“Talking to Jesus” by Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music has captivated many with its emotional and seemingly heartfelt lyrics. However, a closer examination reveals several theological issues that misrepresent the true nature of Jesus Christ. First off, this song exemplifies the problematic “Jesus is my boyfriend” theology that has infiltrated the vast majority of what passes as modern “worship music,” reducing the Almighty God to a mere emotional crutch or a genie who exists to fulfill our carnal desires.

The song begins with an anecdote about a grandmother praying, described as “mumbling” and “out of her mind.” While this appears to be an attempt to appear endearing, it trivializes the solemnity and reverence that should accompany prayer. The Bible commands us to approach God with reverence and awe (Hebrews 12:28-29), but this song diminishes that reverence, making prayer seem more like a casual chat than a submission to the will and authority of the Creator of the universe.

One of the most glaring issues in the song is the line, “There’s no wrong way to do it, there’s no bad time to start.” This sentiment, while seemingly innocuous on the surface, is theologically erroneous. The Bible actually does provide specific instructions on how to pray. Jesus Himself gave us the Lord’s Prayer as a model (Matthew 6:9-13) and showed us the need for reverence, confession, and submission to God’s will. To suggest that “there’s no wrong way” to pray undermines these biblical principles, promoting a careless and irreverent attitude toward prayer.

Another problematic line is, “It’s not a religion, ’cause it’s more like a friendship.” This statement perpetuates a false dichotomy between religion and relationship. True Christianity is indeed about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, but it is also a faith with specific doctrines, practices, and a moral framework established by Scripture. By dismissing Christianity as “not a religion,” the song undermines these important doctrines and the communion and ordinances of Christianity.

Throughout the song, there is a notable absence of any mention of repentance or the need to acknowledge one’s sins. The lyrics emphasize talking to Jesus as a “friend” but ignore the fundamental biblical principle that repentance is necessary for a right relationship with God (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9). This omission fosters a superficial and incomplete understanding of what it means to be in communion with Christ.

The repetitive refrain, “What a friend we have in Jesus,” while rooted in a classic hymn, is employed in such a way that it reinforces the “Jesus is my boyfriend” syndrome, reducing Jesus to a mere confidant or emotional support figure, rather than recognizing Him as the sovereign Lord who commands our worship and obedience. The Bible presents Jesus as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16), not just a friend to lean on during tough times.

The song’s casual tone and focus on personal comfort encourage a view of Jesus as a genie, existing to fulfill our temporal, physical, and emotional desires. This perspective is far removed from the biblical portrayal of Jesus, who calls us to take up our cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24). The true Christian life involves self-denial, sacrifice, and obedience, not just seeking comfort and companionship.

“Talking to Jesus” by Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music is a prime example of how modern worship music distorts the true nature of Christ and the essence of the Christian faith. By promoting a casual, irreverent approach to prayer, dismissing the importance of doctrine, and reducing Jesus to an emotional crutch, this song does a disservice to believers seeking a deeper, more accurate understanding of their relationship with the Almighty God. It is imperative for Christians to discern and critique such songs, ensuring that their worship is rooted in biblical truth and reverence for the holiness of God—and clearly, this is not one of them.