"Despite all the fancy buildings, sophisticated programs, and highly visible presence, it is my contention that the church is almost a non-entity when it comes to shaping the culture. In the arts, entertainment, media, education and other culture-shaping venues of our country, the church has abdicated its role as salt and light." (Bob Briner, from Roaring Lambs)

Yes. A pull-quote like that should do nicely. How else are you supposed to introduce an album that celebrates an integral part of Christianity disguised as an innovative idea? It's sad that the thinking behind the Roaring Lambs project seems so revolutionary. It should be second nature.

Some background information would be appropriate. In 1993 Bob Briner published the book Roaring Lambs. Briner was an Emmy Award-winning producer and president of Pro-Serve Television. His book extolled Christians to be a culture-shaping force in society, not merely standing on the sidelines criticizing. He maintained that the talent of Christians does little for the world when it's kept hidden behind the walls of a church. He challenged us to be a force in our culture, and that challenge has heavily influenced the music industry. The Roaring Lambs CD came together as a project to promote and celebrate Briner's idea, and has become a tribute to the original roaring lamb who succumbed to cancer in 1999.

The CD brings together some of the most popular names in Christian music, names that may be vaguely familiar in the mainstream world, for a project that is a celebration, a tribute, and a call to arms. The CD itself provides 12 quality tracks and it just might pique your curiosity. The liner notes speak more of Briner, but to truly understand the call, you'll have to read the book--which has been conveniently re-released (read ReALMagazine.com's review).

Musically the album is diverse, covering everything from the popular sounds of Jars of Clay, Delirious? (is it Delirious? or Deliriou5? It seems the band can't make up their mind), and the first ever corroboration of Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman, to the more eclectic sounds of Over The Rhine, Ladysmith Black Mambazo (teamed with Charlie Peacock), and Bill Mallonee and the Vigilantes of Love. The album boasts quite a collection of artists and offers all original songs.

Steve Taylor makes an impressive appearance with 'Shortstop,' a song that obviously benefits from Taylor's many years as a producer. Burlap to Cashmere and Over The Rhine both make gentle, ear pleasing contributions. Other highlights include a Ginny Owens and Brent Bourgeois duet, another Zoo sounding single from Jars of Clay, and a PFR reunion.

Predictability is the album's downfall. A number of songs are so quintessentially Jars of Clay, Delirious?, PFR, or Steven Curtis Chapman/Michael W. Smith that it's a bit of a let down. Can't these guys do anything different? Delirious? takes the cake on this one with a song that sounds like a slightly retooled Delirious? classic. The Sixpence None The Richer contribution is also troubling. It's meant as a tribute to Bob Briner, with lines like "I wish I'd known you and learned the way to walk the narrow path / But I am grateful that you left your words to follow like a map / Within the dark land you gave us a lamp / By which we might see," and "We read the words in your book / And learn how to break our own ground." Quite a tribute, but it seems to border on deification. The press release calls it a personal letter to Briner, but the casual listen doesn't tell you that. Roaring Lambs is a good book, but the song makes it sound like an addendum to the Bible. Perhaps that's criticism from a Christian overly wary of idolatry, but I'm just calling it like I see it.

Despite the flaws it's an enjoyable album promoting a concept that should come naturally--but obviously doesn't. There's something for everyone, as well as a chance to look deeper and consider what impact you have on society. Listen to the album, read the book, and roar. (Kevin H.)

Roaring Lambs includes:
Jars of Clay: "Headstrong"
Ashley Cleveland and Michael Tait: "Salt and Light"
Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W. Smith: "Out There"
Ginny Owens and Brent Bourgeois: "One Thing"
Steve Taylor: "Shortstop"
PFR: "Kingdom Come"
Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Charlie Peacock: "'Akehlulek' Ubaba (with God Everthing Is Possible)"
Delirious?: "Touch"
Burlap to Cashmere: "Daisies and Roses"
Over The Rhine: "Goodbye"
Bill Mallonee and Vigilantes of Love: "Wondering Where the Lions Are"
Sixpence None The Richer: "The Ground You Shook"