christian and mainstream music worlds, and after a few years producing others' work, this new album was a bit of a comeback. Darker and more experimental than anything he’s done before, Reubonic shows Reuben wrestling with the music industry and emerging as a unique religious thought leader--a former Evangelical darling, once seen as a "Christian" version of Eminem, now willing to critique the denomination from within. (I'm United Methodist, a diverse mainline denomination, so I don't share Reuben's exact background or religious experiences; but I think it's important to highlight figures who represent the more progressive wing of Evangelicalism--especially when their music is so smart.) An excerpt of the interview is below, and you can read the full interview here.

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I’m particularly intrigued by the song “Old as Religion,” and your willingness to offer such nuanced criticism on contemporary religion as well. What changes would you most like to see in how religious institutions operate and the role religion plays in our culture?

Songs are a place to work out laments and frustrations (and perhaps be a little idealistic) and create a world you want to live in. How your emotions play out outside of music is a different thing. Certainly not exclusive of each other, but I feel there is a different responsibility art plays. When it comes to suggestions of what religious institutions should be, I have my ideals. The same goes for politics. I hope my opinions are fair. I try not to be another nagging voice in the mix on “what’s wrong with the Church.”

But, from experience, I’ve seen a lot of vulnerable people grappling for purpose become followers of charismatic leaders who are very self-serving and are good at making their agenda “God’s agenda.” As far as churches and religious institutions, I think it’s fair to question resources primarily aimed at salvation metrics and productions. Especially in the current landscape where so many people say things like “It’s not the government’s job but the Church’s job.” But, conversely, I’ve also had some great experiences where church was a pillar in the community. Where buildings acted as rec centers for low income kids, job training, welcoming committees for refugees (that supplied resources to help them get acclimated into the community), a resource to local government looking for solutions on how to fight the opioid crisis, organized efforts in the homeless and battered women’s shelters etc. And in general, an all-inclusive place that welcomes anybody and everybody regardless of what one believes about God.