By Rebecca Johnson // Controversy // EEW Magazine Online

Beyoncé has lost a fan in poet, author, and Bible teacher Jackie Hill Perry due to themes of witchcraft, paganism and the occult in her music. (Credit: EEW Magazine Online)

Beyoncé’s most recent album contained a tribute to church girls, but not all church girls agree with or condone the occult symbolism, pagan imagery, and witchcraft in her art.

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles Carter is one of the most influential yet polarizing figures of the 21st century—both inside and outside Christian circles.

The latest controversy surrounding the most awarded female artist of all time comes courtesy of author, poet, Bible teacher and hip-hop artist, Jackie Hill Perry. The former Beyoncé superfan is speaking out against what she calls “witchcraft” and demonic themes in the superstar’s music.

“I don’t know who told us you’ve got to be a witch to be Black,” says the Gay Girl, Good God author in a viral fiery sermon snippet initially posted by Hollywood Unlocked.

“You are not more Black by engaging in witchcraft that is still propagating a white supremacist lie that Black people in Africa didn’t know Jesus. I am angry that the powers that be in social media, and in culture, and in music, and in Beyoncé’s music, and in Kehlani’s music… are really trying to convince us that all spiritualism is the same,” she added.

Beyoncé who has made several references to the Afro-Caribbean religion Santeria, embodied the Yoruba goddess Oshun, and worn clothing and accessories featuring the satanic goat, Baphomet, an occult and pagan icon, has frequently come under fire from Christian leaders opposed to idolatry and occultism. In recent years, the “Church Girl” singer’s Christian fanbase has been shrinking, as she more closely aligns her music and image with paganism and idolatry.

Perry, who first emerged on the scene in 2014 with the release of her debut album via Humble Beast Records, has significantly grown in popularity and become a leading voice in the conservative Christian space. Her latest viral warning against embracing, supporting, and celebrating Beyoncé has grabbed the attention of thousands.

“We have digested this impurity, and we want so bad not to be legalistic that we actually become profane. We want so bad to have all these freedoms that we are entertaining demons, and you wonder why you are depressed. And you wonder why you are anxious. And you wonder why you have nightmares. And you wonder why you can’t sleep. And you wonder why you see things in your room at night. It’s because you are opening up doors to all kinds of demons. Close them,” says Perry in the clip.

“Whatever you’ve got in your home that’s witchcraft, throw it away. Throw it away! Burn everything you’ve got, because we are women who are going to love God with all of our heart, and all of our mind, and all of our soul. We are not going to imitate the detestable practices of the nations.”

In an earlier, longer form video uploaded to her YouTube channel, Perry explains that the conversation is “bigger than Beyoncé.”

“When she’s gone, there will always be opportunities for us to make bad decisions in what we watch, what we digest, what we entertain, and so what we need is wisdom,” she says.

Since Perry’s less than two-minute preaching footage gained traction, it has drawn equal amounts of praise and criticism—with some rejecting Perry’s point of view in favor of the perspective of Africana studies scholar Wunyabari O. Maloba.

Maloba blames European colonialism for the demise of indigenous African religions, suggesting that colonialists propagated “the racist principle that barbarism pervaded Africa and therefore there was no culture to be salvaged.” As a result, biases held by Christian missionaries spread, delegitimizing and classifying indigenous religions as demonic and malevolent. Individuals that believe this tend to view the shunning of witchcraft and traditional African religions as a manifestation of a racist ideology.

Clearly, Perry does not hold this viewpoint. Despite that, she rejects the religious dogma that condemns those with opposite views to hell. In fact, Perry states that those who wish to continue following both Queen Bey and King Jesus should expect no finger wagging from her.

She tells her audience, “If you like Beyoncé, if you bought her tickets, if you plan to go, I am not shaming you. My job here and my heart is to instruct you and give you a framework by which you can make a wise decision.”

The poet’s evolution from closeted Beyoncé supporter to public critic is relatively recent. She admits that she fell in love with Bey’s music at eight years old after receiving a Destiny’s Child CD as a Christmas gift from her mother. Over the years, Perry had been an active member of the Beyhive, purchasing Beyoncé’s albums and attending her concerts. In fact, Perry says, as little as a year ago not even she would have embraced her own argument against Beyoncé.

But it’s a new day.

As the Holier Than Thou author’s latest commentary continues to spark discourse, she advises Christians on the fence to seek God for guidance then follow their own spiritual convictions.

“Pray,” she says. “Ask God what He would want you to do.”

Suggested: