Kerry Livgren, the primary songwriter and guitarist for the band Kansas, was known for penning iconic hits like "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind". But behind the music, Livgren was on a profound spiritual quest. Raised in Topeka, Kansas, and confirmed in the Lutheran church, he found his early religious experiences unfulfilling. Describing the faith of his youth, Livgren noted, "A Christian was either a hypocrite who went to church on Sundays as a social maneuver, or a wild-eyed Jesus freak who fanatically threw tracts at people on the street and told them they were going to fry in hell."
Rock Musician's Spiritual Searching
As a teenager, Livgren drifted from Christianity and explored various religions and philosophies. He became particularly interested in the Urantia Book, which he initially believed to be a divine revelation. His hit song "Dust in the Wind" emerged from this time of spiritual searching, reflecting a deep yearning for something eternal.
Kerry Livgren's Divine Encounter
The turning point came in 1979 while touring with Kansas. Livgren met Jeff Pollard of the band Le Roux, a committed Christian. Their theological debates became so intense that Livgren began traveling with Pollard's group rather than his own bandmates. Despite Livgren's attempts to sway Pollard, he felt a growing conviction that Pollard's faith was grounded in truth.
A pivotal moment occurred in Indianapolis on July 23, 1979, when a fan prayed for Livgren during a concert. Later that night, Livgren found himself in crisis in his hotel room. He picked up *The Liberation of Planet Earth*, a book given to him by Pollard, and prayed, "Lord, if Jesus Christ is your Son, then I want to know Him. If He really is the living God, my Redeemer and my Lord, then I want to serve Him with all my heart." Livgren described the experience as overwhelming. "The moment I did that, the Spirit swept me like a flood and I cried like a baby. I knew I'd really found the Lord," he recalled.
Life Transformed Through Faith
Following his conversion, Livgren's life and music underwent a profound transformation. He embraced Christianity wholeheartedly, becoming an evangelical Christian and infusing his work with his newfound faith. His lyrics began to reflect his Christian worldview, and he released his first solo album, *Seeds of Change*, in 1980. Eventually, Livgren left Kansas to form a new band, AD, with other Christian musicians.
Even after facing a stroke later in life, Livgren remained steadfast in his faith. "If I don't play ever again, I'm okay. I thank God for what has happened to me. I don't understand why but I give thanks to God," he affirmed. Livgren's journey from spiritual seeker to devoted Christian is a testament to the transformative power of faith and the reality of divine intervention.
