Writing Christian music; Bono's realism critique

• Is it hard to keep writing fresh Christian songs without repeating yourself?
• Does Christian music sometimes lack realism? (Bono's critique)

Asked what he is listening to and whether it is hard to keep writing fresh Jesus-centered songs, John says he was not Petra's main writer, so his own songwriting still feels fresh, and credits mentors like Bob Hartman and John Lowry. On Bono's remark that Christian music lacks realism, John says Christian music leans on formulas because the market is a small pond and musicians have to make a living; a host agrees the critique is true but incomplete.