For country stars making inspirational albums, the feat can oftentimes be as challenging – if not even more so – than recording Christmas CDs. To paraphrase the late Mark Heard, it is entirely possible to be too sacred for the sinners, and yet still make the saints wish you’d just leave. You can’t please everyone. But at least you ought to try.

With the task of attempting to be all things to all people, Kenny Rogers mostly succeeds with The Love Of God. Thankfully, Rogers – although not known as a particularly religious man – has lived a relatively clean life. Granted, he was an Indian Casino spokesperson for a gambling joint in the San Diego area for a while. But as far as we know, he hasn’t been in and out of rehab countless times, nor has he left behind a bevy of jilted lovers. Therefore, we can pretty much accept that Rogers has a fairly right relationship with God.

Rogers does not seem to be all too evangelical with his spirituality here. Instead, these songs reflect more of a personal relationship with God. And that tactic is going to go a long way in winning over the ‘sinner’ contingent in his country audience. In other words, he’s not trying to convert anybody. Songs like “Peace” and “The Rock Of Your Love” speak to the benefits Rogers has received from his spiritual quest. You may not agree with his theology, nor would you want to take it on as your own, but you will never feel threatened by it either.

Stylistically, Rogers walks a thin line between contemporary Christian music and traditional country. He opens with “Will The Circle Be Unbroken,” and closes with the hymn, “Leaning On The Everlasting Arms.” He also includes “In The Sweet By And By” and “Amazing Grace.” Yet even the relatively new song, “The Rock Of Your Love,” is sweetened with traditional pedal steel.

There are also significant touches of contemporary Christian music woven into these recordings, too. For example, “Grace” was written by hit maker Michael W. Smith and former Delirious? lead man, Martin Smith. Christian pop stars Point Of Grace also join in to sing “Circle Of Friends” with Rogers.

Rogers’ hesitance to either go full-on contemporary Christian or traditional country is what keeps this disc from being something truly great. Sure, he may have offended one of these two camps by doing so, but at least he would have gone completely with his heart. Also, gospel music – of every stripe – is first and foremost singing music. It’s not for no reason that some of the best soul and country singers get their starts in the church. These folks cut their teeth in making a name for themselves in their home congregations. But let’s face it, Rogers has never been any great shakes as a vocalist. Oh, sure, he can hold a tune. However, he is much more of a song stylist. Unfortunately, people don’t go to church to hear someone lightly caress the song they’re singing. Instead, they go there to shout and sing like John The Baptist, echoing that Biblical voice in the wilderness.

If nothing else, The Love Of God might work as good baby steps for fearful agnostics. Kenny Rogers is waiting to be your gentle tour guide.

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