Hillsong’s Marty Sampson has responded to Christian musician John Cooper after the Skillet frontman urged those who are publicly disavowing their faith to “value truth over feeling.”
Sampson has been embroiled in a media storm after announcing to the world that he had largely rejected his Christian beliefs.
“What right have you to put words in my mouth?” Sampson wrote to Cooper in yet another Instagram post. “I wouldn’t presume to put words in yours. To think that I am trying to influence others, without even asking me if that is my intention is offensive. ”
In his hard-hitting Facebook post, Cooper said that he was “stunned that the seemingly most important thing for these leaders who have lost their faith is to make such a bold new stance.”
“It is time for the church to rediscover the preeminence of the Word. And to value the teaching of the Word,” the Christian rocker implored. “We need to value truth over feeling. Truth over emotion. And what we are seeing now is the result of the church raising up influencers who did not supremely value truth who have led a generation who also do not believe in the supremacy of truth. And now those disavowed leaders are proudly still leading and influencing boldly AWAY from the truth.”
It was this challenge that seemed to aggravate Sampson. “Do I need this kind of criticism in an honest examination of what I believe from complete strangers?” the songwriter asked. “I have never even met you, yet you presume to know me or people like me?”
Sampson added that he “only ever posted about this to explain to people (4K followers on insta I may add) where I was at in an honest and genuine way.” It was “not to influence them and their beliefs,” the Hillsong writer added. “Not to draw attention to myself. Not to have a voice.”
Sampson insisted that he simply desired to “wrestle and to learn and to grow,” by posting about his faith journey on Instagram. “Instead of people like you asking genuine questions, you jump to conclusions, when you could easily ask,” he added.
“Say what you will,” Sampson concluded. “I have no opinion on you or your life.”
Marty Sampson has been involved with Hillsong’s worship ministry for the best part of two decades and was one of the founding members of their chart-topping rock band, Hillsong United. Songs credited to him include “Elohim,” “Depths” and “Saviour King.”
You can read Cooper’s full post below: