Is Kanye actually Christian and should we listen to his music?
Short Answer
Kanye West (or any celebrity for that matter) is subject to the same criteria for being a Christian as any other person. What does the Bible say?
Romans 10:9 – If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
If Kanye has repented of his sins and submitted to Christ as Lord of his life then he, like anyone else, has become a Christian. The Bible says a true Christian will bear fruit (Matthew 7:16-20), so time will tell whether Kanye’s conversion is authentic. And before we criticize and judge whether we think his fruit is sufficient (Matthew 7:1-5), remember that we are all in a process that the Bible calls “sanctification” (being made more holy) that will make us look more and more like Jesus.
Ephesians 4:22-24 – Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
More Info
Should we listen to Kanye’s music? Much of his music before his conversion is not edifying (even if it has some Christian themes), and some of it is even explicitly inappropriate. However, his latest album (after his announced conversion), “Jesus is King”, has many lyrics that are very biblical and God-honoring. What music we listen to is a personal choice.
It’s also helpful to remember that God does not call us to follow after human celebrities because of their fame. But he can use anyone where they are to bring him glory if they are willing to submit to him.
1Corinthians 1:26-29 – Brothers, consider your calling: Not many are wise from a human perspective, not many powerful, not many of noble birth. Instead, God has chosen what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen what is weak in the world to shame the strong. God has chosen what is insignificant and despised in the world—what is viewed as nothing—to bring to nothing what is viewed as something, so that no one can boast in His presence.
Link: Kanye West’s Christianity https://www.summit.org/resources/reflect/kanyes-christianity/
