“I’ve Seen God, But the Church Feels Like a Show” – Rapper T.I
Kehinde Adeleye
American rapper Clifford Joseph Harris Jr., popularly known as T.I, has explained why he doesn’t attend church despite being a Christian.
Speaking in a recent interview with gospel musician Kirk Franklin, the Atlanta-born star said he was raised in a strong Christian household and has a deep personal faith. However, he described the church as more of a business than a spiritual home.
“I have never been a church person. I grew up in a strong Christian household. My grandma and auntie were very strong in prayer. So, I know how to pray and I know the word. And I know God is real, I’ve seen his presence and his hands in my life. But I have never felt the connection with the church,” T.I said.
He criticized some Christian leaders for allegedly twisting the Bible for personal gain. “To be honest, I don’t think the church is real. I think it’s a business. It’s like a show. It’s like public-speaking, like TED talk. And sometimes, the clergies try to twist the word of God to benefit them,” he added.
T.I also expressed his disbelief in the need to pay tithes or make financial contributions in order to receive blessings. “Y’all telling me… I gotta pay this joker… for my God to hear my prayer??? Mehn I’m outta here,” he said.
The rapper emphasized that he does not believe a clergy member should act as a middleman in his relationship with God, asserting that his faith is personal and direct.
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