Skillet’s John Cooper Responds to Performance Criticism
John Cooper, the frontman of the band Skillet, has addressed the backlash regarding their recent rendition of the well-known Christmas hymn “Oh Come, Oh Come Emanuel.”
The song, which has garnered over 800,000 plays on YouTube, was actually the band’s first Christmas release and even topped the iTunes Rock and Christmas charts. Despite its success, it hasn’t escaped critics online.
Cooper, who started the band back in 1996, spoke about his perspective, focusing on Skillet’s mission to spread the gospel while also acknowledging differing opinions. He shared, “I’m not angry or even offended by anyone who believes my music is satanic,” he remarked.
“Perhaps it’s because I grew up with devout parents who viewed rock music as a sort of gift from the devil,” he elaborated. Cooper recalled attending seminars by Bill Gothard where he often heard warnings against the evils of Christian rock. He mentioned that his parents acted out of love and concern for him.
“I sense that Skillet’s critics share similar motivations, and I believe they mean well. Yet, I hope they recognize how our music has brought hope and light to many,” he added. “It’s the Lord’s call that allows me to brush aside the negativity. It doesn’t hold me back; instead, it spurs me on.”
Cooper referenced the influential Christian rock band Petra, stating, “As they said, I don’t want to be a people pleaser; I want to please God.”
Responses to the song have been quite divided on social media. One critic stated, “If the Bible were true, music like this would be banned during the Millennium. This does not glorify God at all.” They went on to say that if the devil were to sing a hymn, it would resemble this performance. Watching it without sound, they argued, made the point even clearer.
Another critic remarked, “I can’t imagine Jesus being anything but furious in their presence and turning everything upside down.”
Conversely, some individuals came to Skillet’s defense, including James White, a pastor from Arizona and self-described theologian for the band. He shared, “Let me join in. I had dinner with John and Corey recently, and we discussed faith and life’s challenges. My wife and I spent time with them in their home when they were in Wisconsin.” He also mentioned having in-depth conversations about theology with them, suggesting the critiques were unwarranted.
Alisa Childers, a podcast host and former member of The Zoe Band, also offered support for Skillet’s interpretation of the song. “So, today’s agenda didn’t include defending Skillet from Christian critiques, but here we are. Before tossing judgments, listen to the whole song. It starts beautifully, honoring its essence of longing for the coming Messiah.”
Childers continued, “It reflects not just a longing for the past but also for Christ’s return in a world that seems to have lost sight of love. That tension is still present.” She expressed appreciation for the band’s craft, noting Ledger’s vocals as particularly remarkable and emphasizing how these talented musicians create art that sparks thought and reflection.
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