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"I do consider myself a Christian," he said. "As far as all the details of beliefs and faith, I never really talked about that, though people have asked us. I think, unfortunately, it can be a barrier to people."

Singing lead on almost half the album, Zac displays his maturing vocal talents. He also reveals some of the band's spiritual leanings in a song he sings lead for called "Fire on the Mountain," excerpted above. "Mending Babylon" is an obvious reference to the once-great ancient kingdom God destroyed because of its wickedness, but it also symbolizes God's judgment against spiritual apostasy. Babylon's brokenness is our own, and one day the "flood" of judgment will come.

Zac said the band prefers not to make explicit reference to religious beliefs in songs. "Who you are and what you believe clearly speaks through your music, because you say the things that [reflect] who you are, rather than talking outwardly about those things."

Is Hanson concerned about how fans would react to explicit Christian messages? Zac demurred. "If you're true to what you believe in your music, then it's going to come through and you don't have to take some sort of active approach and try to tell everyone everything you think. You can let that be something that is organically a part of what you represent and who you are, and that's all you need to do."

The brothers may never again reach the intoxicating heights of "MMMBop" fame, but they have the freedom to make the kind of music they love as an independent band. In the liner notes for The Walk, Hanson writes: "Most of all we would like to thank our Creator. Thank you for the way You challenge us to walk down roads less traveled, and open our eyes further at every turn. Music is a gift, and we are honored to receive it."

They may not describe themselves as a Christian rock band, but the brothers still live their faith and recognize a blessing when they see one.

Unless specified clearly, we are not implying whether this artist is or is not a Christian. The views expressed are simply the author's. For a more complete description of our Glimpses of God articles, click here

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