Questions around Michael Jackson’s faith have resurfaced following music producer Rodney Jerkins’ recent claim that the singer accepted Christ shortly before his death.
Speaking on US radio show The Breakfast Club, Jerkins said: “I got to [Michael Jackson’s] funeral, and Sandra Crouch and Seth Riggs, his vocal coach, says ‘Michael received Christ two weeks ago,’ he had us pray with him, he did the sinner’s prayer.”
Jackson was raised in a non secular home, primarily influenced by his mother Katherine. After becoming disillusioned with mainstream denominations, she became a Jehovah’s Witness in 1963. The religion played a major role within the Jackson household, with Michael and his siblings participating actively in Bible study and door-to-door ministry. According to his sister La Toya, Michael would even wear disguises to avoid being recognised while witnessing in Los Angeles.
Despite his early devotion, Jackson’s relationship with the Jehovah’s Witnesses deteriorated within the Eighties. The supernatural themes of his Thriller video prompted concern amongst church leaders. In 1987, Jackson officially “disassociated” himself from the organisation. After that, his spirituality appeared to shift towards something more personal and fewer certain by denomination.
However, even in a 1976 Ebony magazine interview, he said: “I avoid using the term ‘religion’ … I just imagine what’s within the Bible … I get down on my knees every night and thank God and ask Him to cleared the path.”
Those near Jackson have consistently described him as someone who read the Bible, prayed often, and regularly mentioned God in conversation. He often spoke about his desire to be Christ-like, particularly in his compassion for kids. In a 1993 interview with Oprah Winfrey, he said: “I attempt to imitate Jesus – and I’m not saying I’m Jesus. I’m attempting to imitate Jesus within the proven fact that he said to be like children.”
Years later, he told Fox News’ Geraldo Rivera: “Jesus said bring on the youngsters, imitate children … We were raised with those values … they usually proceed strong in us today.”
During the 2003 trial during which Jackson faced child molestation charges – allegations he consistently denied – he reportedly reached out to Jerkins for prayer. Jerkins said Jackson called while he was within the studio with comedian Chris Tucker and his father, each devout Christians: “He said, ‘Where are you? Can I come? I just need prayer.’”
In the ultimate months of his life, gospel musicians Andraé and Sandra Crouch visited Jackson at home and within the studio. A spokesperson said they prayed and discussed the anointing of the Holy Spirit and making Jackson’s music more spiritual. Jackson reportedly asked methods to bring more spirituality into his work, and the Crouches spoke to him about Jesus.
However, probably the most direct claim that Jackson can have made a Christian commitment before his death comes from Jerkins, who said that Sandra Crouch and Seth Riggs told him Jackson had prayed the sinner’s prayer two weeks before he died. This statement is complicated by an earlier clarification from Andraé and Sandra Crouch, who denied media reports that they’d visited Jackson “several weeks prior to his death so he could accept Christ”, calling such reports “incorrect and absolutely not true”.
Whether these conflicting accounts represent different moments or confusion over timing stays unclear. Jerkins cited Sandra Crouch and Seth Riggs, while the denial got here from each Crouches, suggesting it might discuss with a separate occasion during which Andraé was not present. It can be possible that Jerkins was passing on what he had been told in good faith, even when the unique events were misunderstood.
What is for certain is that Michael Jackson never publicly declared a change in religious belief in his final days. Although his spiritual interests deepened and broadened over time, whether this ever led to a transparent Christian commitment stays unknown.
He died on 25 June 2009 from an overdose of propofol and other prescribed drugs. He was 50 years old.
