by 10 people |
Was Michael Jackson a Christian when he died?
First of all, let me make it clear right up front that I don't presume to know the answer - only God knows the answer to that question. It is not up to us to judge Michael Jackson and place him in either heaven or hell, yet, this is a question many people want to discuss.
I have done some research on this topic and will use this lens to pass along articles, links and information I found so you can weigh those facts which are known for yourself. Much of what I discovered is posted in the article "Did Michael Jackson become a Christian right before he died?" below.
If you have some thoughts on the subject, there will also be a couple of places below where you can politely share your own opinion. Whatever the answer to this intriguing question, Michael Jackson was an extremely talented musician and dancer whose troubled life and triumphs will inspire people on both sides of the debate.
Michael Jackson's spiritual journey
Much of Michael Jackson's spiritual journey remains a mystery to us. According to this vague Wikipedia entry, Michael Jackson's "religion was unknown prior to speculations of his conversion to another religion." In the article "Did Michael Jackson become a Christian right before he died?" I provided a brief synopsis of some of the information that can be found on Michael Jackson's spiritual roots:Michael Jackson grew up in the Jehovah's Witnesses. In 1987, he left the Jehovah's Witnesses in response to their disapproval of the Thriller video. During his 2005 trial he apparently turned to Kaballah, indicated by the red string bracelet he wore throughout the trial. During his life, Michael Jackson sought out several high profile spiritual advisers including Orthodox Jew Rabbi Shmuley Boteach and New Age guru Deepak Chopra. Jackson also followed several of his brothers into Islam. Michael Jackson was clearly a man searching for something...
Some people believe some of Michael Jackson's songs were gospel songs, most notably, "Will You Be There?" It is known for a fact Michael Jackson frequently spent time with gospel artists Andraé Crouch and his sister Sandra Crouch. The Andraé Crouch Choir appeared on some of Michael Jackson's songs, including "Will You Be There?"
Andraé and Sandra Crouch were working with Michael Jackson on some new music, and Jackson was eager to discuss some spiritual matters as they related to music. Michael Jackson, Andraé Crouch and Sandra Crouch talked about spiritual things and prayed together at many of their meetings, including their last meeting a few weeks before Michael died. However, Andraé and Sandra have both stated they never prayed the "sinner's prayer" with Michael Jackson. More on the "sinner's prayer" near the bottom of this lens.
Michael Jackson stuff on eBay
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
Michael Jackson controversies
Michael Jackson was the center of controversy for much of his life. Whether it was the sexual dance moves he introduced into his choreography like the crotch grab, the accusations of pedophilia, his ongoing issues with drug abuse, his ever-changing appearance, or dangling his baby off a balcony, Michael Jackson received much media attention during his lifetime for his odd choices and strange behavior.At Michael Jackson's Memorial Service, Al Sharpton told Jackson's children, "There wasn't nothing strange about your daddy. What was strange was what your daddy had to deal with."
Here's my favorite link:
Did Michael Jackson become a Christian right before he died?
Articles about Michael Jackson's connections to Christianity
- Did Michael Jackson become a Christian right before he died?
- Rumors are flying that pop superstar Michael Jackson became a Christian the day or week before he died on June 25. The most often repeated story claims that Andraé Crouch led Michael to accept Christ right before Michael Jackson died. I have received a couple of emails voicing this claim as well as a press release condemning Michael Jackson to a fiery hell. Readers will be relieved to know I plan to go down neither path.
- Michael Jackson's gospel music ties
- It may appear a stretch to try to force a connection between Michael Jackson and the gospel music world, but such connections do exist, however tenuous. It can be argued that 5-year-old Michael's talent was discovered when he performed in front of classmates and others during a Christmas recital. From such humble beginnings, Michael Jackson reached superstar status, but his musical roots extended deep into old negro spirituals and the outstanding choir music of African-American churches.
- More Michael Jackson Rumors - was Michael Jackson a Christian when He Died?
- Superstar Michael Jackson passed away on June 25. It was a tragic event that topped other recent celebrity deaths, creating shock waves around the world. Immediately after his death, rumors began circulating that Michael Jackson had become a Christian shortly before his death. This rumor has not only been spread by viral emails, but has also been reported by the media.
- Rumors Still Surround Michael Jackson After Death
- Michael Jackson, superstar and the king of pop, was known around the world for his music and his scandals. Jackson died June 25 from an apparent heart attack (see Michael Jackson King of Pop Dead at 50), but rumors continue to surround his death.
- Thoughts on Michael Jackson
- Michael Jackson was one of the strange string of celebrities that passed away within days -- sometimes hours -- of each other in the past two weeks. Michael Jackson was an enigma known more for the rumors which surrounded him during his lifetime than he was known as a real person.
Michael Jackson's memorial service
Michael Jackson's Memorial Service was held at the Staples Center, where Michael Jackson rehearsed on June 23, two days before he died. It was a Christian service with a eulogy from Pastor Lucious Smith (see video below) and comments by Rv. Al Sharpton.Gospel artists like the Andraé Crouch Choir and Jennifer Hudson were on hand to add their gospel sounds to the proceedings. Jennifer Hudson performed "Will You Be There," a song many people believe is a gospel music song written by Michael Jackson.
Will You Be There
Amazon Price: (as of 12/19/2009)
Jennifer Hudson Sings "Will You Be There?" at Michael Jackson's Memorial Service
Articles about Michael Jackson's memorial service
- Jennifer Hudson performs Michael Jackson's 'Will You Be There' at memorial service (video included)
- Gospel and pop recording artist Jennifer Hudson performed at the Michael Jackson Memorial Service today at the at Staples Center in Los Angeles. Wearing a pure white dress, the 8-month-pregnant Jennifer Hudson performed a soulful, moving rendition of Michael Jackson's song "Will You Be There?" at the special request of the Jackson Family. Her powerful vocals blended elements of her gospel roots with a classical soul-anthem sound as evident in the video below.
- Musical guests, participants announced for Michael Jackson memorial service
- Gospel Artists the Andraé Crouch Choir and Jennifer Hudson Among Those Scheduled to Perform at Michael Jackson Memorial Service
The Jackson family has released the names of participants scheduled for Michael Jackson's memorial service Tuesday morning at Staples Center in Los Angeles. The names of the musical guests and other participants were released today by Michael Jackson's publicity firm for the Jackson family. - Jennifer Hudson to perform at Michael Jackson's memorial service July 7
- Gospel and pop performer Jennifer Hudson has reportedly been picked by the Jackson family to be one of the performers at Michael Jackson memorial service. The service for the King of Pop will be held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Tuesday, July 7. There is no word yet on what the "American Idol" alumni will sing when Hudson pays tribute to Michael Jackson.
Pastor Lucious Smith's closing prayer at Michael Jackson's memorial service
Articles about Michael Jackson's Gospel Songs
It may appear a stretch to try to force a connection between Michael Jackson and the gospel music world, but such connections do exist, however tenuous. It can be argued that 5-year-old Michael's talent was discovered when he performed in front of classmates and others during a Christmas recital. From such humble beginnings, Michael Jackson reached superstar status, but his musical roots extended deep into old negro spirituals and the outstanding choir music of African-American churches.
The gospel according to Michael Jackson ('Will You Be There?' and 'Heal the World' videos included)
Part 2 of Michael Jackson's gospel music ties - Michael Jackson, the controversial "King of Pop," performed many styles of music during his stellar career, often combining and overlapping several genres on one song. As reported in Michael Jackson's gospel music ties, one style Jackson incorporated several times was gospel music. This is most obvious on those songs where he used a gospel choir on the chorus, but several of Michael Jackson's songs also utilized Bible verses or themes in the lyrics.
What Do You Think?
Was Michael Jackson a Christian when he died?
Feel free to politely share your thoughts on this topic.
This is the place for readers to share their thoughts on Michael Jackson's spiritual journey. If your answer is "I don't know," decide which way you are leaning and post your thoughts there or use the Guestbook at the bottom of the page for your thoughts.
Was Michael Jackson a Christian when he died?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes, I think Michael Jackson was a Christian.
Veronica says:
Michael always tried to live the way Jesus taught.
Posted August 13, 2009
winnsy says:
Michael Jackson made by God and back to God.
Posted August 10, 2009
gia his spiritual sis says:
See u in ressurection mj.
Posted August 01, 2009
gia his spiritual sis says:
I loved michael with all my heart.
Posted August 01, 2009
No, I don't think Michael Jackson was a Christian.
Joyce says:
He never confessed receiving salvation in his life. Just because he made a few songs that may be pertaining to maybe inspirational, not gospel music, doesn't make him a christian. Does not make anyone a christian, just because you make a inspirational song. We have to repent of our sin's here on earth and live a holy life before God in order to go to heaven. There was no sign's of Michael living or speaking holiness.
Posted November 18, 2009
Michael Jackson stuff on CafePress
More about Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 ? June 25, 2009) was an American musician, dancer, and entertainer. Referred to as the King of Pop, he is the most commercially successful and one of the most influential entertainers of all time. His unique contributions to music, dance, and fashion,film.com: Jackson: A Fashion Retrospective, 29. November 2009 along with a highly publicized personal life, made him a prominent figure in popular culture for over four decades.
Alongside his brothers, he made his debut in 1964 as lead singer and youngest member of The Jackson 5, and later began a successful solo career in 1971. His 1982 album Thriller remains the best-selling album of all time, with Off the Wall (1979), Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991), and Category: HIStory - : Past, Present and Future, Book I|HIStory (1995) also among the worlds best selling albums. He is widely credited with having transformed the music video from a promotional tool into an art form with videos for his songs "Billie Jean", "Beat It" and "Thriller" making him the first African American artist to amass a strong crossover following on MTV. With stage performances and music videos, Jackson popularized a number of physically complicated dance techniques, such as the robot and the moonwalk. His distinctive musical sound, vocal style and choreography has inspired numerous pop, rock, R&B and hip hop artists and is credited with breaking down cultural, racial, and generational barriers.
One of the few artists to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, his other achievements feature multiple Guinness World Records?including the "Most Successful Entertainer of All Time"?15 Grammy Awards (including the "Living Legend Award" and the "Lifetime Achievement Award"), 26 American Music Awards (24 only as a solo artist, including one for "Artist of the Century")?more than any artist?, 17 number one singles in the US (including the four as a member of the Jackson 5), and estimated sales between 350 million and 750 million records worldwide making him one of the best selling artists in history. He was also a notable philanthropist and humanitarian who donated and raised over 300 million dollars through support of 39 charities and his own Heal the World Foundation.michaeljackson.com: Charity Auction - Great Heart of MICHAEL JACKSON and JEFF KOONS from The Krasnals for children, 29. October 2009YardFlex.com: Michael Jackson Humanitarian Deeds, 9. Juli 2009Michael Jackson World Music Awards SPEECH: Michael Jackson Tribute
Jackson's personal relationships and life generated controversy for years. His changing appearance was noticed from the late 1970s onwards, with changes to his nose and to the color of his skin drawing media publicity. He was accused of child sexual abuse in 1993 though no charges were brought, and in 2005 he was tried and acquitted of further allegations. He married twice, first in 1994 and again in 1996, and brought up three children, one born to a surrogate mother. While preparing for the This Is It concert tour in 2009, Jackson died at the age of 50 after suffering from cardiac arrest. He reportedly had been administered drugs such as propofol and lorazepam, and his death was ruled a homicide by the Los Angeles County coroner. His death triggered an outpouring of grief from around the world with his globally live broadcast memorial service attracting an audience of up to one billion people.Bucci, Paul and Wood, Graeme. Michael Jackson RIP: One billion people estimated watching for gold-plated casket at memorial service. The Vancouver Sun, July 7, 2009.
Articles about Michael Jackson's death
- Michael Jackson King of Pop Dead at 50
- Superstar and king of pop Michael Jackson, known around the world for his music and his scandals, died today at age 50. Michael Jackson suffered cardiac arrest at his home in Los Angeles this afternoon and was rushed by an ambulance staffed by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics to the UCLA Medical Centre. According to a Nashville radio news report, Jackson was not breathing when paramedics arrived at his home.
- Bukisa Articles About Michael Jackson's Death
- The headlines spanned the globe within hours of his death: the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, was found dead in his Los Angeles home. It quickly became the biggest story of 2009, surpassing politics and other celebrity deaths. Having written several articles about the strange circumstances and rumors which began circulating following the death of superstar and pop icon Michael Jackson, I have read several other articles on Bukisa worth noting.
- Top ten similarities between Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson
- Although the differences between the careers and lives of Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson are distinct and varied, since August marks the anniversary month of the death of Elvis Presley as well as the presumed secret burial month of Michael Jackson, this article will examine ten similarities between Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson.
Vote for your favorite Michael Jackson album!
Feel free to add your favorite Michael Jackson album and vote for your favorites!
Michael Jackson - Video Greatest Hits - HIStory
This compilation features 10 of Michael Jackson's more...0 points
Michael Jackson 25th Anniversary of Thriller
The Biggest Album Ever just got bigger. The 25th A more...0 points
The Essential Michael Jackson
The 2CD The Essential Michael Jackson takes you on more...0 points
Michael Jackson: The Ultimate Collection
Japanese pressing of 2004 compilation includes fou more...0 points
Michael Jackson 25th Anniversary of Thriller(Deluxe Casebook Edition)
The Biggest Album Ever just got bigger. The 25th A more...0 points
What does the Bible say about salvation and the sinner's prayer?
SalvationThe Bible has hundreds of scriptures that touch on salvation. Even a partial list of verses dealing with salvation only scratches the surface. There is no substitution for reading the Bible yourself to understand what scripture teaches.
Here are a few verses on the subject of salvation and why we need it:
"But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear." (Isaiah 59:2 )
Jesus said: "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me." (John 14:6)
"For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; it is not of works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9 )
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Romans 3:23)
Jesus said: "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13:5)
"But God demonstrates his own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." (Romans 10:9)
"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17)
The Sinner's Prayer
The Bible actually doesn't mention a "sinner's prayer" anywhere in scripture, nor does it provide a sample "sinner's prayer." The Bible does teach us to pray, however, which is one way we communicate with God.
"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." (Matthew 21:22)
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." (Philippians 4:6)
The "sinner's prayer" is something many churches recommend as a first step towards a relationship with Christ. If you would like to become a Christian and have Christ as your personal Savior, you may want to pray a simple prayer admitting you have sinned, accepting God's forgiveness, and stating your desire to trust in Christ and follow Christ for your salvation.
Did God love Michael Jackson in spite of his many controversies? Absolutely. Did Michael Jackson ever pray such a prayer in his final days or accept Christ as his savior? We may never know, but we do know Michael Jackson is in God's hands now.
If you judge people, you have no time to love them. -- Mother Teresa
Michael Jackson Articles on Associated Content
Fetching RSS feed... please stand by
Related lenses
-
Teen Celebrities & Role Models
-
Are you tired of hearing about the latest scandal from Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears? Are you looking for teens who seem to have their heads on straight, who don't abuse drugs and alcohol, who stand for more than partying and fame? Allow me to in...
-
Gospel Artists on American Idol
-
American Idol debuted on the FOX network on June 11, 2002, and has become one of the most is a wildly popular television programs on American television today. Several American Idol contestants have gone on to sign contracts with gospel music recordi...
-
Christian Celebrities & Entertainers
-
Welcome to the Christian Celebrities & Entertainers Lens Featuring: Amy Grant, Carrie Prejean, Dan Meyer, Elvis Presley, John Schneider, John Tesh, Jonas Brothers, Kirk Cameron, Luke Benward, Miley Cyrus, Stephen Baldwin and Tom DeLay. I appreciate...
-
Carrie Prejean - Miss California 2009
-
Carrie Prejean, Miss California 2009, was runner up in the 2009 Miss USA pageant. Prejean rose to prominence when she answered a politically-charged opinion pageant question by doing the unthinkable - giving her honest opinion. During the question...
Share this Michael Jackson lens
Don't forget to sign the Guestbook!
-
Reply
- _Joan_ _Joan_ Oct 3, 2009 @ 10:30 am
- Hi, again, Kathryn! I'm lensrolling this to my Andrae Crouch lens.
-
Reply
- SurviveUnemployment SurviveUnemployment Sep 11, 2009 @ 2:19 pm
- It would be funny if he became a Christian and went to hell anyway! I think a lot of "Christians" are gonna be in for a rude surprise when they find they have a lot of 'splainin' to do to the Big Guy Upstairs -- and when they find Muslims, Jews, Hindus, and Buddhists in heaven.
-
Reply
- KathrynDarden KathrynDarden Sep 9, 2009 @ 1:27 am | in reply to melissadonovan
- I think I covered that where I said: "Michael Jackson grew up in the Jehovah's Witnesses. In 1987, he left the Jehovah's Witnesses in response to their disapproval of the Thriller video. During his 2005 trial he apparently turned to Kaballah, indicated by the red string bracelet he wore throughout the trial. During his life, Michael Jackson sought out several high profile spiritual advisers including Orthodox Jew Rabbi Shmuley Boteach and New Age guru Deepak Chopra. Jackson also followed several of his brothers into Islam. Michael Jackson was clearly a man searching for something..."
As stated in the introduction, this lens is in response to the many, many questions and rumors about Michael's visit with Andrae and Sandra Crouch shortly before his death and whether or not be became a Christian then which was a big rumor back in June and July when I created this lens.
-
Reply
- melissadonovan melissadonovan Sep 8, 2009 @ 10:33 pm
- Um, Michael Jackson was already a Christian. He was raised as a Jehovah's Witness. The rumors after his death questioned whether he was planning on switching to Islam, like his brother Jermaine. In fact, Jermaine clearly stated this in an interview with Larry King. You can probably find the video on YouTube.
-
Reply
- Suzie-Shine Suzie-Shine Jul 15, 2009 @ 2:45 pm
- I don't see that it matters if he was a Christian or not. How does anyone know what a person feels inside? Many so called Christians are in name only. If there is a God then only He will know the answer to your question. All of the rumours, stories etc. are mostly for financial gain.
Interesting lens.
Suzie.
- Load More
Rate the Michael Jackson lens
- Rate this lens:
- Email it
- Favorite it
- Lensroll it
Musicals on Netflix
- 001- Mamma Mia!
On the idyllic Greek isle of Kalokairi, single mom Donna Sheridan (Meryl Streep) goes into a tizzy w...- 002- Dreamgirls
Broadway's definitive girl-group musical about three women who have high hopes for fame but end up p...- 003- Sweeney Todd
Johnny Depp reteams with director Tim Burton for this big-screen adaptation of the hit Broadway musi...- 004- Hairspray
Set in 1962, this colorful adaptation of the Tony-winning musical (spawned by director John Waters's...- 005- The Phantom of the Opera: Special Edition
Director Joel Schumacher brings Andrew Lloyd Webber's legendary musical to the big screen. Gerard Bu...- Try Netflix free for 14 days
by KathrynDarden
Author - Publisher - Poet - Publicist
I have worked in the gospel music industry since the mid 1980s. I have done just about everything but perform:... (more)
Explore related pages
Islamic Talks- Here you can find some of the best Islamic talks, and spiritual teachings,...
Vatican Islam Conspiracy- Does the Vatican have something to hide or was this truly the religious hoa...
Native Deen- The story of Native Deen is an inspiring one that began with three Muslim youth...
Loren Davis Attacks On Barack Obama- Since the election of 2008, a package of dirty rumors about Barack Obama has beg...
Hussein ibn Ali ibn AbiTalib- ClickHere To Download The Ebook PDF File/Maqtal Al-Husayn/The Death Of Th...
Jesus or Allah?- The word Islam is an Arabic word meaning peace, submission and obedience. In the...
