– Marvin Sapp says Christians should support the Gospel artiste even if their lifestyle is questionable
– His comment stirs controversy
America Gospel singer & senior pastor of Lighthouse Full Life Center Church, Marvin Sapp, sparked up a controversy on Thursday when he suggested that Christians should buy the music of gospel artists even if their private lives are “questionable.”
Marvin Sapp cited the success of rapper Jay-Z‘s much publicized “4:44” digital-only album which was certified platinum, with sales of 1 million copies in the U.S., less than a week after its June 30 release.
“Jay-Z’s album went platinum and it hasn’t even been released to the masses yet!” Sapp said. “It went certified platinum just on tidal! Coming to Apple and all other outlets next week! What is that saying?”
“The world supports its own,” Sapp responded to his rhetorical question.
“Not one supporter of Jay-Z (Believer or non-Believer) questions his lifestyle, beliefs or commitment to his wife. They know that the messenger is flawed but they support his message to the tune of 1 million sales and it hasn’t been released to the masses yet. I believe the world gets what believers still don’t or refuse to understand,” he continued. “#myopinionon That the message is always bigger than the messenger.
“Believers won’t buy gospel music of some artist because of their presumed flaws and questionable life. Making them (the artist) bigger than the message of Christ and in doing so silencing this great gospel message musically, and slowly but surely putting this industry of gospel music on life support that has the ability to impact the masses,
“One day I pray that we all drop our rocks and remember that everyone, and I mean everyone, that God used in Scripture was flawed and or had issues that wasn’t Jesus Christ. And that’s why we needed His redemptive work in our lives. However, even with their flaws and all, God used them to deliver a message of hope and healing. Support the message of gospel music and let’s keep it alive,” he said.
Following Marvin Sapp’s comment a heated controversy arose which by Friday evening had triggered nearly 3,000 reactions and more than 360 comments, many of them disagreeing with his logic.
Amongst those who protested against Marvin Sapp’s view is teacher and pastor at New Seasons Christian Ministries, Steven Dinwiddie.
“I don’t agree we cannot conform to the world and win the world. Jay-Z preaches and lives his lifestyle. We need to preach and live ours,” Dinwiddie wrote.
Actress Zondra Wilson agreed, with Sapp however she holds a slightly different view:
“I agree with you! I get what bishop is saying, however, you can’t compare the world and the Church. We are held to a higher standard,” she replied.
