The mainstream media wants Americans to look back on this year as one of political intrigue and corruption. But no matter how headline-grabbing the governmental was in 2019, religion came to the forefront over and over – demanding attention and creating interesting conversations around our nation’s proverbial water coolers.
Here are the top five moments in faith over the past 12 months:
Kanye West’s Very Public Conversion
In November, Kanye West showcased his newfound dedication to Christianity through a gospel album called “Jesus is King.” It was the first album to debut simultaneously at the top of the all-genre Billboard 200, Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and Top Rap Albums, Top Christian Albums, and Top Gospel Albums. Before the album came out, Zane Lowe asked West if he desired to convert people through his art. West responded, “It’s not a desire. It’s my only mission and calling to spread the Gospel. When I make a song, it’s to spread the Gospel.”
His conversion created a firestorm of inspiration, doubt and conversation. Was this real or a publicity stunt? How much attention should we pay to new Christians still acclimating to their own beliefs?
Every major media outlet had something to say about Kanye, whether positive or negative, and he shows no sign of keeping his faith quiet. When Jimmy Kimmel asked him if he was now a “Christian artist,” he responded, “I’m just a Christian everything.”
The Hymn Heard Round the World
In June, anti-extradition Hong Kong protesters began singing a Christian hymn called, “Sing Hallelujah to the Lord” at marches, in front of the city’s Legislative Council, and at police stand-offs.
Not all of the protesters are Christian – only 10 percent of the population professes faith – but Christian churches rallied with the protesters once they heard the alarming reports of police brutality. The churches joined their ranks in order to protect the protesters, as “religious assemblies” are exempt from rules governing organized protests. The simple-to-learn hymn with its easy melody not only demonstrated to the world that the protests were peaceful, but the song’s message also moved people worldwide.
Continue to Fox News to see the other three top stories of faith.