As he promotes his new book, “The Philosophy of the Modern Song,” music icon Bob Dylan, 81, spoke about his faith and love of church music. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Dylan touched on many topics, including the rise of technology and its impacts on creativity, the inspiration for music, and how he relaxes. Dylan noted the pitfalls and benefits of technology in the music industry and acknowledged that while he still uses technology, he is mostly drawn to older forms of media, such as old shows like “Coronation Street,” “Father Brown,” and old “Twilight Zone” episodes. The “Father Brown” series is based on a mystery series by GK Chesterton, a prolific Christian writer who inspired writers like JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis. Dylan noted he avoids anything “foul smelling or evil.” “I’m a religious person,” he added. “I read the scriptures a lot, meditate and pray, and light candles in church. I believe in damnation and salvation, as well as predestination. The Five Books of Moses, Pauline Epistles, Invocation of the Saints, all of it.” He also noted that “sacred music, church music” were among his first loves.

Dylan’s faith has been an interesting journey. Jewish-born, Dylan accepted Jesus as his savior in the late 70s. At the time, he was depressed after having gone through a divorce, and his Christian backup singers reached out to him, encouraging him with their faith. He was ultimately baptized in the Pacific Ocean. After his conversion, his music reflected his new faith, going on to write 3 gospel albums. His focus on writing songs of faith was unpopular, and many of his fans booed the change, seeing him as “anti-establishment” while faith seemed to line up with the establishment. As he started to sing less about faith, there were rumors that he had returned to his Jewish faith. There have been articles written about his faith, with many wondering where the artist stands on the issue. Jeffrey Salkin, on speculating Dylan’s faith, wrote, “I don’t know, and as I said, let’s leave the religious question to the ‘professionals.’”

His faith in the proceeding decades has combined his Jewish heritage with the writings of the New Testament, creating a conglomeration of strong ties to the Jewish tradition and the teachings of Christ. In his book, Bob Dylan: A Spiritual Life, author Scott Marshall makes the case that Dylan walks the two worlds of Jewish and Christian faith. He points at many of the Biblical allusions within Dylan’s work, showing a man haunted by the Scripture. In a book review, The Gospel Coalition seems as uncertain as Salkin. “Marshall presents scant evidence of an active faith, with the usual markers of church membership or Christian growth using the means of grace. Dylan’s belief, if it exists at all, seems confined to his lyrics, his closely guarded personal life, and his support of various public causes, including the state of Israel. We see a complex, occasionally irascible figure, a vulnerable introvert (especially when let down by Christians), and even a good man. But do we see a disciple?”