Gen X Christian music star Jennifer Knapp has come out as a lesbian at the same time that she is coming out with a new album. The 36 year old Kansas native has been a popular Christian music singer since 1998 when her first album, Kansas was released.
Knapp received a Grammy nomination for her 2000 album titled Lay It Down. In 2001 her album The Way I Am was also nominated for a Grammy. The singer stepped back for awhile taking a hiatus from making more albums for about 5 years. Knapp told Relevant magazine, "It was definitely time for a break. I was touring Lay It Down while recording The Way I Am, then went directly into touring that record. It got to where I was just doing shows to support the record, rather than having a record support the heart of the people I was supposed to be serving. I don't want to make and tour another record just because that's what people expect, or because 'it's about that time.’”
Knapp returned to music last year and announced via Twitter in February that her new album Letting Go would be released on May 11, 2010. Knapp plans to participate in the Lilith Fair Tour this summer.
Reuters has stated that there are no other well known Christian musicians who are openly gay. Knapp told Reuters that she was celibate for 10 years because she was an unmarried Christian woman. She says she underwent an early midlife crisis and had to look at her faith, her career and her sexuality. She now spends most of her time in Australia but has an American girlfriend.
Jennifer Knapp doesn’t consider herself to be a crusader for the gay community and she still considers herself to be a Christian, a gay Christian. Her new album will be a little more mainstream and she hopes her fans, Christian and non-Christian alike, will give it and her a chance.
Below is a video of Jennifer Knapp singing live on the Studio B show.
Comments
Love her!
Third culture kids examiner
Seattle stay-at-home moms examiner
Am I one of the few around who really doesn't care about the sexual orientation or habits of others?
I'm not shocked, always suspected it. She is really talented though, and it's her music that matters to me!
Hhhmmm...let's see! I need to create some buzz around my new release. What should I....I'm Gay!!!
Never heard of her before.
I love Jennifer but here's the truth. If you are a Christian and believe the Bible to be the infallible word of God, then you have to believe it all. That includes the part that says no homosexual will inherit the Kingdom of God. You cannot live a life that opposes the very nature of God because it pleases you and expect that God will just overlook it. I love you Jennifer and I am praying for you.
Well said "Truth" I agree though this paticular subject is hard for me because I came out of the lifestyle and still have friends that are gay. His Word is truth and we must embrace it all or none of it. Still maintaining love for our brother and sisters in life and PRAY!!
@Truth: "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Matthew 7:1,2
"...'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and all your mind.' And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as you love yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hand on these two commandments." Matthew 22:37-40
typo: "hang" on these two commandments.
@love your neighbor: part of loving your neighbour is telling him the truth. And the truth is that God calls homosexuality a sin. This doesn't in any way mean that we should hate this person. But rather help him and pray for him.
It is confusing to me that Christians are often more concerned with the letter of law reflected in scripture than with the heart of Jesus that is full of love and mercy. Judgement and condemnation are not fruits of the spirit & it saddens me to see those qualities so proudly demonstrated in "strong" Christians. I applaud Jennifer for the brave step that she is taking to be honest and authentic about her sexuality while being well aware of the harsh criticism she would face from many Christians.
Jennifer - I support you! I am glad you are using your musical gifts publicly again. I will pray everyday that you will find people in your community with a heart like Jesus to embrace you and accept you and welcome you home, just the way you are!
@Hillary - Jesus came to fulfill the Law and Prophets not abolish them. He is loving, caring, and forgiving to those who call on him. However, he also spoke of sending people to the fiery pit and turned over tables in the Temple.
Biblically homosexuality is incompatible with following God, all Sin is. God also gives the ability (with the Holy Spirit) to overcome these struggles. May Ms. Knapp seek Christ for truth and not what her emotions and society tell her is ok.
CONGRATS JENNIFER!! GOOD FOR YOU. I AM A GAY CHRISTIAN.
THANK YOU FOR STEPPING UP. <3 <3 <3
"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you."
a. Judge not, that you be not judged: This is the Bible verse that seems to be most popular in our present day. But most the people who quote this verse don’t understand what Jesus said. They seem to think Jesus commanded a universal acceptance of any lifestyle or teaching.
i. If we see what Jesus said in Matthew 7:15-16, He commands us to know people by the fruit of their life, and some sort of assessment is necessary for that.
ii. The Christian is called to unconditionally love. But the Christian is not called to unconditional approval. We really can love people who do things that should not be approved of.
b. Instead, Jesus is speaking against being judgmental, that is, judging motives and the inner man, which only God can know. We can judge the fruit of a man, but we can rarely judge their motives with accuracy.
Wow...great response!?!? Hehe....another one for our team!
Just because God has mercy and love doesn't mean you can live however you want and then when you die you get to go to heaven. I'm praying for Jennifer and still love her as a sister in Christ, but she is in the wrong here. And about Loveyourneighbor's comment, That verse is saying that we can't judge if someone is going to heaven or hell because only God knows that. It is not judging to say that Jennifer is living in sin with this lifestyle and that she needs prayer. It clearly states in the Bible that homosexuality is a sin. You can not just ignore that because God has love and mercy.
And GOOD comment from Stop mis-quoting Scripture
"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you."
a. Judge not, that you be not judged: This is the Bible verse that seems to be most popular in our present day. But most the people who quote this verse don’t understand what Jesus said. They seem to think Jesus commanded a universal acceptance of any lifestyle or teaching.
i. If we see what Jesus said in Matthew 7:15-16, He commands us to know people by the fruit of their life, and some sort of assessment is necessary for that.
ii. The Christian is called to unconditionally love. But the Christian is not called to unconditional approval. We really can love people who do things that should not be approved of.
b. Instead, Jesus is speaking against being judgmental, that is, judging motives and the inner man, which only God can know. We can judge the fruit of a man, but we can rarely judge their motives with accuracy.
typo: "hang" on these two commandments.
So those of you that say you have to believe and follow every bit of the bible..do you stone your children when they talk back to you and disrespect you? Do you own slaves? I sure hope you don't work on Sundays. Let's just be real here, all you "real Christians" pick and choose what parts of the bible you choose to follow, so stop being hypocrites please. Good for Jennifer for refusing to continue to live a lie.
And GOOD comment from Stop mis-quoting Scripture
@STOP MIS-QUOTING SCRIPTURE! how can reciting the words of Jesus with no commentary added at all be misquoting scripture?
@STOP MIS-QUOTING SCRIPTURE!
"i. If we see what Jesus said in Matthew 7:15-16, He commands us to know people by the fruit of their life, and some sort of assessment is necessary for that."
i respect the strength of your beliefs, but matt. 7:15&16 are not talking about knowing "people" in general by the fruit of their lives. those two verses refer only to knowing "false prophets" by their fruit.
@GlorytoGod
"And about Loveyourneighbor's comment, That verse is saying that we can't judge if someone is going to heaven or hell because only God knows that."
matt. 7:1&2 have nothing at all to do with whether or not someone is going to heaven or hell. though that is not for us to decide either.
"It is not judging to say that Jennifer is living in sin with this lifestyle and that she needs prayer."
It is absolutely judging Jennifer to say that she is living in sin. It is not for you or me to decide what someone's sins are.
Jesus brought a new covenant. Gentiles are not bound by the mitzvahs. Recall that he concerned himself with only two commandments : Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and love thy neighbor as thyself.
Jesus never spoke about homosexuality directly; only Paul did. Jesus did, however, speak condemningly about adulterers... why is that sin so easily brushed over by his followers?
And GOOD comment from Stop mis-quoting Scripture
@ loveyourneighbor
Sin is sin! Sins are not different for different people. Homosexuality is clearly stated a sin in the Bible so if someone is a homosexual, they are living in sin.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 5: 3-10
I don't know who she is and I really don't care who is gay or who is not.
Yeah, the Bible says that gay sex is a sin. It also says that tattoos, trimmed beards, and fortunetelling (the last punishable by death) are against the will of God (who, supposedly loving as he is, never seemed to have any problem sadistically killing innocent people when he was cross). I mean, does anyone today take the Bible's pronouncements on leprosy seriously? Why, then, take the word of an ancient, pre-scientific tribal text as the last word when it comes to human sexuality?
God is love, Do NOT take scripture literally (they are damn silly)...Jennifer Knapp is so awesome, I am so excited she is back, love her!!!
I find it so odd that people get in a tizzy over another's love life. Shouldn't we celebrate when someone is in love? Why tear down a person who is fulfilled in her relationship? That is cruel and selfish on the person who is judging. You just look foolish and unreasonable. No, it is not clear at all about homosexuality in general in the Bible. When studied in context, linguitics, and culturally, it has little to do with what we know as gay today.
She has denounced herself as a christian. Having said that she knows where to find Jesus' Grace, which is the only thing thta can save her from her sins of homosexuality. We need not judge her, for we will al be judged. But the Word of God says that if it be murder or lying, hatred or homosexuality, they are all sins, not a choice. We are free in Jesus' grace to live a pure life. I will pray for her and those who do not know the Word of God.
And I will pray for those that pretend to know the word of God as if they had a personal conversation with him or Jesus. You know what men wrote in what is called the bible..Jesus did not write it, neither did God..men did..and then they changed it and left a huge amount out, so sorry if I don't live my life based on what others want me to do. Jennifer will be happier than she has ever been just by living as who she was born as and not what others would have her pretend to be.
I never heard of her, but glad she decided to be herself and come out... so many people are afraid to come out because of judgmental Christians. Leave it to God, people! We have enough to deal with trying to keep ourselves out of hell.
That's awesome!!
There are all sorts of snide comments I could make, but I won't because I'm a Christian, too. I wish her nothing but happiness.
Oh my. We are not called to judge one another but to LOVE. Jesus didnot come to judge he came to bring us life and life in abundance. To Preach and Teach. To make away for us to be saved. God is our judge. I take the word of God seriously and I also know there are many more realms of God. Im holyspirit filled and I have sin and ask God for forgiveness. He made us he loves us. I can quote many scriptures my self. The greatest Commandment is to love.
To all commenters what comes out of our mouths is whats in our hearts. Psalms 51 create in me a clean heart and renew with in me a steadfast spirit. Love conquers a multitude of sin. Grace and Mercy, What we pour out to others is what is given back to us. Maybe we need to check our own hearts. Search me Oh God and know my heart. Lets get real with ourselves so we can get real with him, that's when true change comes. I know from experience. Jesus didn't die in vain!
s
We are all sinners and fallen short of the glory of God. Jesus made attoinment for us but don't take that lightly, Pray for each other. Christians have a bad wrap and I am a Christian. We need to go back to the basics and LOVE if we are concerned for someone pray for them. Fast and Pray, It moves the hands of God. Once sin came in, In the beginning, There you go. Take the plank out of our own eye first. Love people Love.
Everyone truly have a Blessed day. Seek, Truly seek the face of God and you will find. Take time from our busy lives, let's make him a priority and see the changes that come. Let's do the best we can while we are here, Love each other. Even when we don't agree with this or that it works both ways. Love, Love, Love. Our Lord did not die for nothing we need his heart. Pray for it.
Just to clarify on a point someone else made - if you're talking about Christian beliefs, we don't actually have to worry about getting ourselves into heaven - Jesus did that for us, we just have to accept Him and the sacrifice He made for us. This comment is not to judge Ms. Knapp, because as a Christian, I am not called to judge other people, but to love them. However, I would like to say in defense of my faith, that the Bible's stand on homosexuality is patently clear, as is its take on sex outside of marriage. I do not intend to begin a debate here with anyone, but merely thought that with all the other opinions on here, I may as well fit in my own.
Next thing you know, a christian artist is going to "come out" and say they like having sex with children. Are christians expected to show the same "we shouldnt judge people" response to them? Sin is sin and it is our jobs as christians to hold other christians accountable for their actions. We do not have the right to judge non-christians, but scripture commands us to hold anyone who claims the name of Christ accountable for blatant sin. 1 Corinthians 5:9-13; 1 John 1:5-10
If you do not believe in the Bible, then remove yourself from this conversation because christianity is founded on the Word of God. You don't get to decide that or we can all just believe that a bunch of guys made up some stuff Jesus said and then died for those beliefs that they themselves made up. That makes alot of sense. (sarcasm intended)I love this young lady and I am praying that she repents from this sin and continues to follow Jesus or actually start following Him. Whichever.
Next thing you know, a christian artist is going to "come out" and say they like having sex with children. Are christians expected to show the same "we shouldnt judge people" response to them? Sin is sin and it is our jobs as christians to hold other christians accountable for their actions. We do not have the right to judge non-christians, but scripture commands us to hold anyone who claims the name of Christ accountable for blatant sin. 1 Corinthians 5:9-13; 1 John 1:5-10
If you do not believe in the Bible, then remove yourself from this conversation because christianity is founded on the Word of God. You don't get to decide that or we can all just believe that a bunch of guys made up some stuff Jesus said and then died for those beliefs that they themselves made up. That makes alot of sense. (sarcasm intended)I love this young lady and I am praying that she repents from this sin and continues to follow Jesus or actually start following Him. Whichever.
Jenny has been my favorite Christian artist since her first album. I'm so proud of her for coming out.
I'm with Joshua - If ya'll are really Christians, you believe that Jesus brought a new covenant that eliminated the old laws. That new covenant was to BELIEVE and LOVE.
"Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, 'Let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt? It's this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor." -Matthew 7:1-5, The Message
1 Tim 4:1-3 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
Folks this is predicted in the bible, which IS God's word and is VERY clear on homosexuality. When people do these things they are deceived by a spirit of deception. They truely believe what they are doing is right, because they are blinded. There is no judgement that needs to be taken just simply read God's word and it will make it very clear.
Actually Paul, the Bible is NOT "very clear" on homosexuality at all. It is very clear on sex outside of marriage, adultery and not working on the sabbath..so why don't ou and th eother homophobes concentrate on those sins? Oh, it's because those are your sins right and you would rather spend time worrying about what other people are doing so you don't concentrate on your own hypocricy. Glass houses people, glass houses. Shame on you.
If you are Christian
You aspire to be like Christ.
Christ would embrace her and look at all and say, "Who are you to speak?"
Ok, lets see. Romans 1: 24-27 here goes for the Bible not being clear on homosexuality. I am quoting now; I am not worried about a title, I am more concerned for people's eternal lives:
Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever, Amen.
For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
I would go on, but not allowed enough room. Folks, I am not making things up, just quoting scripture.
Sorry, but the Bible IS VERY CLEAR on homosexuality.
Shame on me? Maybe you should read more??
Please actually read the Bible before commenting on this page. Please don't claim Christ and make comments that are contrary to what the Bible actually says. It is an embarrassment and only serves to prove why the church is so weak today and not making an impact. It's members dont even read the playbook...
1 Corinthians 5:9-13
9I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— 10not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. 11But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.
12What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? 13God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you."[a]
Read it,it's not rocket science
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