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PATROL: You’re very critical of the church’s mistreatment of the gay community and other minority groups. You say in one track: “oppression is always oppression … by stares or by fists, it’s the same.” On the flip side of that, can you point out some of the ways in which you feel we as a religious culture have gotten it right in our interaction with those groups?

Webb: I would never want to say one thing at the expense of the other. Obviously, there are a lot of people who call themselves Christians who do great work with those groups. My main problem was, well, for example: a study done over the last few years identified a pretty outrageous statistic, with 15- to 35-year-olds who were asked, “What’s the main thing that comes to mind when you think of the word ‘Christian’?” 90-some-odd percent said, “Somebody who hates gay people.”

I have talked to a handful of people who, like you said, have told me “I’m a Christian, and I don’t hate gay people, and I think you’re exaggerating.” That all may be true, and I don’t doubt it—I know a lot of sensitive and nuanced, well meaning work that’s being done. What I’m concerned about is that perception about Christianity. In the world we live in, perception is as good as reality to some degree. So I think we need to work on that.

I know that none of that really answers your question, but I’m just saying that my main concern through this has been how, even those of us who have more nuanced or less-judgmental approaches concerning these issues, need to realize how our theology is coming out of our mouths. Which means for some people it’s just a matter of having better words. And for other people, it should be an examination of how their theology does turn itself into ethics—how they treat their neighbors, etc. Because, you know, that statistic? I don’t necessarily disagree with it, unfortunately.

PATROL: Outside of the Christian blogosphere, which tends to cannibalize any issue or artist it can in order to generate a readership, and onto a more private level, have you felt any personal backlash for recording this album? Is there a marked hostility on your social front, because of the stance you’ve taken?

Webb: Not too much. There’s been a little bit. I’ve been pushed back by some people who are trying to say they don’t fit that description or statistic, who don’t want to be lumped in. And I’m not trying to lump anybody in. I make statements, so if something I’ve said resonates, then maybe that topic is something you need to address. I’m not in the conviction business, even if I’m not saying that it won’t happen by way of something I’ve said.

Honestly, I’m more than willing to take criticism, because on a personal level, I’ve gotten much more of the opposite. I’ve said before that this was a fiercely personal record, and the reason is because… well, I knew this moment was always coming, that I would eventually deal with these issues on behalf of my friends, on behalf of these people who I love in my life who are wrapped up in these issues, and the way the church deals with these people. I got to the point where I was tired of making apologies for my so-called community.

Stockholm Syndrome is the sound of me using the resources I have to create a barricade between my own community and the people I love more than anybody else in my life, who don’t understand (nor do I) the major disconnect between the way that Jesus loved people, and the way that Jesus’ followers love people. People have no problem with Jesus, this man who loved others so radically that he was killed for it. But many who now follow Jesus love others so poorly, and they seem more like those in the Biblical account who Jesus reserved the harshest language for. I’m as confused about that as my friends are. But it was time for me, personally, to draw a line and try to absorb for them, to join them on the line, absorbing this hatred that seems directed at them. I just couldn’t go another year in my personal life and not make some of these statements, simply because some of my best friends have been on the receiving end of that hatred.

So, in short, the negatives don’t outweigh what I feel like is being accomplished.

PATROL: Have you already set your sights on further topics for discussion in later projects or on tour?

Webb: That’s a good question. I can never see beyond the work that’s right in front of me. I don’t typically make specific plans. I’ve said this a little bit, but I think it’s important for me to keeping saying it because of a certain perception—I’m not a crusader. I’m not always looking to go after yet another issue. All I can say is that I keep my eyes open, and I trust my instincts—and that’s served me pretty well in the past. I’m not trying to lead anybody to anything; I’m not a leader. I’m not trying to prove anything. On my best day, I’m just looking at the world and telling listeners what I see. And I may be looking at a totally different world this time next year.<