June 30, 2024

Growing Up with Jennifer Knapp

54 minutes

Jennifer Knapp discusses her journey on the pod this week as a singer-songwriter in the contemporary Christian music industry and her subsequent shift to more mainstream music. She talks about the tension she felt between the inspiring messages of Christianity and the restrictive expectations and shame associated with it- particularly in relation to purity culture. Knapp shares her decision to leave the Christian music industry and the challenges she faced in reclaiming her own voice as an artist. She also highlights the importance of wrestling with faith and the need for diversity and inclusivity within Christianity. We discuss the importance of embracing one’s unique identity and finding community without the need for external validation and she expresses her desire to create music that is contemplative, heart-centered, and reflective of personal prayers. Additionally, she discusses her theological studies and the responsibility she feels as a leader in faith spaces.

Takeaways

Jennifer Knapp experienced tension between the inspiring messages of Christianity and the restrictive expectations and shame associated with it, particularly in relation to purity culture.

She made the decision to leave the contemporary Christian music (CCM) industry and reclaim her own voice as an artist.

Knapp emphasizes the importance of wrestling with faith and exploring spirituality outside of the confines of a specific religious market.

She advocates for diversity and inclusivity within Christianity, recognizing the need to acknowledge and appreciate different perspectives and experiences. Embrace your unique identity and focus on self-discovery rather than conforming to external expectations.

Finding community becomes easier when you are confident in who you are and don’t feel the need to defend yourself constantly.

Artistic growth and personal development can be nurtured in private, away from the public spotlight.

Revisiting past work can be a meaningful exercise to reflect on personal growth and share that journey with others.

There is a need for new, thoughtful, and contemplative music in faith spaces that goes beyond traditional hymns and contemporary worship songs.

Take responsibility for creating the community and spaces you desire, whether it’s in art, faith, or any other aspect of life.

Chapters

(02:52) Introducing Jennifer Knapp and Her Background

(03:00) Jennifer Knapp’s Introduction at a Fancy Queer Cocktail Dinner Party

(08:07) Navigating Tension: Inspiring Messages vs. Restrictive Expectations in Christianity

(13:08) Leaving the CCM Industry: Reclaiming My Voice as an Artist

(24:19) Embracing Diversity and Inclusivity in Christianity

(25:27) Embracing Identity and Finding Community

(27:21) Artistic Growth and Personal Development

(27:41) Revisiting the Past: The Re-recording of ‘Kansas’

(29:15) Creating Contemplative and Heart-Centered Music

(41:21) Theological Studies and Responsibility in Faith Spaces

(45:25) Taking Responsibility: Creating the Community You Desire

Resources:

Get more information about Jennifer Knapp and her music at https://jenniferknapp.com/

Patreon community with Jennifer Knapp

Join the Sanctuary Collective Community

If you want to support the Patreon and help keep the podcast up and running, you can learn more and pledge your support at patreon.com/queertheology.

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

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By Queer Theology / Brian G. Murphy & Shannon T.L. Kearns

4.3

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