Today I found out that Jennifer Knapp has returned to the music scene. As one of her most faithful supporters in the late 90s and early 2000s, I always dreamed this day would come... but there is a hangup. There always is, isn't there? She has come back to the music scene, but is now a self-proclaimed lesbian. I struggled all afternoon (since reading a few articles online confirming both her return and her sexual status) to figure out how we should respond as Christians. I am a sinner in need of grace and I believe that grace should overflow onto others as well-- and I believe it does. The problem is that in reading Scripture I can't ignore that homosexuality is called sin. I get that we all deal with sin and that none of us is completely free of it this side of heaven. But I want to be free of it. I call it sin and I struggle against it and all that I do not want to do, as Paul wrote. I pray for God's abundant grace to cover it. So the issue is quite clearly that I disagree with Jennifer (and others) about whether or not homosexuality is actually sin. That's the heart of the issue.
So now I have to figure out how to reconcile my respect for Jennifer Knapp as an artist, a musician, and as one who was more than instrumental in my life-- both musically and in faith-- with disagreeing with her over some important parts of Scripture. Anyone have any wisdom to share?
btw, I read this blog post today and felt this guy had such a good perspective and balance between grace and truth. If you haven't been following this story, I'd recommend reading his blog and also checking out the Larry King interview on youtube.
-JLR
Are Our Headlights Out? (July 26, 2021)
5 years ago
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4 comments:
this makes me sad. really sad. jennifer knapp is probably my favorite christian artist.i am just praying she repents, and doesn't lead anyone else astray. However, she is in a position where her voice will be heard, and now, instead of being a voice that pursues righteousness -- it is a voice that is advocating sin.
this depresses me! but, we have all had those people in our lives that have been in rebellion, God can pull her out too.
I know what you mean, and I'm so sorry to be the one to break the news to you! -Jeana
Hi Jeana! I don't know that you know me, but I saw your link on K.Hill's blog and your name is so familiar! Did we talk in Nairobi? Were y'all at NEGST before? Anyway, I totally relate to most of what you write including this. Her music was instrumental in my discipleship and in my own small way I now grieve the artist I appreciated so much. Her sin doesn't make me not want to listen. And I think it's better that she's honest than to live in shame and hide things. But it sadly means her work will no longer be such a source of encouragement to me. This is not so different from when Amy Grant got divorced for me (except that her music didn't so intimately speak to me). And I still enjoy the old Jennifer Knapp work. Why is it we always crave the 'new'?
Ok. Hugs from Congo!
Kimberly
Hi Kim, I don't know whether I've actually met you in person, but I definitely know who you are through other people! :) We were at NEGST briefly to visit friends in Dec 2006/Jan 2007 (around the elections, lucky us!). We were the Hills' neighbors in Musoma, too. I also feel like I know you a bit from the WW list. Would we have met at another time? Thanks for the comment and for the great perspective on how to view JK's situation. -Jeana
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