American rapper Clifford Joseph Harris Jr., widely known as T.I., has explained why he no longer attends church, despite maintaining that he is a Christian.
The Atlanta-based artist shared his views during a recent conversation with gospel singer Kirk Franklin, where he spoke openly about his faith, religion, and his concerns with the modern church.
T.I. revealed that he was raised in a devout Christian household and has unwavering belief in God. However, he said the institutional church has never resonated with him.
“I grew up in a strong Christian home. My grandmother and aunt were deeply prayerful. I know how to pray, I know the Scriptures, and I know God is real,” he said. “But I’ve never felt connected to the church.”
He went on to criticize the church as an institution, describing it as a business rather than a spiritual sanctuary. According to him, some clergy manipulate biblical teachings for personal benefit.
“Honestly, I don’t believe the church is real. I see it as a business. It feels like a performance—public speaking, almost like a TED Talk. And sometimes the Word of God is twisted to serve personal interests,” he stated.
T.I. also challenged the concept of tithing and the idea that financial contributions are necessary for prayers to be answered.
“You’re telling me I have to pay someone before God listens to my prayers? Nah, I’m out,” he said.
He concluded by emphasizing that he does not believe in a middleman between himself and God, stressing that his faith is personal and direct, without the need for clergy involvement.
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