All articles by Derek Walker
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InterviewsLamorna Ash: The progressive writer trying to become a Christian
The author of the critically acclaimed book Don’t Forget We’re Here Forever spent a year trying Christianity Explored, Iona retreats and Quaker meetings in an attempt to find faith for herself. She shares the highs and lows of her spiritual journey so far with Derek Walker and explains why an evangelical view of sexuality will always be a barrier for her
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ReviewsLamorna Ash spent a year searching for God. Did she find what she was looking for?
What draws Gen Z to Christianity and what might they find there? In Don’t Forget We’re Here Forever, Lamorna Ash explores faith with honesty, depth and a storyteller’s eye, offering an intriguing glimpse into a generation’s spiritual searching, says Derek Walker
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OpinionThe Alarm’s Mike Peters (1959-2025): The musician who just happened to be a Christian
Mike Peters, lead singer of The Alarm, has died of cancer aged 66. Derek Walker reflects on the life of the Welsh punk rocker who was a contemporary of U2’s Bono, an avid campaigner and a creative force to the end
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ReviewsThe surprising stories behind your favourite Christmas carols
Deck the Hall offers a blend of scholarly research and accessible storytelling - revealing the surprising origins of 27 beloved Christmas carols
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OpinionKris Kristofferson (1936-2024): When it came to faith, his lyrics did the talking
The acclaimed Country singer who died on Saturday never seemed that comfortable with public speaking. But a glance at his most famous songs reveal a man of deep Christian faith, observes Derek Walker
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OpinionMatt Redman pens hymn to fund Bible translation in Ukraine
To celebrate the 75th anniversary of Stuart Hine’s classic hymn, Matt Redman has recorded a new, star-studded version of ‘How great thou art’ to raise money for Ukraine, the country that inspired it
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Opinion‘I wear black for the poor and beaten down’: The Christian faith of Johnny Cash
20 years on from the death of Country superstar Johnny Cash, Derek Walker takes a look at the complicated life, faith and struggles of the ‘Man in Black’
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News AnalysisWhy has a drag queen topped the Christian music chart?
Flamy Grant’s debut album, Bible Belt Baby has reached the number one spot on the iTunes Christian music chart. Derek Walker explains the backstory
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Magazine Features50 years of Greenbelt: Christianity’s most controversial festival
As the unique Christian festival celebrates its 50th birthday, Derek Walker looks back at the event’s most memorable moments
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ReviewsI am Everything: Little Richard was full of contradictions. But he wanted to be remembered as a child of God
Credited with being the original father of rock and roll, Little Richard careened between religion, sex, drugs and music. Derek Walker reviews I Am Everything, the documentary which charts his complicated life and sexuality
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ReviewsSeven Psalms: Paul Simon's latest album is blatantly spiritual
The 81 year-old's latest project sees him musing on God, forgiveness and his own mortality
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ReviewsLennon, Dylan, Alice, and Jesus - Greg Laurie with Marshall Terrill
Greg Laurie’s enjoyable book hurtles along like a train, travelling from the gospel roots of rock and roll and terminating at Justin Bieber. The church background of the “million dollar quartet” of Elvis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis sets the scene. Laurie then investigates ...
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ReviewsCliff's new record puts Jesus at the heart of Christmas
Sir Cliff has grabbed the opportunity to celebrate Jesus as the true meaning of Christmas, says our reviewer
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Magazine FeaturesKeith Green: 40 years since his untimely death, the music lives on
The American singer-songwriter famous for his outspoken evangelistic style died in a plane crash in 1982. Derek Walker looks back on his life, faith and music ministry
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OpinionIs Eurovision’s Sam Ryder a man of faith?
The ears of Christians picked up when Sam Ryder compared the atmosphere at Eurovision to being in church. Is Ryder a Christian himself? Derek Walker investigates
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TestimoniesWhy I walked away from Christianity – and why my dad stayed
A father and son share their respective reasons for staying and leaving the faith
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Reviews‘Here I am to worship’: the story behind Tim Hughes’ chart-topping worship song
Inspired by a Stephen King story, the song that Matt Redman famously said was "not that strong” was written by Hughes when he was just 19. Despite a slow start, it went on to win multiple awards and be covered by a host of famous Christian artists
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ReviewsThe story behind the song: ‘What a beautiful name’
The popular Hillsong worship track has won awards and been sung by thousands across the world. Derek Walker explains how the song was born
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Reviews‘Cornerstone’ - the meaning behind Hillsong’s worship anthem
’Cornerstone’ is a modern take on an old hymn, written by Reuben Morgan in the midst of a gun shooting. Derek Walker explains more
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Reviews‘10,000 Reasons’ - the meaning behind the popular worship song
Matt Redman wrote his most popular worship song in record time. It’s enduring appeal lies in encouraging Christians to worship God in the pain of our everyday realities, says Derek Walker
