An American hip hop artist and apologist has publicly denounced his faith, saying he is stepping away from Christianity after years of doubts.
Brady “Phanatik” Goodwin, founding member of Grammy-nominated Christian hip-hop group, The Cross Movement, posted a video on his Facebook page in which he explained his decision.
Goodwin, who has followed Jesus for 30 years, recorded ten records, including six with The Cross Movement—two nominated for Grammy Awards, before going on to attend Bible seminary, write several books, and teach apologetics to high school, college and Bible college students.
The 45-year-old was anxious to point out in his statement that it was not attending seminary that led to his decision, and said he posted the video because he needed to explain the hints he had been making recently about his change of mind.
Goodwin chose his words carefully in the video and looked uncomfortable at times. He said: “I got to the point where I felt like I was, one, being lied to—and two, being trained to lie to other people”.
The rapper added: “I literally told God: ‘If I find one more thing in the scriptures that doesn’t have a good explanation without resorting to some kind of, having to bend over backwards and hop over barrels to explain it, I’m going to lose my faith.’”
Followers and Christian friends of the artist have reacted respectfully but with sadness to the announcement.
Justin Martyr, a hip-hop artist, graduate of Moody Bible Institute, and minister, who said he had “shared the stage” with The Cross Movement in the past said: “Praying for Brady . . . he is one of my heroes in the Faith.”
Carson Weitnauer, executive director at apologetics ministry Uncommon Pursuit, said: “I respect how Brady demonstrated compassion, vulnerability, and honesty in his announcement. It’s okay to acknowledge the complexity of his story.”
