News

Reformed Rapper Calls Out 12 Popular Pastors as ‘False Teachers’

Shai Linne’s new album, which released April 9, drops more than beats.

Christianity Today April 11, 2013

Update (April 19): Rapper Shai Linne defended his characterization of Paula White as a "false teacher" in a lengthy letter to her son and manager, who complained about her mention in his latest song.

"My song was not about you, your financial status, the genuineness of your faith, your mother's prayers for you or the good things that Paula White Ministries does. The song was about the false doctrine that Paula White and others have publicly taught for many years and continue to teach," he wrote. (Full text of his response is posted on the Wade-o-Radio website.)

In his argument, Shai Linne said that White falsely teaches elements of the prosperity gospel, including that "physical healing and financial abundance in this life are provided for in the atonement of Christ."

–––

Update (April 12): Paula White's son and manager defended her ministry and argued against her characterization as a false teacher in a letter to Shai Linne in response to his latest single.

Bradley Knight's response was published on the site Wadeoradio.com, which offered each of the leaders mentioned in the song a chance to weigh in.

"When I hear a fellow Christian leader, whom has never had a conversation with me or my mother, call her a 'Fal$e Teacher' I wonder what 'Fal$e Teaching$' I myself have been inculcated with," Knight wrote, going on to cite his $44,000 salary from the ministry. "I forego money for the opportunity to work for a ministry that I believe in, a ministry that I witness daily changing lives across the globe. Including and especially the continent of Africa you gave a shout out too."

–––

The rise of Reformed rap continues to draw praise–and controversy.

On Shai Linne's new album, "Lyrical Theology, Pt. 1: Theology," which released Tuesday, the Christian rapper does more than just drop a few beats. Linne also drops the names of 12 prominent pastors whom he calls "false teachers."

In the pre-released single "Fal$e Teacher$," Linne calls out Joel Osteen, Creflo Dollar, T.D. Jakes, and Joyce Meyer, among others, for making "bogus statements, [and being] financially motivated."

In the song, Linne says, "Don't be deceived by this funny biz, if you come to Jesus for money, then he's not your God, money is! Jesus is not a means to an end, the Gospel is He came to redeem us from sin, and that is the message forever I yell! If you're living your best life now you're heading for hell!"

The song, as well as an accompanying video that explains why Linne wrote it, has sparked both criticism and praise, including the following tweet from John Piper:

My,my, Shai, this is good. Seven-minute video on why Shai Linne wrote and raps "FAL$E TEACHER$". dsr.gd/12vZgGx– John Piper (@JohnPiper) April 7, 2013

HereIblog.com lists all 12 'false teachers' named by Linne:

1. Joel Osteen

2. Creflo Dollar

3. Benny Hinn

4. TD Jakes

5. Joyce Meyer

6. Paula White

7. Fred Price

8.Kenneth Copland

9. Robert Tilton

10. Eddie Long

11. Juanita Bynum

12. Paul Crouch

CT has spotlighted the rise of Reformed rap, including frontman Lecrae's work against absentee fathers.

Our Latest

News

Sarah Jakes Roberts Evolves T. D. Jakes’s Women’s Conference

At a record-setting event this fall, 40,000 followers listened to her preach about spiritual breakthrough and surrender.

Being Human

Walking the Camino de Santiago with Barrett Harkins

The missionary to pilgrims shares wisdom from the trail.

News

The Evangelical Voters Who Changed Their Minds

Amid a hyperpartisan electorate, a minority plan to vote differently than they did in 2016 and 2020.

News

Meet the Evangelical Expats Staying in Lebanon

Shout to the Lord in a Foreign Language

Worshiping God with words we don’t understand may seem strange. But I consider it a spiritual practice.

Jesus Is Still Right About Persecution

Nine truths believers need to understand to pray well for the suffering body of Christ.

The Bulletin

Electioneering

The Bulletin discusses the final presidential campaign push, churches in the age of screens, and the UN’s work in Gaza.

News

Argentina Moves to Officially Celebrate Its Evangelicals

Leaders are grateful for the government recognition but hope for further progress.

Apple PodcastsDown ArrowDown ArrowDown Arrowarrow_left_altLeft ArrowLeft ArrowRight ArrowRight ArrowRight Arrowarrow_up_altUp ArrowUp ArrowAvailable at Amazoncaret-downCloseCloseEmailEmailExpandExpandExternalExternalFacebookfacebook-squareGiftGiftGooglegoogleGoogle KeephamburgerInstagraminstagram-squareLinkLinklinkedin-squareListenListenListenChristianity TodayCT Creative Studio Logologo_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastRSSRSSSaveSaveSaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube