Pastor Creflo Dollar urges church members not to criticize Snoop Dogg over new Christian music album
Rap artist Snoop Dogg has the support of Pastor Creflo Dollar amid criticism about his top-selling Christian album "Bible of Love" from others. Snoop Dogg's announcement for his new Christian album has been met with skepticism and scorn from various corners, in particular due to his past songs glorifying violence and drugs as a gangster rapper.
During a service at World Changers Church International, Creflo Dollar cited Snoop Dogg as an example of the spirit of grace. He said that some people have decided to become "Holy Ghost police" by choosing to discredit the rapper, when he should be embraced for his decision to create a Christian album.
"Somebody shoulda said 'Congratulations. Thank you so much," Dollar said. "Thank you so much for releasing something that can minister to people and encourage people."
Dollar also remarked that self-righteous Christians who look at Snoop Dogg's past misdeeds to judge him for his new music are being unrighteous. He explained that accepting the rapper's latest album doesn't mean condoning his past sins, but it's actually recognizing that Jesus is working His way through Snoop Dogg.
It's no secret that in his younger years Snoop Dogg, whose real name is Calvin Broadus Jr., had several brushes with the law, both in the U.S. and abroad, for traffic violations, possession of drugs like marijuana and cocaine, possession of firearms, and even assault. He also converted to Rastafari, a Jamaican religious movement in 2012 but since working on his new album, he has declared that he's now a born-again Christian.
The rapper also said that his grandmother, a devoted Christian, has had a big impact on him. He grew up with influences from church because of her and has actually dedicated "Bible of Love" in her honor.
Meanwhile, despite the criticism, "Bible of Love" continues to soar in the charts and has earned positive reviews from different publications and music news outlets. Snoop Dogg also took a shot at his critics by saying that the church is supposed to welcome -- and not reject -- sinners.
