Kirk Franklin says he is losing his religion, yes, all of it. The gospel recording artist, songwriter and producer has called religion today a “prison.”
Ok, hold on, hold on right there. This sounds sensational. Let me recount before I’m misquoted.
The real story is that the 45-year-old multi award-winner is releasing his 11th studio album and it will be called “Losing My Religion.”
It’s an interesting title if you ask me, however, it has landed the artist in minor situation. Franklin has over the past few weeks been giving details about his latest album via his social media platforms. The album title has had mixed reaction to the extent that Franklin has to come in from time to time to explain himself.
Franklin announced the album in an Instagram post that had the album cover (above) and the caption read:
“In the beginning religion created a mask, for generations church was where we went to go hide … Rules without relationship is empty inside … There’s room at the cross for everyone even me … Religion is a prison, but truth sets us free … The next time you think America, please include me … The preacher isn’t God, religion’s first mistake … Can you Believe? … I’m losing my religion, Thank God. Helping you lose yours is my job.”
Over the weeks, Franklin has had to make statements using various platforms to elaborate on the title. In a recent interview the on the “Tom Joyner Morning Show”, he stated that religion had become very oppressing and that it did not allow people to know God.
“Religion, throughout the years, has become a very oppressive thing that doesn’t allow people to get to know the God it was created to try to lead them to. So basically, it’s just like marriage cannot guarantee intimacy, religion doesn’t guarantee relationship,”
“It doesn’t guarantee you’re going to have a loving relationship with God. So God becomes this distant person that’s always pointing at my sins, always beating me up and you never know Him as a friend and as a father.”
Obviously as the release date, 13 November 2015, draws closer he will have much more press coverage and opportunity to explain what its all about.
“Losing My Religion” is Franklins first album in four years. The first single, which has become a favourite among a few of my friends – especially Hope and kids, “Wanna Be Happy?”, won itself a place in the history books. The song debuted at No. 1 on the Gospel Digital Songs and Hot Gospel Songs charts and has become the highest-selling gospel single in its first week. Interestingly, this record was held by Kirk’s own “I Smile”, some four years ago. As of today, Yahoo is showing the song’s official video exclusively. (Ba Yahoo, Shine!). I am pretty sure it will be on YouTube soon for the rest of us to what.
Let me share something I know is on YouTube. Listen to the second single from the album: 1 2 3 Victory, an awesome urban jam with a powerful message. Enjoy it.
What do you think about Kirk’s views on religion? Though the dust seems to be settling, I would like to hear your views.
#BeAwesome!
Be Awesome! 