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American rapper Clifford Joseph Harris, Jr., popularly known as T.I., has said that he does not believe the church is real, describing it as a business and a show, similar to public speaking or a TED talk.
Speaking during a recent interview with Gospel musician Kirk Franklin, T.I. criticised the modern church system, accusing some Christian clergy of misrepresenting the Bible and using it to take advantage of their congregations.
“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.
“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 explained that he does not believe a clergy member should act as a middleman in his personal relationship with God, stressing that faith, for him, is direct and personal rather than institutional.
The Rapper also questioned the notion that financial contributions to church are required for divine blessings, saying he does not believe money should come between a person and God.
“Y’all telling me.. I gotta pay this joker.. for my God to hear my prayer ??? Mehn, I’m outta here.”
Although his upbringing exposed him to prayer and scripture through family members who were devoted to their faith, the rapper has clearly emphasised that he does not feel connected to the church as an institution.
