Routinely when I express that I am a huge Mumford fan I get this question: Is Mumford & Sons a Christian band? It’s a fair question if you pay attention to the lyrics of Mumford. Often there are these subtle theological overtones that raise questions in the mind of the astute observer.
My answer, however, to that question is “no.” There are several reasons why I believe that’s the right answer. First, for many people “Christian band” has a very certain kind of connotation which I distinctly do not think Mumford would want to be associated with. “Christian band” often references poorly written, poorly performed, manufactured music. Think the “If you like [insert secular band] then you will like [insert equivalent Christian alternative].” If not that first idea then some version of a hyper evangelistic and which lacks quality while it nonetheless attempts to point people to Jesus. One of those goals is good, but I tend to think Jesus likes good music too.
Second, I think that identifying them as a Christian band may actually be stretching the subtle theology in their lyrics. It’s not for certain that Mumford & Sons is expressing precise Evangelical theology. Even while I find much that connects with my convictions, the truth is that many folk artists pick up on the religious roots of American folk culture and incorporate them into their songs. This may or may not reflect the specific beliefs of the artists. Flogging Molly incorporates all sorts of Catholic themes in their music, but certainly I would be surprised to find them devout Catholics.
Thirdly, I don’t think that this question is the appropriate question. I think Christians ought to be able to find the beauty and truth in their music without needing to nail down this answer. Christian band or not, Mumford produces quality work with amazingly moving and honest lyrics. Appreciate good art, thank God for it, and let Mumford & Sons stand as they are (whatever they are).
For more on their album Sigh No More see my review of it at Christ and Pop Culture.
Sparrow & Heart Soul Care 
yeah, I’m pretty sure Marcus Mumford considers himself an atheist…I agree fully with ya, though. Plus, I just like Mumford and Sons. 🙂
Actually this is completely incorrect. His new album might as well be a worship album. Not only that back when he was just Marcus Mumford a solo artist, he would take verses directly from the bible and turn them into song. Check out “Wretched Man – Marcus Mumford” it is directly taken from Romans 7:19, 24. At live concerts they sometimes sing Amazing Grace and ask people to join them in praise. In an interview they said that they get a lot of their inspiration from life experiences and the bible and religion is a big part of that. Take a look at some of their lyrics, a lot of them appear to be singing to a girl, but knowing Marcus’s past lyrical writing what you’ll find is that he’s actually calling out to God.
Example:
“Spare my sins for the ark
I was to slow to depart
I’m a cad but I’m not aflawed
I set out to serve the Lord.”
-Whispers in the Dark
“Roll away your stone, I’ll roll away mine
Together we can see what we will find
Don’t leave me alone at this time,
For I am afraid of what I will discover inside
…It seems that all my bridges have been burned,
But, you say that’s exactly how this grace thing works
It’s not the long walk home
that will change this heart,
But the welcome I receive with the restart”
This is an obvious message to God, talking about trying to fight temptation and addiction. Saying that through His grace he is cleansed and he can begin a new “restart”.
Tl;dr
Marcus is a Christian.
Dear Pastor you really have the point nailed, Christians spend to much time whinning instead of seeing the beauty, be that in harsh truth from a person who seems to have walked away from the Father, or the joy and light that he can clearly see is still to be found in Him.
May God bless you and turn his face to shine upon you, sinceraly from James a Brother in Ireland
I have just been introduced to Mumford & sons and find the lyrics to some of their songs touching on significant issues. I don’t believe that a band has to be Christian to produce profound materials. However, I do believe that each person is created in God’s image and will reflect in their art, from time to time, truths that strike a chord with our shared humanity. The art is, for the Christian, not to attempt to “claim” another band for Christendom, but to take this kind of art as starting points to dig a little deeper with our friends to reveal the one who one day we will all meet face to face.
Great thought, Mark. Thanks for the comment.
One thing to note is that the band members of Mumford & Sons all met through Holy Trinity Brompton church (the evangelical church that pioneered the Alpha Course) and several of them still attend (when they are in the UK). Clearly there is strong Christian influence there…
I didn’t know that. Thansk for sharing Hugo.
a Christian Influence is undeniable, since Marcus parents are the heads of the Vineyard Churches.
http://www.vineyardchurches.org.uk/about-vineyard-churches.html
I don’t think all Christian artist are poorly produced/performed. (See Keith and Kristyn Getty)
I also doubt whether Mumford and Sons are saved, I suggest that if they were they would use their position in the media to witness.
It is not for us to judge whether or not others are saved…
“We don’t tell men whether or not they are saved. We tell men how to be saved. God tells them whether or not they are saved.”
-Paul Washer
I’m not too sure I can agree with your blog to be honest. I seen Needtobreathe last night and they were absolutely phenomenal. The best band I’ve ever seen and they are quite happy to be called a Christian band. I’m not sure it’s fair to say Christian bands have a certain connotation, especially when you see how well the likes of Kutless do in the American charts also. Even if in the past this may have been true will it ever change unless more and more popular bands who are Christians are called Christian bands? The lyrics of one Mumford and sons song….
In these bodies we will live, in these bodies we will die
Where you invest your love, you invest your life
Awake my soul, awake my soul
Awake my soul
You were made to meet your maker
Would you not say there is more than a subtle relation to Christianity?
I agree with the heart of what you’re saying. Not all Christian music is terrible, but that’s not what I took from what you said at all. Most of it in the past has just been similar in nature which always can lead to ‘connotations’. I think God is using Mumford & Sons whether that I their intention or not because he’s good like that.. So I loooove what you said in this article, i whole heartedly agree. Yay God.
I have no comment on M & S and their connection to Christianity or “Christian music”, but I will say that if you like them, you will probably like Josh Garrels. If you haven’t heard of him already, check him out http://joshgarrels.bandcamp.com/ “Love & War & The Sea In Between” album is my favorite. He is explicitly Christian, has profoundly deep lyrics, has an amazing voice, is super diverse, and the music to accompany him is near angelic. Just that I’d spread the joy.
I have to disagree. Please don’tthink I’m hating. The bible says God makes us new creations. Also everything we do should glorify God. As good as music may be, it doesn’t glorify Gor. And if it doesn’t glorify God, who does it glorify? You can’t be lukewarm. And your analogy is fallible. That would be like me saying: “Appreciate drugs. They make you feel good. I like to think that Jesus had fun.” Your eyes and ears are windows to your soul.
If they have Christian background and theological tones in their music, why in the lyrics of “Little Lion Man” do they say “really fucked this up”?
Food for thought! I do not believe Christ would be listening to anything that did not brings praise and adoration to His Father.
Personally, I don’t quite think swearing or not swearing is a sign of a good christian. Some of the best theological minds that I have met, people who understand and know the gospel and the lord in ways I can only hope to achieve also swear from time to time. Using a swear word at the right juncture can really heighten the communication of an emotion, and in the arts can create pathos. I feel that christians can sometimes get really caught up in being a good conservative person by mans own etiquette and law, but forget that jesus condemned the pharisees for doing this but not holding up Gods law. All this besides, the song you are talking about is a single case, and i find that many of their songs eco a some psalms in a modern secular take.
Couldn’t agree more, Julian
i think that perhaps your painting of the label of “Christian Band” being some manufactured, derivative garbage may be a bit to broad… there are plenty of bands who do not shy away or go out of their way to shed the “Christian” label. i feel that part of your entry is a bit harsh and unnecessary.
but i do agree that there is to much attention focused on the “are they or aren’t they” debates. i have long felt that it is through media that God speaks to many people today. i believe that God has through the ages spoken to people in ways that they would listen. and as time has gone on that has changed. people talk about how God spoke in an audible voice in places in the Old Testament, but that they don’t hear that today. i feel like God knows that for many people, their minds could not comprehend, and frankly our society is to cynical for that to be effective. but i think He sees the power that media; music, movies and television in particular; has over us, and He uses it, effectively.
as for the comments people make about some of their lyrical content, particular the lines from Little Lion Man, and the language choices. i think that we need to consider the cultural background that they are grounded in. the language acceptance is different, there are words that are used more frequently in certain cultures that Americans may feel are more offensive, and vice versa. ultimately, i come back to a phrase that a college professor i had used often “words don’t have meaning, people have meaning”
There are Christian bands with tons of talent. Your first step to finding them is to stop listening to Christian Pop radio stations.
If you’re looking for recommendations try a listen to Future of Forestry Travel II EP
Thanks for the suggestion Ryan. I’ve actually been listening to Future of Forestry for a while, and there are number of other bands full of Christians that I enjoy. My series “Hipster Hymns” showcases some of them.
My complaint is generally focused on the so-called CCM genre
Personally, I am glad that when you type ‘Mumford & Sons Christian?’ into Google this blog post pops up right at the top of the list! From the sounds of it they are actually Christian… but I am glad they are not singing ‘Christian’ songs, or holding back from swearing in their lyrics every so often. I am also glad they are not publically ‘Witnessing’ as ‘Saved’ Christians as I think their music has much bigger appeal to a much wider audience. Anyways… as a Christian I have to agree with your blog Pastor Dave. Well Said. =o)
Exactly! I’ve tried to like Christian bands over the years, but I just find them not that attractive, the music is usually not really good (although it increased in quality), it just feels to pushy, evangelistic. The point is, it’s staying inside the christian ‘ghetto’ and does not reach out in any positive way. I think the beauty of Gods ways is that He uses secular bands to go to the darkest places in necessary. Prog-metal/rock bands like Dream Theater and Neal Morse (who by the way became christian) have great stuff, singer Ed Kowalczyk (former Live leadsinger) turned back to his faith and has great music and lyrics, all without becoming the typical ‘christian’ band. One of the best examples is of course U2 who stayed real and honest, lots of faith material in there and staying with both feet in the world. The world needs Light, not the church (although, in a certain way it does, but differently!:-) )!! God bless y’all!
This is close but, you miss the most pivotal part i think. Marcus Mumford’s parents are church planters, Vineyard Ministries. They helped start the church, HTB, where Matt Redman leads worship, and Marcus’ brother is a small group leader at HTB as well. Thus it is obvious that Marcus has a strong christian background AND that he has and still does struggle with his faith. I hope and believe that Marcus is openly struggling with his relationship with Jesus through his music. That sense of genuine and honest depth in there music is why i think they are so good and appealing to so many.