Jesus Freak Added to Hymnals

DC Talk's Jesus Freak Added to Worship Songbooks as a Classical Hymn

Jesus Freak by DC Talk

In a surprising move, the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) has announced that the 1995 hit song "Jesus Freak" by DC Talk will be added to the official list of classical hymns for worship services. The song, which blends rap, rock, and grunge elements, was a breakthrough for the Christian music industry and became a cultural phenomenon among young believers.

The NAE said that the decision was made after a careful review of the song's lyrics, musical quality, and theological soundness. The NAE praised the song for its bold proclamation of faith in Jesus Christ, its creative use of biblical imagery, and its relevance to contemporary issues. The NAE also noted that the song has been widely covered by various artists and genres, demonstrating its enduring appeal and versatility.

The announcement was met with mixed reactions from church leaders and worshipers. Some welcomed the inclusion of "Jesus Freak" as a way to celebrate the diversity and richness of Christian music, as well as to reach out to younger generations who grew up with the song. Others expressed concern that the song was too worldly, too loud, or too unconventional for worship settings. Some even questioned the legitimacy of DC Talk as a Christian band, citing their controversial lyrics, appearance, and collaborations. One pastor, who wished to remain anonymous, said that he would rather listen to a sermon by Joel Osteen than play "Jesus Freak" in his church.

DC Talk, who disbanded in 2000 but reunited for a cruise tour in 2017, issued a statement thanking the NAE for the recognition and honor. They said that they wrote "Jesus Freak" as a way to express their love for Jesus and their willingness to stand up for him in a hostile world. They also said that they hoped that the song would inspire other Christians to be bold and passionate about their faith.

The NAE said that it will provide guidelines and resources for churches who want to incorporate "Jesus Freak" into their worship services. The NAE also said that it will consider adding more contemporary songs to the classical hymn list in the future, as long as they meet the criteria of excellence, orthodoxy, and edification. The NAE also added that it will not include any songs by Kanye West, Justin Bieber, or Taylor Swift, as they are considered too secular, too poppy, or too petty for worship purposes.

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