There’s a video circulating of Michael W. Smith performing a worship set at the Lincoln Memorial, in front of a very large, largely unmasked crowd. I’m not surprised, but slightly disappointed. 1/6

Although I haven’t listened to MWS in years, he was one of my favorites when I was fully immersed in CCM. I had every CD, & I attended several concerts thru the years. Every concert devolved into a worship “experience” & I was one of those with hands raised high, singing loud 2/6

One of the things that led to my disillusionment of CCM was the realization that so many artists strive to create that worship experience because it sells. People like the warm fuzzies, the happy feeling of closeness to God, the worship high. 3/6

What’s most disgusting about MWS’s most recent worship experience (outside of the COVID superspreader event) is that this is being done in response to the recent protests.He’s clearly chosen his side & it’s not the side of the oppressed. 3/6

Rather than speak up about the injustices being done to POC, he’s trying to cover it up w/ repetitive music. He’s hoping to drown out their voices w/ cliche lyrics, all so evangelicals can ignore the discomfort they feel. They’re worshipping, so clearly they’re in the right. 4/6

I have tried to have grace for those in the CCM industry. I know that not every musician cheapens the gospel message with their musical gifts. But when more & more CCM musicians do these disgusting displays, it’s hard not to write off the entire genre. 5/6

I hope that the Christians that are currently obsessed with these worship experiences will look beyond it to see the real hurt in our world, & how their songs of praise are like salt in the wounds to those who are oppressed. 6/6