Rich Mullins: Struggling with Rationalism
Richard Mullins always opened his heart to his audiences, even back in 1977. This is a transcript of his introduction to "Winter Hymn", a companion to his breakthrough song about his faith, "If I Stand." The original version of "If I Stand" and this devastatingly beautiful tune were both written near the same time in late fall of 1975. This song is lovely; exquisite chord progressions explore a deep sense of the loss of innocence and crisis of faith he experienced while studying in an extremely rationalistic environment at the Cincinnati Bible College.
The intro he offered here followed a full program of songs. It was delivered in a casual tone, but this song represented a crucial chapter in his personal journey. The rambling introduction is loaded with his trademark humor yet when it comes to making his point, Richard does not fail to deliver.
On this issue he ultimately did not align himself with either Rationalists or Charismatics, but found his balance, I believe, in a Quaker mysticism that finds God within the living stones that are being built up into his church--assembled, of course, according to the blueprint of Scripture. This decision resulted in his powerful anthem of faith, "If I Stand."
The more personal side of the song "If I stand" is discussed in Singing from Silence.
The intro he offered here followed a full program of songs. It was delivered in a casual tone, but this song represented a crucial chapter in his personal journey. The rambling introduction is loaded with his trademark humor yet when it comes to making his point, Richard does not fail to deliver.
On this issue he ultimately did not align himself with either Rationalists or Charismatics, but found his balance, I believe, in a Quaker mysticism that finds God within the living stones that are being built up into his church--assembled, of course, according to the blueprint of Scripture. This decision resulted in his powerful anthem of faith, "If I Stand."
The more personal side of the song "If I stand" is discussed in Singing from Silence.
Richard's old cashout booth at the Shillito's parking garage still looks about the same.
Photo by Pam Richards copyright 2011
