WHY JUDGING KANYE WEST IS POINTLESS AND HARMFUL AND DISCERNING HIS MUSIC IS NECESSARY AND HELPFUL
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. – Hands On
On October 25th, Kanye West released his newest album entitled Jesus is King to immediate skepticism and criticism from many Christian listeners. In the past, Christians have easily been able to dismiss the music of Kanye West because of the arrogance, misogyny, and profanity within it. However, Jesus is King features a gospel choir, is void of profanity, contains no misogyny, and includes Kanye West boldly proclaiming his Christian beliefs. This album is much harder for Christians to ignore.
Rather than critically engage with this album, some Christians find it much easier to discredit Kanye West’s character and authenticity. They speculate that Kanye West is not really a Christian (Jesus-follower), but released Jesus is King as publicity stunt or marketing strategy. Kanye West’s previous music and past public failings are used as evidence of what Kanye West currently believes. These Christians are not willing to believe Kanye West is capable of change or redemption. Kanye is right. Christians “will be the first one to judge me.”
Judging if an artist is a Christian is pointless and harmful. For one, audiences are in a particularly poor position to judge because their interactions with a popular artist like Kanye West is extremely mediated. They only know Kanye through his music, appearances, interviews, and social media. Christians ignore his humanity and objectify him as a celebrity who must be perfect. When he fails, he is ridiculed and shamed. The conversation functions more like gossip. Arguments develop between critics and defenders without Kanye West being present in the conversation. Soon, the critics even question whether the defenders of Kanye West can be Christian if they listen to his music. What’s more, all Christians begin to fear that they will face a similar public shaming if others really knew their own hearts and failings. The unanswerable question of another human’s salvation status harms all who ask it.
Jesus understands the harm judgement like this causes so he gives a clear command in Matthew 7:1-2, “Do not judge others and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others.” Jesus also instructs his followers about the critical importance of loving others (Mark 12:30-31). And yes, Christians can love Kanye West and still be wise discerners of his music.
Music discernment helps listeners finds songs that shape them in positive ways and avoid songs that are harmful. Christians who practice discernment explore whether the emotions and ideas in the song are truthful and helpful for them as they follow the teachings of Jesus. Every song is infused with ideas and emotions and must be tested by the listener. Some of these ideas sound attractive but distort truth in a way that impacts behaviour and beliefs. Paul encourages Christians in Colossians 2:8: “Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that comes from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.”Jesus himself becomes the ultimate filter of whether the ideas and emotions found within a song will help Christians.
Rather than attacking or defending Kanye West, Christians would benefit from critically engaging with the album Jesus is King. If some of the songs’ ideas and the emotions help the listener grow closer to Jesus, amazing! If after listening, Christians find they are uninspired and feel indifferent, they can find other music that will be helpful. And if Christians hear ideas on Jesus is King that they believe are “empty philosophies” or “high-sounding nonsense,” feel free to vigorously engage in dialogue. Just don’t judge Kanye West. Jesus said so and He is King.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CNPg2IQoC0]