I’ve heard more about Taylor Swift in the last six months than I have at any other point in my life—tickets on the black market, trips centered around her concerts, and conversations that make her sound like she’s practically the next Queen of England.
But why is the world suddenly so obsessed with Taylor Swift? And why are we—specifically, why are Christians—investing so much of our time and money in an artist who is living in darkness and seems to be proud of it?
It’s Not Just About the Music
First of all, I want you to know this isn’t a preachy post; consider it a cautionary post. I’m not a Taylor Swift purist. I’ve listened to her music and like some of her songs. She has some really catchy music, and she’s established quite the reputation for herself. But I’d argue that’s where the issue lies—in who she’s become as an artist and as a person.
Let’s just say the Taylor Swift of 2006 is not the Taylor Swift of 2023. From fun and bubbly to dark and edgy, she’s made a major transition in the music scene. Just as many other artists who took a dive off the deep end (think Brittany Spears, Katy Perry, or Miley Cyrus), Taylor Swift is practically sprinting to the edge of the diving board.
And sadly, we as Christians pretend like nothing has changed in the past 17 years since she first walked onto the music scene. But we can’t act like her music is innocent when it’s exactly the type of thing we’re not supposed to dwell on as believers who are being sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
Full Disclosure
Friends, I can’t pretend I’m perfect because I’m not. We all have vices, including me. If you’re a fan of Taylor Swift, I’m not here to criticize you or judge you. Ultimately, the Holy Spirit will convict you when you need to be convicted; that’s not my job. I’ve simply noticed a recent (unsettling) trend in Christians becoming obsessed with a secular artist who has made some trashy music and trashy life choices.
The Holy Spirit has nudged me many times about what I should and shouldn’t fill my mind with, including what kind of music isn’t wise for me to listen to. My initial reaction to His nudges is this: “Oh, come on! You’re really asking me to give this up?”
But ultimately, the Holy Spirit’s nudges are a gift that bring us into deeper, sweeter fellowship with our Heavenly Father—when we heed them.
The Gift of the Holy Spirit
“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.” (John 14:15-17 NASB1995)
Non-Christians don’t get to experience the gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus told His disciples this about the Spirit: “[I]t does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you” (v. 17).
The Holy Spirit’s voice is the only voice that speaks the truth in the chaotic noise of our world. The more we seek His voice—and obey His voice—when He nudges our hearts, the deeper our relationships with the Father will become.
And that’s why I’m not a Swiftie—not because I abhor Taylor Swift or think she’s beyond redemption but because the Holy Spirit has nudged me not to listen to her music. Her approval and even celebration of evil aren’t things I want to support with my time and money. To all the Swifties who are reading this post, I invite you to join me.
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