What’s up with Kanye? Is he really a Christian?
Kanye West has taken off like wildfire since the release of his latest album, “Jesus is King,” but the question followers of Jesus everywhere are asking is—is Kanye really a Christian?
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What’s up with Kanye? Is he really a Christian?
Okay, so what’s up with Kanye West? I know he’s a successful music artist, as well as the husband of Kim Kardashian, but I’m otherwise very unfamiliar with him. Until lately.
I told my sister I didn’t think I’d ever even heard one of his songs. She assured me I had and quickly pulled up “Gold Digger” from nearly 15 years ago.
By the way, he’s been around that long? Wow. Time flies.
Anyway, he’s been popping up in the media over the past several months off and on with vague reports from news sources that he’s “found religion” or become spiritual.
When I hear that phraseology, my radar immediately goes off. I’m very cautious about equating the terms “finding God” or “becoming religious” with putting one’s personal faith in Jesus’ finished work.
Even the word “Christian” sets off my radar these days. The term is generally viewed by the mainstream populace as religious, when in fact, being a Christian has nothing to do with religion and everything to do with a relationship.
So when I started hearing that Kanye West had come out with some Sunday Service initiative, I was incredibly skeptical. And with good reason.
What about his past?
Just take a look at Kanye’s past. Acting rebellious and rude in the spotlight, feuding with other artists, creating wildly popular yet blasphemous music… That was Kanye in a nutshell.
Just look at one of his most popular albums entitled “Yeezus.” If the title alone isn’t enough, one of the tracks is called “I Am a God.”
The lyrics are vulgar and disturbing. Yet, despite the obvious influence of the evil one, there are parts that make me wonder if he wasn’t wrestling with the Holy Spirit even then. Here are some excerpts from the song:
⚠️ Heads up: there’s some offensive language in the song. However, I’ve chosen to only mildly edit the lyrics because turning a blind eye rarely helps, and I believe it’s important we see things for what they are.
I just talked to Jesus
He said, “What up Yeezus?”
I said, “Sh*t I’m chilling
Trying to stack these millions”
I know he the most high
But I am a close high
Mi casa es su casa
That’s our costa nostra
I am a God
I am a God
I am a God
Ain’t no way I’m giving up on my God
“I Am a God,” Kanye West
Obviously, these words are intense and blasphemous. Kanye’s referring to himself as a god and mocking the Lord Jesus.
Yet, here are some interesting lyrics to consider:
I am a God
Even though I’m a man of God
My whole life in the hands of God
So y’all better quit playing with God
Hmm. Perhaps he’s just referring to himself in various ways as “God.” But part of me wonders if these lyrics don’t show some kind of curiosity or recognition of the possible existence of a higher power.
Only God knows. But my point isn’t to analyze song lyrics. I just wanted to share some background on Kanye’s history and the fruits of his life thus far.
What about his present?
But now, here he is, seemingly coming out of left field with this “I’m a Christian” proclamation.
And the one question on all our minds is, “Is he for real with this?”
Only time will tell. One can proclaim the name of Jesus Christ as Lord, but only time will show the fruits born of repentance and of Christ’s Lordship in one’s life, or the lack thereof.
It seems that Kanye truly believes himself to be a Christian. He’s gone on TV shows and done interviews where he says he’s a Christian and talks about Jesus… and I don’t think it’s fake. He seems sincere.
But as for whether or not he’s truly been born again, only time will tell.
Meanwhile, let’s take a look at Kanye’s new album that’s causing such a stir within and without Christendom. I’m including a selection of lyrics from several songs on the album so we can see exactly the kinds of things he’s talking about in “Jesus is King.”
“Selah”
Won’t be in bondage to any man
John 8:33
We the descendants of Abraham
Ye should be made free
John 8:36
To whom the son set free is free indeed
He saved a wretch like me
“Selah,” Kanye West
“Closed on Sunday”
Stand up for my home
Even if I take this walk alone
I bow down to the King upon the throne
My life is His, I’m no longer my own
“Closed on Sunday,” Kanye West
“On God”
“How you get so much favor on your side?”
“Accept Him as your Lord and Saviour,” I replied
Thou shalt love thy neighbor, not divide
“On God,” Kanye West
“Hands On”
Nothing worse than a hypocrite
Change, he ain’t really different
He ain’t even try to get permission
Ask for advice and they dissed him
Said I’m finna do a gospel album
What have you been hearin’ from the Christians?
They’ll be the first one to judge me
Make it feel like nobody love me
They’ll be the first one to judge me
Feelin’ like nobody love me
“Hands On,” Kanye West
“God Is”
Everything that hath breath praise the Lord
Worship Christ with the best of your portions
I know I won’t forget all He’s done
He’s the strength in this race that I run
Every time I look up, I see God’s faithfulness
And it shows just how much He is miraculous
I can’t keep it to myself, I can’t sit here and be still
Everybody, I will tell ’til the whole world is healed
King of Kings, Lord of Lords, all the things He has in store
From the rich to the poor, all are welcome through the door
You won’t ever be the same when you call on Jesus’ name
Listen to the words I’m sayin’, Jesus saved me, now I’m sane
And I know, I know God is the force that picked me up
I know Christ is the fountain that filled my cup
I know God is alive, yeah
He has opened up my vision
Giving me a revelation
This ain’t ’bout a dead religion
Jesus brought a revolution
All the captives are forgiven
Time to break down all the prisons
Every man, every woman
There is freedom from addiction
Jesus, You have my soul
Sunday Service on a roll
All my idols, let ’em go
All the demons, let ’em know
This a mission, not a show
This is my eternal soul
This my kids, this the crib
This my wife, this my life
This my God-given right
Thank You, Jesus, won the fight
“God Is,” Kanye West
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Listen for yourself
If you want to give these songs a listen yourself, you can find Kanye’s new album on YouTube here:
Is Kanye really a Christian?
I’ve seen so many people speaking out and saying that it’s not possible, that Kanye West can’t possibly be saved. But who are we to say so?
Just look at the Saul-to-Paul transformation!
The power of God is unfathomable and reaches from the highest heights to the deepest depths.
Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
How can we think such a change is beyond the realm of possibility? As the popular saying goes, God’s still in the business of saving sinners!
Here’s the thing. We can’t know whether Kanye West has made the personal choice to accept Jesus as Savior and Lord. That’s between him and God Almighty.
But we can look at the fruits of his recently rebranded life:
- He’s opening up about his struggles before he was a Christian.
- He’s praising God for all the blessings in his life.
- He’s crediting Jesus with his salvation and his new, mended ways and relationships.
- He states that from now on he’s not playing any of his old music.
Those things would certainly seem to be indicators that a change for the better is taking place in his life. Yet, no one can be certain if this is a temporary change or a permanent transformation—only time will tell if his faith is true.
Here’s a video of a combination interview/performance on The Late, Late Show with James Corden:
Here’s another video clip where Kanye’s having a discussion with his wife about his concerns about the way she dresses. Notice how the reporter says he stormed out. (Really? Lol.) Give it a watch here:
His wife seems frustrated because of his obvious change of heart. She even acknowledges how much he’s been changing.
So, quick question: does all of this sound like the old Kanye who used to proclaim himself a god?
100% no. And he credits his positive changes and triumph over trials to God, and—at least for now—he’s giving Him the glory.
Pray for him
It’s so important to remember that if Kanye really is a follower of Christ, he’s yet a baby, so to speak.
He’s a brand new believer and still learning about the Savior whom he’s chosen to follow. (As we all should be throughout the course of our lives.)
But being so young in the faith, he especially needs prayer.
Just look at the song mentioned above, “Hands On”:
Change, he ain’t really different
…
What have you been hearin’ from the Christians?
They’ll be the first one to judge me
Make it feel like nobody love me
“Hands On,” Kanye West
Yikes. But is he wrong?
Already being a celebrity in the public eye—and now getting even more attention—Kanye needs prayer. And he even asks for it in the last line of that song.
With the opposition and temptation he’ll be facing, he definitely needs prayer.
His family needs prayer as well as they adjust to his new way of life. Pray that they will also repent and trust in Jesus.
My plea is that Kanye isn’t torn down and attacked by those who should be his brothers and sisters—his fellow believers.
My plea is that we put aside those differences other than “salvation through Jesus Christ alone” and support each other within the church and the kingdom of God.
Yes, his past is imperfect.
Yes, his present is imperfect.
Yes, his future will be imperfect.
ALL OF OURS ARE.
Kanye is going through the most important time of his life right now, and I urge us all to pray that he’ll remain strong in the faith during whatever trials he may face.
Free Prayer Board printable
Ever commit to pray for someone and forget to follow through? I’ve got the solution! Get the password for the library with the free Prayer Board printable here by filling out this form:
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