Music The Arts

Jay-Z’s New Magna Carta: Follow the Religion of Self

Bryant Parsons

As a twenty-something year old African-American and native of Jay-Z’s hometown, Brooklyn, my cultural surroundings were embedded with Jay-Z’s music. To say that Jay-Z was celebrated among my peers would be an understatement: the reality is that I had friends who digested his brilliant lyricism for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And many of them, as most inner-city kids do, respected his rags to riches story and aspired to mimic his success.

I myself, as a young teen, regularly listened to his music, and considered (along with the entire hip-hop community) many of his songs to be hip-hop classics. So, naturally, when a man I considered one of the greatest modern day poets of our time was set to release his newest album “Magna Carta Holy Grail,” I was drawn to give it a listen, wondering what Jay-Z had now decided in his heart to say to the world.

After listening to the album, I came away disappointed. But I was not disappointed because the music was artistically bad –no, far from it. From an artistic stand point, Jigga Man’s still got it. The production was stellar, and Jay-Z is still as good as he’s ever been at using his lyricism to create vivid imagery, draw us into his life experiences, and raise issues that give us food for thought.

I was disappointed because some of the lyrics confirm that his music has become increasingly explicitly anti-Christian.

[Tweet “Some of Jay Z’s lyrics confirm that his music has become increasingly explicitly anti-Christian.”]

Now, of course, I knew I wasn’t about to get gospel-centered, Christ-exalting lyricism from Jay-Z. This was, after all, the newest release from Roc-A-Fella Records, not Reach Records. However, what troubles me is that a consistent theme in Jay-Z’s lyrics as of late is a philosophy that views religious authority as a threat to human flourishing.

On his newest album, Jay-Z features a song called “Heaven,” in which he encourages skepticism toward religious truth claims. This song warrants a response because Jay-Z’s skepticism reflects the views of a growing number of the American population concerning religion; moreover, his lyrics have a prophetic voice in culture, holding enormous influence, not just within the African-American community, but worldwide. Thus, we would do well to pay attention to and analyze this prophet’s message to see if it is true or false.

[Tweet “We would do well to pay attention to and analyze this prophet’s message to see if it is true.”]

In verse one, Jay-Z undercuts religious authority by encouraging hyper-skepticism. We are encouraged to question reality to the point of questioning our very own existence. Jay-Z raps:

“Question religion, question it all/ Question existence until those questions are solved.”

In verse two, Jay-Z criticizes his religious critics and then gives us his view of religion’s effect on society:

“I’m secular, tell the hecklers seckle (calm) down/ y’all religion creates division”

Jay-Z’s lyrics are consistent with comments that he made about religion during a 2010 interview with Angie Martinez on Hot 97:

“For the record, I of course believe in God, but I believe in one God. If people must know my religious beliefs, I believe in one God. I don’t believe in religion. I don’t believe in Christians or Muslims. I think all that separates people. I think it’s one God. I think it’s all the same God, and I don’t believe in Hell…”

[Tweet “Jay-Z undercuts religious authority by encouraging hyper-skepticism.”]

Question out of a Genuine Desire for Truth.

In response to Jay-Z’s advice to question religion, we should ask, In what way does he want us to do this? After all, having legitimate questions about faith is ok. I would encourage people –both Christians and non-Christians –to think profoundly about issues surrounding Christianity and then seek answers to any questions that may arise. The purpose of theology is, in part, to help people answer the bigger questions in life.

[Tweet “The purpose of theology is, in part, to help people answer the bigger questions in life.”]

However, there is a type of questioning that isn’t rooted out of a genuine desire to know truth, but is rooted in a desire to delegitimize authority and ultimately establish one’s own personal autonomy. The desired outcome is to establish oneself as the final authority as to what is true and what is not true. The questioner establishes his own reason as the final point of reference as to whether or not he will believe something. In other words, “if it don’t make sense to you, don’t believe it.”

[Tweet “The desired outcome is to establish oneself as the final authority as to what is true.”]

We see this type of questioning when the serpent questioned God’s command to Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:1. The serpent wasn’t interested in knowing truth, for he already knew what God had said; rather, he was interested in deconstructing what God had said in order to get Adam and Eve to disobey God and convince them to view themselves as coequals with God.

It is no surprise then that in this same song Jay-Z himself raps, “I confess, God in the flesh,” equating himself with God. When our questions are rooted in our desire to establish our own intellect and reasoning as supreme, and to deconstruct and delegitimize authority, the only authority left standing is ourselves. We, therefore, will inevitably deify ourselves.

If in our pride we exalt our own reasoning, we will likely accept what we want to hear and reject what we don’t want to hear. This is likely why Jay-Z doesn’t believe in hell. He simply doesn’t like the idea of a place of eternal torment. And because he has set up his own understanding as the final authority as to what is true, Hell doesn’t exist to him. He has created his own personal reality–accepting what he likes and disregarding what he doesn’t like–irrespective of what is really true. If we are concerned for truth, we must make sure that our questions are not motivated by a desire to deconstruct authority, but, rather, motivated by a genuine desire to learn.

The Divisiveness of Religion

Jay-Z’s second criticism about religion is that it is divisive.

Now, of course, there is absolutely no denying the fact that religion has been used to separate people. It’s a simple fact of history that people, even within a particular religion, may kill each other over doctrinal disputes. But truth be told, people who are irreligious often divide themselves over many things, and they are not motivated by any religious dogma. Moreover, we must acknowledge the fact that many people have, because of religious teaching, learned to forgive their enemies and seek peace with them instead of division –as Jesus taught.

True religion is not to blame for hostile division among people. Division is rooted in the depraved nature of humanity. Therefore, we need a new nature. One that motivates us to love our enemies and seek the peace of the city. We are given this new nature to love when we place our trust in Jesus Christ.

[Tweet “True religion is not to blame for hostile division among people.”]

Jay-Z’s Religion

Everybody has a religion. We will either submit to the true God through faith in his Son Jesus, or we will establish our own reality. The latter is what the Bible refers to as idolatry; and it is evident from Jay-Z’s lyrics that it is the latter he is encouraging his listeners to choose to do. I would advise all of those reading who may have religious questions to check their motives. Do we genuinely want truth, or do we want to use our intellect to lay waste to any authority that keeps us from viewing the world the way we want to? I would also charge those who know the Lord to pray for our culture, and lovingly try to reach those like Jay-Z with the truth of Jesus Christ.

[Tweet “We will either submit to the true God through faith in his Son, or we will establish our own reality.”]

29 thoughts on “Jay-Z’s New Magna Carta: Follow the Religion of Self

  1. Jessica N Money

    You have the gift of writing, the bible says that all good and perfect gifts come from above. James 1:17 Thank you for this well written article. It’s very uplifting and gives knowledge and wisdom to the one who chooses to listen and receive. May the good Lord bless you and your family as you continue to serve him.

  2. Alex Ojomu

    hip-hop like any other art is to question life jay is a good man I love his music and d fact he admits there is a God but never d less only d Lord knows our hearts

  3. Tom Lyon

    There is no place in J Z’s music for respectful or meaningful talk about God.

    That is not what his music is about, and Hollywood supports this.

    Very egocentric and has little desire to find deeper meaning in life, especially beyond money and
    the desire for respect from others.

  4. JK

    You’re comment is childish.

  5. Gregory Foreman

    Jay-Z wants to be Nas . Let’s face it, God Son has a religious persona that he will always be remembered for. Albums titles like “I Am, It was written, Streets Disciple” cemented his legacy as a religious influence. People aren’t going to remember your album sales they are going to remember your influence and persona. Tupac has the “Thug life” persona. 50 Cent has gangster persona. J Cole even referenced that in one of his songs that “Tupac was Jesus, Nas wrote the Bible. With album titles like Kingdom come, Holy grail, Jay-Z 4:44 (which is a reference to a Bible verse) Jay wants to be remember as an religious influence but Nastradamus has already claimed that position. “They like me but I want them to LOVE me like they love Pac”

  6. Richard Samboko

    Objective and fair Observations. I am reminded of Jesus Christ praying in the 17th chapter of the Gospel of John. Jesus said in verse 12 in reference to Judas Iscariot ” While I was with them in the world,a I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept;b and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.” That the Bible warns us of men and women with will think are wise and seek to lead many astray can not be disputed. Time and time again, the warning is reapeated in the word of God. Sadly, some people will serve to fulfill the scriptures as was the case with Judas Iscariot. For the child of God, a christian whose faith and hope is in Jesus Christ and reads His word, this may not come as a surprise. In fact, because of events and times such as these the cristian does well to hold God’s word even closer to their heart, dear as His return is immenent and close.

  7. David Adejumo

    Thank you for this eye opening Article. I have and will always love Hip Hop. I promote a brand of Hip hop that preaches and fight against discrimination, racial segregation, man’s inhumanity to man and other social issues in the projects, ghettos and shanties. Hip hop is not meant to relegate or question God’s authority, it is meant to be a channel to reach out to the less privileged in the society and discover and lift up other hidden talents in The Hoods. This is why Kendrick Lamar is different and unique among the other rappers of his time. I believe in God and Jesus Christ, I am a Christian from Nigeria. God is supreme over self. This article needs to be shared to young Hip Hop fans out there so they would not be misled.

  8. Oraclegod

    Jay z was my best musician even as a little kid without knowing his lyrics i still hold him at high esteem but AM BORN TO PREACH TO JAY Z face to face.

  9. Waldo

    Thanks for the terrific article

  10. Shauna

    Thanks for the terrific manual

  11. Blackberry8800series.co.uk

    Thanks for the terrific post

  12. Jett

    This is really helpful, thanks.

  13. Thanks for the great manual

  14. Vernita

    Thanks for the great manual

  15. Sharon DeBerry-Cook

    BEAUTIFUL INSIGHT.
    I appreciate the way you expressed your heartfelt opinion about Jay-Z, his music in relation to Religion,
    And the influence his words have on the world stage, especially young people who get so easily entrapped in the lyrics and music of today’s Artist, without them realizing or understanding the influence it has on them.

  16. Jeremy Q. Butler

    Anytime. I’continue to read…. as I am new to this site.

  17. Bryant Parsons

    Thanks for reading bro.

  18. Bryant Parsons

    There have been instances of Christians fighting each other over doctrinal disputes. Two examples are the 30 years war in Europe and the clashes between Catholics and Protestants in Ireland. And that is just the wars fought amongst Christians. My point was not that this behavior is intrinsically a part of Christian belief, but that these conflicts are stemming from a Christianity that isn’t being consistently lived out. If we belong to Jesus we must love like Jesus loved. Therefore, we must never let a difference of opinion lead to hatred and violence.

  19. Jeremy Q. Butler

    Great read! As person who went to DTS and has loved hip hop since I could remember…! Thought provoking and well written.

  20. Alex Lancaster

    …We don’t start fights or wars is what I meant to say.

  21. Alex Lancaster

    Good article and I understand what you’re sayig and for the most part agree. However, on the topic of religion being divisive you refer to history instead of the bible, why?

    Jesus said in the book of Matthew chapter 10:32 “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn“‘a man against his father,    a daughter against her mother,a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—36     a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’[a]37 “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.40 “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me,and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.

    We who believe in Christ will always be separated from those who don’t. The belief is so strong that it divides. It just the way it is, not we don’t start fights our wars over our beliefs as some have done. Christ presented the truth and those against him wanted to kill him. Jesus never wanted to kill someone, but our faith naturally divides. Food for thought.

    Good article and I understand what you’re sayig and for the most part agree. However, on the topic of religion being divisive you refer to history instead of the bible, why?

    Jesus said in the book of Matthew chapter 10:32 “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn“‘a man against his father,    a daughter against her mother,a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—36     a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’[a]37 “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.40 “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me,and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.

    We who believe in Christ will always be separated from those who don’t. The belief is so strong that it divides. It just the way it is, not we don’t start fights our wars over our beliefs as some have done. Christ presented the truth and those against him wanted to kill him. Jesus never wanted to kill someone, but our faith naturally divides. Food for thought.

  22. Bryant Parsons

    It’s very important for everyone to be watchful over the message being fed to us through various means in our culture. We could all stand to be deceived by false ideas if we are not careful.

  23. Bryant Parsons

    Thank you.

  24. Gail Fuentes

    Congratulations on a job well done. You peeled away the rhythmic-skin and got to the diseased-core of the fruit that Jay Z is feeding our youths, who, many times don’t fully grasp what they’re ingesting when they chant out his lyrics. Re-posting is required!

  25. Oscar Zebron

    Insightful.Keep it up bro!

  26. Bryant Parsons

    Thanks for reading!

  27. Muoki Musau

    Good points, especially the contrast between questioning that seeks truth versus that which seeks to undermine religious authority. I just listened to the album, and I find the wide range of expression in Jay-Zs songs re: fame, family life, love to be somewhat refreshing (for someone who is bombarded with radio hip hop and the flat, stereotypical rap songs); on the other hand I agree that his religious views are typical of the overall secular culture.

  28. Bryant Parsons

    Thank You for your support. Please share.

  29. JulianScott

    Excellent article.

Leave A Comment