The five artists and industry professionals that spoke out all did so knowing that they could draw fire for their comments. They all realize that standing on your own convictions can make you unpopular to some, yet they're all willing to be unpopular in order to be true to themselves. I respect that immensely.
Micah Stampley
Micah Stampley, winner of the 2004 Stellar Award Talent Search and 2006 Stellar Award nominee for New Artist of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year said ...Like many of those whom you have contacted concerning this matter, I am totally thrown off at his attempt to portray himself as my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I am also outraged by the failure and refusal of those Christians of influence to take a stand on a matter that is offensive to our faith. In my opinion, this young man feels that he is superior to his peers and surroundings and to depict himself as Jesus Christ is proof of that. Kanye has a level of pride that is unique, it's frightening! It reminds me of when Lucifer tried to exalt himself above the throne of God as we read about in the scripture. As a result God cast him down along with all the angels that agreed and followed him. After he (Satan) was kicked out of heaven, the bible described him as the fallen star. Here is what I mean by this reference; Kanye West may be a shining star right now but when you try to exalt yourself as Jesus, you open up to being the next falling star and all those that follow and support are in position to be cast down as well. Let this be a lesson learned just because someone uses the name of Jesus Christ it does not mean they stand for what His name represents.
Heidi Stampley
Heidi Stampley, wife and manager of Micah Stampley said ...As a Christian involved and associated with the music industry I am appalled. It is amazing to see how the great success and ministry that came out of the "Passion of the Christ" has been disgraced in an attempt to draw more attention to this magazine and the artist (Kanye) that was used. Personally Kanye never offered a real symbolism of what Christianity is about. His song "Jesus Walks," in my opinion, was not at all a song that brought glory to the name of Jesus, instead it took the name, character and nature of Jesus in vain and was offensive to those that discerned a greater agenda. I guess now we all see it never really was about Jesus and his (Kanye) great need for him but it was to make a statement. If he really had a sincere conviction or reverence for Jesus, he would have never agreed to such a outrageous depiction of Him. This song offered no real life changing value. It received more attention by Christians simply because the name of Jesus was used. Saying the name of Jesus should have more weight and be less surface to the true believers; those whose personal relationship is that of a life that does bring glory and praise to his name. Kanye West, although he has capitalized on the name of Jesus without the power or conviction associated with His name; will never know the real power and the weight of what he is doing, until a Christian is real with Him and shares the truth of Jesus in a way that matters. At this rate, without some direction and divine intervention his grandiose behavior will only increase and God only knows what he will do next. It's really not about Kanye. When are the real believers and soldiers that say they are in the army of the Lord, going to stand up for the Jesus that they profess!?! This is a War Cry!
