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Christianity Today, April, 2007 |

Surfing for Spirituality

Switchfoot's Oh! Gravity keeps door open for questions.

Review by Russ Breimeier | posted 3/27/2007 08:37AM

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Nevertheless, Oh! Gravity offers songs from a Christian worldview, providing plenty of references to the pursuit for meaning and embracing love over selfishness. It may not provide all the answers, but it opens the door for questions that help us consider where to ground our faith.

In this way, Switchfoot lives up to its name. Whatever direction it faces in relating faith and culture, both feet remain planted on the board.

Russ Breimeier is online managing editor of Christian Music Today.

Related Elsewhere:

Christian Music Today's Switchfoot page has reviews, interviews, and more information on the band.

The band made Russ Breimeier's top ten list of Contemporary Christian Music artists.

Switchfoot's official website has posted the band's Oh! Gravity tour schedule, videos, and more.

Switchfoot founded lowercase people, "a daring new endeavor to revolutionize the way we view beauty, truth and humanity." The organization includes a magazine, apparel, and a non-profit organization. Their interview section features a conversation between Jon Foreman of Switchfoot and Sean O'Donnell of Reeve Oliver.

The second annual Switchfoot Bro-Am, a benefit event which includes a surfing contest, an auction, and a concert, will be June 2.

They will perform "Awakening" on The Late Late Show this Friday, March 30.

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April 2007, Vol. 51, No. 4

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Tim	Posted: March 27, 2007 1:13 PM

I must disagree with Collin. While I certainly feel that the doctrine of common grace should enable us to see the handiwork of God in all things--overtly Christian or not--I do think that one of the biggest problems is that Evangelicals have is in aquiescing too the culture around us. I think we have done this so much that one can praise the "spirituality" of a Buddist (or anyone else) and that of a Christian and not see that there the most fundamental difference between the two. To contextualize the Gospel to a world that doesn't talk the "language of Zion" is one thing, but it is certainly another to try to succeed in removing the "offensive" nature from the Gospel. When we do that we fail to truly be disciples. Consider 1 Cor 1:23ff, "But we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God." Christian bands like Switchfoot certainly navigate a fine line which is not very easy!

Bill	Posted: March 27, 2007 1:11 PM

Please let's not cry out for Switchfoot to become a Christian cheerleader band who the world quickly dismisses. They are quality writers, musicians, and put on a fun show in which they aren't afraid to describe how some of their songs point to the Kingdom of God. I have had so many great conversations with kids from 8-18 about this new album and issues it raises. Let's enjoy some good Christians in a band instead of trying to make them a good Christian band.

Sarah

Posted: March 27, 2007 12:56 PM

Good write up on Swithfoot's newest album, althought I'd have to agree with Collin. I applaude Switchfoot for creating music that is honest, excellent, and points listeners to a greater purpose. I think these attributes are at the heart of what "Christian" represents. Excellence, not mediocre, in music. Honesty, not religion, in word. Purpose, not emptiness, in life. Creation, not chance, in existence. Through their songs, Switchfoot puts a seed of longing into every listener's heart...the longing to be known and have fellowship with God. Their lyrics aren't "blatantly Christian" but their message certainly is.

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