I wrote earlier about Jennifer Knapp coming out of the closet and relaunching her career in the 100% more authentic world of “not-Christian” music.* She also did an interview with Christianity Today** where she answered their prying questions about her life, her career, her “lifestyle choice,” and her “struggles with same sex attraction.” She really is a saint for speaking to the interviewer, Mark Moring, because he asks so many questions in such a trademark Christian fashion: intellectually dishonest, callously dismissive of easily verifiable facts, disrespectful, and all under the comfortable umbrella of “The Chrischin worldvyew.” Par exemple:
I understand. But I’m curious: Were you struggling with same-sex attraction when writing your first three albums? Those songs are so confessional, clearly coming from a place of a person who knows her need for grace and mercy.
Knapp: To be honest, it never occurred to me while writing those songs. I wasn’t seeking out a same-sex relationship during that time.
During my college years, I received some admonishment about some relationships I’d had with women. Some people said, “You might want to renegotiate that,” even though those relationships weren’t sexual. Hindsight being 20/20, I guess it makes sense. But if you remove the social problem that homosexuality brings to the church‚Äîand the debate as to whether or not it should be called a “struggle,” because there are proponents on both sides‚Äîyou remove the notion that I am living my life with a great deal of joy. It never occurred to me that I was in something that should be labeled as a “struggle.” The struggle I’ve had has been with the church, acknowledging me as a human being, trying to live the spiritual life that I’ve been called to, in whatever ramshackled, broken, frustrated way that I’ve always approached my faith. I still consider my hope to be a whole human being, to be a person of love and grace. So it’s difficult for me to say that I’ve struggled within myself, because I haven’t. I’ve struggled with other people. I’ve struggled with what that means in my own faith. I have struggled with how that perception of me will affect the way I feel about myself.
Uh yeah. “Hi, I’m a ‘Christian journalist,’ and as such, I totally deserve to be smacked.”
The fact that she didn’t is a testament to her character.
*Yeah, I’m a singer/songwriter. I dare you to challenge me on my contention that “Christian music” is a fake “genre” created for people who aren’t talented enough to make it in real music and/or listeners who are unable to handle the real world and instead need “Christianized” versions of everything, from movies to music to freaking toothpaste, if it’s available.
**Damn, Jennifer. Way to jump in the lion’s den!
You GO, Jennifer! I would have had to work very hard to supress the urge to punch Mr. Xtian Journalist. What a patronising TWIT.
I’m glad to see that Jennifer Knapp has decided to come out and to leave the Christian music scene. I think she’s pretty talented and should have success. I also hope that if she is actually looking, that she will find someone as super and nice as she is to share her life with.
Jennifer You are loved and it was so beautiful to see how in a difficult moment you and the pastor continued to demonstate Gods love to one another. I wanted to clarify a point that wasn’t clear in the interview “in sin” we are separated from God. That is written in the Holy Bible. No matter what the sin (sin is sin)at that moment we are separated from God (The Father, The son and The Holy Spirt) and cannot have a relationship with Him. Hence, as a Christian we all fall short and sin, yes, but we are called to repent and turn away from sin and with Gods Grace are forgiven. I believe that is what the pastor was saying to you and all of us during that interview. It’s time to return to Him so God can use you for His Glory!
All in His Love! A Believer in The Truth. God Bless you in your journey back to Him! BTW I love your music.
honey– she never left. That she has separated ihmself form him is totally a fabircation of your mind, unless you are willing to claim that god personally ocnfided in you about his relationship with Jennifer.
I think Jennifer Knapp is an amazing artist. I became a fan of hers 12 years ago when I saw her perform at Calvin College, and have been hoping for many years that she would release a new album. I am a Christian, and I accept Jennifer and her lifestyle with love and grace, just as God would have us do!
But to the author of this article, why are you so hostile toward Christians and Christian culture in general? While I disagree with the evangelicals who condemn Jennifer, I do respect their right to believe what they do. And, after watching Larry King Live, it is clear that Jennifer does, too. Not all Christians are the villains we are made out to be.
I listen to both Christian and secular music. There are some immensely talented Christian musicians out there, and it’s a shame that you dismiss their abilities based on their faith association. If you listen to Jennifer’s previous records, can you really say that her music is “fake,” that she’s not good enough to make it in the “real world?” To me the answer to that question is clear.
I.H.L., you have a very small god if he needs people to deny themselves innocent love in order to satisfy his arrogance.
Marie, you say you respect the right of evangelicals to condemn Jennifer, do you also respect the right of white supremacists to condemn black people?
Why? Maybe because we’re tired of hearing rleigion justify unrelenting hostility towards us.
Priya, I don’t respect the opinions of white supremacists! In fact, I think their opinions are wrong and detrimental to society. But I do respect their ability to have those opinions. This is, after all, a free country.
Not all religious people are full of relentless hostility, Ben. Jennifer Knapp is a fine example, and I, too, hope to be an example of the kind of love that Jesus has shown for all of us. It’s not about condemning people at all! It’s about acceptance and love for everyone, regardless of lifestyle. Christianity is not a religion for people who are perfect, a view which those who are relentlessly hostile may have you believe. Check out a United Church of Christ with an open mind. You may just be pleasantly surprised at what you find.
I love her and her music, and i know God will always love her. That is just the love he has for everyone and its always abundant. My only problem is she became another statistic, and bought into a new age lie. I don’t condem same sex relationships, i have no right to, but I won’t support it. Its not what God had for her. She did too right those songs for her heart straight from God, you don’t right stuff like that out of nothing.
I love her and her music, and i know God will always love her. That is just the love he has for everyone and its always abundant. My only problem is she became another statistic, and bought into a new age lie. I don’t condem same sex relationships, i have no right to, but I won’t support it. Its not what God had for her. She did too right those songs from her heart straight from God, you don’t right stuff like that out of nothing.
Nobody gives a damn whether or not you “support” her life, “God’s kid,” so stop talking. Your opinion on Jennifer Knapp’s life is beyond irrelevant, and she didn’t ask what you thought. So again, stop talking, before you make more of a fool of yourself than you already have.
Also, the word you’re looking for is “w-r-i-t-e.” I know it’s hard when words sound the same, but this information was available through public education in fifth grade or so, and it’s not our fault that you didn’t pay attention. Maybe you went to a Christian school. I’ve heard a lot about their incredibly retarded low standards for “education.”