In a very transparent interview with The Breakfast Club over at Power 105 radio, Kirk Franklin offers his opinion on how religion has become both commercial and seemingly exclusive, forcing many souls to believe that being saved is a task not worth pursuing.
Franklin realizing this trajectory, has taken the initiative to spread the word of God in any way possible. Recently, Franklin released an album entitled Losing My Religion speaking on his spiritual journal and how losing his religion helped him realize what God truly was in his life. In his NPR interview Franklin states, “I feel that the pursuit of trying to know who God is, and trying to be known by God, can be lost in religion. Because religion, all that it is, is man's attempt to try to put a definition on something that is very hard to define.”
Despite many people understanding where Franklin is coming from, there has been a numerous amount of backlash from the black church in regards to Franklin's new found lifestyle seeing as he is a premier household name in Gospel music. In addition to releasing his own album, recently Franklin has teamed up with Kanye West on his The Life of Pablo album. On the album, Franklin's choir assists in background vocals, while Franklin offers a word of prayer to all who listen. Before the release of the album, West posted a photo with Franklin (seen above) and many were confused about the two connecting. Due to the attitude attached to West, many saw Franklin paring with him as an endorsement for the anti-Christ. Franklin would later defend himself speaking about how religious jargon has disconnected the church from the wrongdoer. Franklin states, “that is a dangerous message I believe we send to the world when our posture is they have to meet certain requirements before they are worthy to kiss the ring. It says people are not redeemable, forgivable or candidates for grace. That my friend is religious."
Many have gone on campaigns, asking the church to “wake up” as it pertains to Kirk Franklin. Others took to Facebook, speaking out on how Christianity is becoming a game, and believers should start preparing for the return of Christ. These serve as clear examples of what Franklin is speaking about within the message of his album. Franklin proposes the idea that, “we should offer that gratitude that Christ had when he walked the earth, lifting people, offering hope, and enhancing people’s lives." Franklin goes on to apologize for religious jargon put forth by the church as a whole regarding: homosexuality, addictions, and living a full life reiterating the fact that despite wrongdoing, God still loves his people. Franklin stands firm in his decision to reach those souls outside of the church, believing that like God those are the ones that need the most help.
