Former CCM Singer Katy Perry: ‘I Don’t Believe in Heaven or Hell’

Ryan Duncan | Updated: Dec 30, 2013

Former CCM Singer Katy Perry: ‘I Don’t Believe in Heaven or Hell’

After years of concerts featuring hot-pink wigs and songs about sexual misadventures, the average listener has probably forgotten that pop star Katy Perry began her career as a Christian artist. Just in case there was any confusion though, the singer recently stated in an interview with Marie Claire Magazine that she no longer believes in Heaven or Hell or professes to be Christian. According to sources at the Christian News Network, Perry’s response was as follows:

“’I don’t believe in a Heaven or a Hell, or an old man sitting on a throne,’ she advised the magazine. ‘I believe in a higher power bigger than me because that keeps me accountable. Accountability is rare to find, especially with people like myself, because nobody wants to tell you something you don’t want to hear.’”

“’I’m not Buddhist, I’m not Hindu, I’m not Christian, but I still feel like I have a deep connection with God,” Perry continued. “I pray all the time—for self-control, for humility. There’s a lot of gratitude in it. Just saying ‘thank you’ sometimes is better than asking for things.’”

This attitude has created some turbulence between Perry and her parents, Keith and Mary Hudson, who are church leaders in Westlake, Ohio. Both have openly expressed their love for their daughter, but stated they do not agree with many of the choices she has made throughout her career. Perry’s declaration also highlights a year where several notable artists have demonstrated a dramatic shift in style and personality. Most notable among these was the sexually charged VMA performance of Miley Cyrus, which resulted in a storm of online responses, including that of Trevin Wax from The Gospel Coalition.

Though this news will come as a shock to few, it will none the less be discouraging for Christians who hope to influence the world of pop-culture.

*Published 12/30/2013



Former CCM Singer Katy Perry: ‘I Don’t Believe in Heaven or Hell’