Genuine Faith: Joy Over Scrutiny
Often times, in a sociological setting, we continually ask ourselves the question- is it okay to introduce change into another’s society? [1 pg. 396] From a Biblical worldview, this question most likely haunts Christians as they head off to new countries to become missionaries and evangelists. When seeking to make a cultural change into another society, it seems imperative to always ask the tough questions- is this change I am seeking based on Biblical principles? What are the potential consequences of this change in a new society other than my own? The hardest question to ask would probably be, could this change be more effectively introduced by members from within the culture itself instead of me? [1 pg. 397] It is often difficult to initiate change in other cultures due to the set structure of norms already established there.
Well today, I find it fascinating, that as we seek to show Christ to the world through evangelists and missionaries, we have a new convert right within our country who just launched a potential social change into our very homeland- Kanye West. Believe me, when I say, I never imagined a day when I would be urging Christians to graciously accept a man like this into the faith, but yet, I am reminded of the life I lived prior to Christ getting ahold of me. Many Christians today would argue that in order for them to accept a man such as Kanye West, they would need to see extreme signs of true conversion. While I admit, I do maintain some skepticism, I rightly recognize that there are no bones that are too dry for God to give them flesh (Ezek. 37:1–14).
What then, are the potential social changes that can reverberate through our society today with the Christian conversion of a Hollywood superstar such as Kanye West? Well, this could honestly head in either direction- positively, there could be those who spend a lot of their time indulging in the pop-culture who could be influenced by the work West did on his newest album Jesus is King. We rightly recognize that as a new believer in Jesus Christ begins to mature through the process of sanctification and holy living, there is a new set of desires and beliefs that begin to challenge their old way of thinking [2]. Regarding a sinful lifestyle that most of us have once lived, or perhaps still struggle deeply with, Paul reminded the Corinthians that they too were once that way; yet, they were washed and sanctified and rightly justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 6:9–11).
It would seem inappropriate to approach Kanye West in the same way in which we would correct and rebuke a life-long saint in the faith [2]. This ties into a two-fold negative that could come of this conversion of a celebrity in our culture. First, we will begin to see a backlash from the hardened and sinful society. There are already those who are ridiculing West for his faith and denying that there is any change within him at all [3]. It is almost as if Christians at large were warned they will be hated because the world hates Christ (insert sarcasm here) (John 15:18).
The second negative that I foresee to continue as it already has started, is the general lack of welcome from the evangelical community regarding Kanye West’s conversion. Not only does the world hate him for his public profession of Christ, but there are those within the Christian community that are so skeptical that they are unwilling to even give him a chance. Kanye even discusses this is one of his new songs titled Hands On. He raps “I deserve all the criticism you got, if that’s all the love you have, that’s all you got. To say I’m change, you think I’m joking. To praise His name, you ask what I’m smoking. Yes I, understand your reluctancy, yeah. But I have a request you see. Don’t throw me up. Lay your hands on me. Please, pray for me” [4]. Like a newborn infant, Kanye is clearly longing for the pure spiritual milk, so that he may grow up into salvation (1 Pet. 2:2). The response of skepticism and lack of acceptance from the Christian community is disheartening at best.
Now, I am not saying that West is well-trained and fit for the Pastorate by any means, but I can say that he is clearly expressing a valid theology and salvation paired with a desire to boldly speak the name of Christ- which is more than I can say for my early conversion in life. What do life-long Christians honestly expect of a man who was recently saved out of his depraved lifestyle and shown the free grace of God just as they were? Instead of the negative reaction from both sides of the culture, we should be willing to admit that this change in his life, could very well spark a social change within ours. One that might entail further persecution, or possibly a genuine revival within our stiff-necked society.
What fascinates me the most about a situation such as this, is the clear frustration a wicked society has against those who have been rescued by God from their addictions such as drugs, sex, and alcohol. When social norms such as these behaviors become challenged, there is a panic and an attempt to rebalance the status and downplay the sinfulness of such actions. I would have to praise God if He truly did save Kanye West, but I would also have to agree with Trevin Wax, that we have idolized and lifted up celebrity culture to a place far higher than it belongs [5].
Surely, men of prominent status such as Kanye West could very well spark a potential social change in our culture; however, I think the heightened sense of media and article writing about this man could be hindering to his faith. As with many celebrities in the past who “found God”, our culture tends to ride the wave of “spirituality” while allowing for sinful behaviors under the banner of Christianity because of the celebrities’ status and endorsement. Also, in Wax’s article in the Gospel Coalition, he reminds us to check our hearts in regard to our excitement over celebrity conversions. Are we just as excited when a non-celebrity expresses a sincere interest in the faith? [5]
My thoughts on this whole situation as I type this blog seem to bounce back and forth between the positive and negative, and to be honest, I am not entirely sure where I stand on it all. On one hand, I am grateful if God has truly redeemed another lost soul for His glory; yet, I am worried that the spotlight may once again cause another person to abandon the faith. As with one of the opening questions, perhaps Kanye needs to ask himself, will this potential change have latent consequences? I am not saying him being saved is a bad thing, but maybe he should step away from the spotlight for a time in which he can come under the care of the elders of a Biblically faithful church.
If Kanye West has a desire and gifting to continue to produce music and evangelize, let him be examined and taught as any new convert would be. I think it is admirable that he has such desires and wishes to jump headfirst into a new direction for his music and his life- this is exciting to once again see the passion and zeal that the Spirit of God can instill in the hearts of His children, yet there should be a season of learning and humble submission from him. From an interview with Pastor Adam Tyson, we do see a continued desire within Kanye West to grow in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ- this is wonderfully encouraging [6]. West has been meeting with Tyson for over two months now where they have Bible study together and Tyson states that he has seen fruit already in West’s life and a true desire to learn and grow [6].
Social change does not always have to be an extreme and radical thing. As previously stated, due to our cultures elevation of those who have a celebrity status, there could be a positive that comes from a man such as Kanye West becoming a Christian. However, the real challenge is preventing a man of such status from falling away from the faith. Granted, those who are truly saved will persevere until the end, it would be prudent however for the Christian community to help train up this man as well as not aid in the elevation of his status which could result in a terrible backsliding.
In all reality, the key to this entire situation is the joy we are to have when anyone comes to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. We should rejoice and be willing to take those at their word who profess Christ, as well as walk alongside them as they grow. We need to recognize that due to the elevated status of celebrities, their conversion might spark social change in a negative manner, and we need to be prepared to stand firm in the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3).
Works Cited
[3] Caramanica, Jon. “Kanye West, Heretic by Nature, Finds God.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 27 Oct. 2019, www.nytimes.com/2019/10/27/arts/music/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-review.html.
[2] Gilbert, Grayson. “I Never Thought I’d Say This, but: In Defense of Kanye West.” The Chorus In The Chaos, Patheos Explore the World’s Faith through Different Perspectives on Religion and Spirituality! Patheos Has the Views of the Prevalent Religions and Spiritualities of the World., 7 Oct. 2019, www.patheos.com/blogs/chorusinthechaos/in-defense-of-kanye-west/.
[6] Goins-Phillips, Tré. “Pastor Working with Kanye West Reveals Details of Rapper’s ‘Radical’ Salvation Several Months Ago.” Faithwire, 7 Oct. 2019, www.faithwire.com/2019/10/07/pastor-working-with-kanye-west-reveals-details-of-rappers-radical-salvation-several-months-ago/.
[1] Grunlan, Stephen A., and Milton Reimer. Christian Perspectives on Sociology. Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2001.
[4] “Kanye West (Ft. Fred Hammond) — Hands On.” Genius, 25 Oct. 2019, genius.com/Kanye-west-hands-on-lyrics.
[5] Wax, Trevin. “Kanye West, Justin Bieber, and What to Make of Celebrity Conversions.” The Gospel Coalition, The Gospel Coalition, 23 Sept. 2019, www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevin-wax/kanye-west-justin-bieber-make-celebrity-conversions/.
