Blacknall Arts, our community of in-house songwriters and musicians, has released its latest single from the forthcoming album, “From the Dead.” The song, “Practicing Resurrection” is now available to stream on Spotify, Apple Music, and other platforms.
The song was inspired by Wendell Berry’s poem "Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front," which offers a call to “practice resurrection” by living in a way that “doesn’t compute” with the goals the world sets before us. While writing the lyrics, co-writer and Director of Youth Ministry Kat Burgett corresponded with Berry for permission and to share the song with him. The song proclaims that if death is not the end — if we trust that Jesus’ resurrection prepares the way for our own — then we can live in ways that don’t align with the world’s pursuit of money, achievement and power. Instead, we can do things that may seem foolish to the world around us (1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5) like planting trees that will take centuries to grow, or listening to carrion and hearing the songs of resurrection that are to come.
Liner notes about “Practicing Resurrection” by co-writer Kat Burgett
The resurrection of Jesus Christ gives us joyful freedom from the world’s demands on our time, affection, and attention. Because we trust that it’s up to God to make resurrection happen, our lives can be inefficient, our paths winding, and our allegiances unbought. Like we sing in the song, we are free simply to "love the Lord" and "love the world" and "laugh in the face of the facts.”
When I was recording the vocals for this song, I was thinking about the Blacknall youth. The song voices some of my biggest hopes for them: that they would take their considerable gifts and abilities and energy and direct them towards the hope of the resurrection, even if that means giving up the world's offers of prestige, wealth, or influence. The life Jesus offers is better, freer, and more joyful.
Download or buy the single on Bandcamp | Find the single on any music platform
Writers: Kat Burgett, Wen Reagan, Wendell Berry
Performers: Kat Burgett (vocals), Wen Reagan (vocals, guitars, bass), Nat Stine (piano), Sam Gould (organ), Paul Alberti (percussion)
Artwork: Claire Hoover
About “From the Dead”
With songs of praise, reflection, and adoration, a new album from Blacknall Arts is set to celebrate the heart of the Christian story: Jesus Christ is risen, and new life is breaking through. The collection includes original works, hymn retunes, and even a classic Wendell Berry poem set to music. Across its rich variety, one theme resounds: Christ is the firstfruits from the dead, and we are drawn with him into new life. From the Dead will release on June 3.
Learn more about new releases featured on From the Dead and hear the songs: