Mumford & Sons frontman Marcus Mumford is speaking in depth for the first time about his religious beliefs and upbringing. Mumford, whose parents are the founders of the Vineyard, the U.K. branch of an evangelical Christian movement, has filled his band's lyrics with references to God, prayer and struggles with faith – but has been vague until now about his current beliefs.
On the Cover: Mumford & Sons' Rattle and Strum
Does he still consider himself a Christian? "I don't really like that word," he tells senior writer Brian Hiatt in his band's first Rolling Stone cover story. "It comes with so much baggage. So, no, I wouldn't call myself a Christian. I think the word just conjures up all these religious images that I don't really like. I have my personal views about the person of Jesus and who he was. Like, you ask a Muslim and they'll say, 'Jesus was awesome' – they're not Christians, but they still love Jesus. I've kind of separated myself from the culture of Christianity." Mumford emphasizes that while his spiritual journey is a "work in progress," he's never doubted the existence of God.
This article originally appeared on Rolling Stone: Marcus Mumford: 'I Wouldn't Call Myself a Christian'
