Customer Reviews:
 Disappointed and Offended May 16, 2007
Alyssa Gregory
1 out of 5 found this review helpful
I find "Jesus and the Hip Hop Prophets" distasteful. I was offended that the authors of the book compared the gospel message of salvation to musical lyrics that glorify the works of the flesh such as sexual immorality, idolatry, fits of rage, selfish ambition, drunkenness, and the like (see Galatians 5:19-21 NIV). "Jesus and the Hip Hop Prophets" calls Lauryn Hill and Tupac prophets when the Bible clearly states in 2 John 1:7 "Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist." Therefore, the book encourages students to listen to the doctrine of the spirit of antichrist.
I also took offense to the language that the book was written in. The book, written in Ebonics, undermines my intelligence as a Black college student in America. I understand that as Christians we need to reach the lost where they are, but that doesn't mean we should give them a watered-down message of a gospel that disrespects Jesus' ministry and undermine their intelligence at the same time.
I'll take this opportunity to make clear what the book does not communicate effectively. The Bible says in Romans 6:17-18, "But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness." The words of Jesus, recorded in John 8:31-31, are "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free." He goes on to say in the same chapter, verse 34, "I tell you the truth. Everyone who sins is a slave to sin." The bottom line is that sin is bondage and the songs that the book references encourage the listeners to embrace a life of sin (i.e. bondage).
For example, the authors of the book frequently censor the profane words included in the lyrics of the song. First of all, why should any Christian encourage another individual to listen to profane speech when the Bible blatantly states "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" (Ephesians 4:29) and also says "Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character" (1 Corinthians 15:33). Christians and non-Christians alike should not look to Hip Hop lyrics for guidance or inspiration when God has already given us the Bible and when there are so many who are still held captive by the detrimental message of Hip Hop artists.
I give this book one star. If I could give this book zero stars, I would, but zero is not an option. All the scriptures that I cited are from the NIV. I urge you to look them up for your self as well. I leave you with this word of encouragement that Paul wrote to the Galatians:
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." - Galatians 5:1
 Grandma, Spirituality and Hip Hop January 29, 2007
Anne Gells (US Virgin Islands)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Spirituality is alive and well in Hip Hop. A gift to my grandchildren became a gift to me. I read the book before giving it to my grandchildren, ages 10 & 14 who are heavy into Hip Hop singing and dancing. I found the book inspirational, comforting, and encouraging. It directed the reader to the Bible, making present day analogies to the beautiful stories in the Bible; recognizing that the situations in present are very much alike those in the Bible and the fact that the Bible is a guide book for preventing situations or correcting them, healing them. References from the old and new testaments are used including Psalms.
They give a beautiful tribute to Mothers; talk about the effect of alcohol and drugs, teen and illicit sex, responsibilities of fatherhood, child support, crime and imprisonment, education, computers and technology, greed,ill-gotten riches, bling, sports,anger, abuse, AIDS,injustice, discrimination, hunger, homelessness,and a Society that doesn't believe these issues exist.
They use present days vernacular(words) to relay their messages, some of which I had to ask my grandchildren what they were. My grandchilden stated that even some of these "new" words were old! For example. A "crib" is not used to describe a newborn baby's bed, but a house, usually a rich MTV star's mansion. A "G"-man is not the government man of 40's (a cop or FBI agent) chasing alleged criminals/gansters like Al Capone or Bugsy Siegal, but a G-man now Is the criminal/gangster or one who has been imprisoned, "tha ganster". "Tha" is the "Thou and the "Thee" from biblical times. "Ghetto Bird" is the police helicopter. "Props" is giving one praise, kudus, or favorable appreciation, not something from a theater set. Crystal is not the Waterford kind. Others one should be familiar with are: Scratchin, the Beats, Chillin, Hood, Homie,Haters, Whazzup, Hook up, Props, driving faded,Pimp with its'various definitions, Kicken it, Trippin, Dissed, Thang, Banger, Rims & Tims, and Bling.
The authors state: "Positive Hip-Hop artists who attempt to raise our awareness about key issues in our society." They offer solutions through the teachings of the Bible.
Be sure and read about the Holy Huddle and Divine Appointment.
Some of my favorite quotes from their book were:
"Sharing how the music touches us and draws us closer to God"; God was really into fixing messed up lives"; "Sex without respect and relationship isn't real sex."; "God as a Mama[Mother]";"Spiritual life is all about choices..."; "Spiritual growth is not rocket science."; "Connect with the real needs of our soul"; "We all need more love in our lives" "The power of God to bring healing to any situation"; "God filled the hole in my soul...Healing and Peace."; "God has hooked us up";"
Thank you authors for this book. I need to purchase some more copies to share with my Interfaith group.
Dr. Anne Gells
ANGELL
finally a book I can relate to April 8, 2005
Scott Brehmer (Irvine, CA)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I read it straight from cover to cover. As a 33 year old, I'm probably a little beyond the target college-aged reader, but who cares. I'm a hip hop junkie and Teter's stories and sports analogies were more than enough to keep me entertained. Not only was the book a great read, it inspired me to think about Jesus in new, more practical, ways. In fact, the book became an ongoing conversation topic with my wife, and we both took home some real meaning. If you're into hip hop and want to gain some insight on how following Jesus can bring joy to your life, then check it out.
Revealing Jesus in the language of this generation March 29, 2004
Scott McLane (East LA, CA)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This is an excellent book. Gee & Teter really speak to the hip-hop generation, not from above, but from within. They present Jesus accurately & relevantly within the cultural core issues of the hip-hop generation. This book is a must read for every high-school or college student, their pastors & their parents.
Great Read February 26, 2004
Sarah Schmal (Kingsburg, CA United States)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This is a great book for anyone wondering how Tupac could possibly be speaking about Jesus. A must read for hip-hop loving Christians.
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