Renowned American gospel musician Kirk Franklin has recently expressed concerns about certain beliefs prevalent in Western Christianity, particularly the ways in which marriage, giving, and sexuality have been “weaponized” within the faith.
Speaking on Cam Newton’s Funky Friday show, the 54-year-old artist critiqued the portrayal of marriage as a remedy for sin, arguing that it has often been misrepresented to pressure single individuals into wedlock.
“Marriage has been weaponized in Western Christianity,” Franklin stated, challenging the idea that marriage is a solution to sin. He pointed out that this notion can lead to judgment and undue pressure on those who are single.
Drawing from his own experiences with his wife, Tammy Collins, Franklin shared how they have encountered the negative impacts of strict religious teachings. He emphasized the challenges faced by single women, particularly Black women, who are often judged within their communities if they are not married or do not have children.
Franklin criticized these societal pressures, calling them dysfunctional, and argued that one’s identity and value should not be tied to marital status.
“There’s a tendency to view being unmarried or childless as a flaw,” he noted, calling for a shift in perspective.
He also reflected on how some of his friends were coerced into marriage by the belief that it was necessary to serve in ministry. Franklin challenged this view, asserting that God’s ability to use someone is not contingent on their marital status. He condemned the practice of shaming those who go through divorce.
“Many rush into marriage believing they’re fulfilling God’s will, but in reality, they’re following human dogma. Being single doesn’t disqualify you from being used by God,” he argued.
In conclusion, Franklin stressed the importance of understanding faith and purpose beyond the confines of marital status, sharing the difficulties he and his wife have navigated together since their marriage in 1996.
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“I believe marriage has been weaponised in Western Christianity” – Kirk Franklin
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