Rumor has it that Derek Webb, one of my absolute, all-time, no-reservations-in-saying-this favorite singer/songwriters, has a new album, Stockholm Syndrome, that not only is about to be released, but has already began to stir things up in the Christian music industry. And not surprisingly—apparently Webb is the king of that—but not in a King Saul kind of way, more like a King David kind of way (see I Sam. 18:12).

For those who don’t already know—and don’t feel bad, because I didn’t—”Stockholm Syndrome,” according to its Wikipedia entry, refers to “ …a psychological response sometimes seen in abducted hostages, in which the hostage shows signs of loyalty to the hostage-taker, regardless of the danger or risk in which they have been placed.”  Sounds both interesting and provocative considering what Webb has put out before.

From what I can gather, what makes Webb’s new album so controversial is both a word he uses and a problem he addresses.  To put it frankly, the word is “sh*t,”  and the problem is the poor treatment of gay and lesbians by evangelicals.  Derek’s planning on launching a new effort to provide the poorest of the poor with cleaner, healthier water supplies.  The name of this new effort, Giveash*t.org.  Here’s the proof.  Again, the site hasn’t launched yet, but I’m betting that it will before too long.

And yep, I agree.  That’s pretty controversial.  Good luck, Derek.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you—specifically, that God would grant you, by His grace, the wisdom, discernment, and prudence to know what, when, why, and how to do whatever it is that you feel He’s compelled you to do; and further, that He’d give you the courage and boldness to do it graciously.

For updates on the goings-on of Derek Webb and the great anticipation with which many of us await his forthcoming album, make sure to sign up for his newsletter (which may be done here).  Also, there’s the recent, cryptic emails that Derek has sent out to his fans (which may be viewed here).  In the second email, Derek tells of his new Twitter account which, he adds, will be the place to find any new information regarding the developments of his new album.  That twitter account is here.

In the meantime, enjoy this Derek Webb online game.  Yeah, I know.  I thought it was weird that there was a game too.

For those wanting more, here are the links where I got all of my information.  Enjoy.

[HT: Sojourners Magazine---Patrol Magazine---Brian Allain---Patrol Magazine again---Christianity Today]