‘Lyrics Matter’—Evangelist Shane Pruitt Sounds the Alarm on Taylor Swift’s New Album
Pop star Taylor Swift has come under fire following the release of a surprise 31-song double album, titled “The Tortured Poets Department,” last Friday (April 19). Some have criticized Swift, who has described herself as a Christian, for her “self-worshipping” lyrics that include biblical imagery.
One person who has sounded the alarm on Swift’s new album is Shane Pruitt, the Southern Baptist Convention’s (SBC) Director of Next Gen Evangelism for the North American Mission Board (NAMB). Pruitt emphasized in a recent social media post that “LYRICS MATTER.”
“Disclaimer, I’m definitely not the minister or parent that has the ‘no secular music’ stance. Also, I fully realize unbelievers are going to act like unbelievers,” said Pruitt, who used to listen to Swift’s albums.
“HOWEVER,” he added, “there is a difference between being secular, and being ANTI-CHRISTIAN.
Pastor Shane Pruitt then posted – The other day I made a social post simply sharing a few lyrics from the new Taylor Swift album, and asking a few questions for us to consider.
Since then I’ve been flooded with messages that started with “I am a Swiftie… then, much further down in the message… I am also a Christian.”
Maybe, that is the root issue. Our identities are out of order.
If you’re a Christian, your PRIMARY identity is found in being a disciple of Jesus, not a pop star. He is the One who paid for your sins. He is the One who gives you eternal life. He is the One who gives real hope and meaning to your life. He is the One who gets you through difficult days. He is the only One worthy of worship.
Our primary calling is to be ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor 5:20), not ambassadors for celebrities.
Another friend posted this image
If you can’t see it. I pray the veil be lifted from your eyes and your ears closed to this music
It’s not Swifties vs Christians… 🙅🏼♀️
What it’s REALLY about is being reminded that our words have power…. ✝️ 💀
•God spoke the earth into existence in Genesis.
•Jesus spoke and calmed a raging storm in Matthew.
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21
Lyrics are words 🎶 🗣️
When we listen to specific lyrics and sing specific lyrics we are allowing the power of our tongue to bring life or death to our spirit, mind, soul, emotions, etc.
Fruit is the result of something… not all fruit is good and can actually be curses for our lives, our families, and future blessings.
Have you ever thought about the biggest book of the bible and what it actually is??? The book of Psalms has 150 chapters and they are all songs!!!
Out of all the things God could have added to the Bible He chose to have the biggest book of the Bible serve as a songbook for God’s people. Over half of Psalms was written by King David, who God said was a man after His own heart (1 Samual 13:14).
If lyrics didn’t matter to God or to our Christian walk then why would God make such a big deal about it??
Lyrics do matter to God!
So, yes… to the other bloggers who argue Taylor is old enough to write whatever songs she wants. You’re correct.
But, as Christians we have the choice to support it or not, to listen to the songs or not, to buy the concert tickets or not, to protect our daughters or not also!
God kept a whole generation of people from the Promise Land because they talked negatively against God. Would you choose to sacrifice future blessings just to listen to lyrics mocking God?? For me and my house, we will not!
What we will do though…
Is pray for Taylor and every swiftie to have such a personal encounter with God that they choose to use their power, gifts and talents to glorify God instead of mock him. 💜🙌🏻
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