13 Songs That Capture a Nontraditional Church Experience

13 Songs That Capture a Nontraditional Church Experience features songs by Behemoth, LISA, Madonna, Meshell Ndegeocello, Tina Campbell, and Whitechapel.

Let the church say, amen! AMEN! Let the church say, hallelujah! HALLELUJAH! Let the church say blasphemy, heresy, and utterly sacrilege! Blasphemy! Heresy! Utter sacrilege! Ooh-wee! While there are some Godly, reverent, and spiritually pure moments on 13 Songs That Capture a Nontraditional Church Experience, many songs aren’t intended for the church.  Yes, there is a wholesome Tina Campbell, with her uplifting “Pray For Me”, but there’s also Behemoth and their reversals on the left-hand path themed “The Shit Ov God”. 13 Songs That Capture a Nontraditional Church Experience is conceptual, based around parts of a church service without being properly pious or sacred. 13 Songs That Capture a Nontraditional Church Experience features songs by Behemoth, LISA, Madonna, Meshell Ndegeocello, Tina Campbell, and Whitechapel.  So, without further ado, let’s get into this nontraditional church experience, and prepare to repent in advance!

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1. Tina Campbell, “Pray For Me”	2. Madonna, “Like a Prayer”	3. Whitechapel, “Hymns in Dissonance”	4. Lynks, “LEVITICUS 18”
5. Meshell Ndegeocello, “Leviticus: Faggot”	6. Jeangu Macrooy, “Worship”	7. Behemoth, “The Shit Ov God”	8. Madonna, “Papa Don’t Preach”
9. 6LACK, “preach”	10. LISA, “Born Again” (Ft. Doja Cat & RAYE)	11. The Weeknd, “Baptized in Fear”	12. Childish Gambino, “Final Church”
13. August Alsina, “Benediction” (Ft. Rick Ross)

 

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1. Tina Campbell, “Pray For Me”

“Pray For Me” // Gee Tree Creative / Red Alliance Media // 2024 

“When saints start praying / Things start changing!” Amen! Tina Campbell (Trecina “Tina” Atkins-Campbell), one half of the beloved contemporary gospel sister duo, Mary Mary thanks those who took the time to pray for her on her encouraging, spirited single, “Pray For Me”.  “Pray For Me” interpolates the gospel classic, “Somebody Prayed For Me” (“I’m so glad they prayed for me”) putting a fresh, contemporary R&B/hip-hop spin.  The production is sleek and soulful.

“Went to the Lord on my behalf / Cause they knew what I needed / Even when I walked in the church / They knew I was depleted,” Tina sings in the first verse, continuing, “Made up their mind, gave up the time / To ask the Lord to help me.” The melody is tuneful, while the vocals are high-flying.  Tina has always been able to not only ‘sing,’ but ‘sang.’ In the second verse, the theme is similar: “Called on Jesus all night long / Cause they knew about my struggle / Didn’t even matter / I was the reason I was in trouble…” Tina had some prayer warriors on her side, which was a blessing.  In the chorus, with the help of awesome background vocals, Tina asserts, “(Pray for me) / Didn’t leave me there by myself / (Pray for me) / Asked Almighty to send some help.” Amen! Tina Campbell delivers an electrifying, uplifting performance on the must-hear, prayerful “Pray For Me”.

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2. Madonna, “Like a Prayer”

Like a Prayer // Sire // 1989

“Life is a mystery / Everyone must stand alone / I hear you call my name / And it feels like home.” Madonna is an icon, period. “Like a Prayer” appears on her 1989 album, Like a Prayer.  Rather than being a dance-pop record, “Like a Prayer” is more gospel-pop/pop-soul. The gospel part is undeniable, with incredible backing vocals by the legendary The Andraé Crouch Singers, who participated on many secular recordings adding some extra oomph.  With a title like “Like a Prayer,” spirituality is an inescapable theme.  The problem is, it’s not particularly Christian!

“When you call my name / It’s like a little prayer / I’m down on my knees / I want to take you there…” Hmm, I want to take you there, Madge? Where? Continuing: “In the midnight hour / I can feel your power / Just like a prayer / You know I’ll take you there.” Hmm, doesn’t sound like “a little talk with Jesus,” that’s for sure! She makes spiritual references mind you, but sex is on her mind.  “Like a child / You whisper softly to me,” she sings in the second verse, adding, “You’re in control.” God or this god – “That is the question!” We get no ‘spiritual’ answers or advice from Madge, but the innuendo is lit.  The bridge and the outro mark my favorite sections, highlighting the gospel-tinged nature of the record. Not shying away from controversy, the music video has ample blasphemy including burning crosses, a kiss between Madge and a black saint, and arguably, when Madge ‘catches the spirit.’ Ultimately, controversy aside, “Like a Prayer” is an utterly sublime classic!

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3. Whitechapel, “Hymns in Dissonance”

Hymns in Dissonance // Metal Blade // 2025

“Rehtaf fo seil / Rehtaf fo eht ssyba / Ew emoc morf woleb / Nepo ruoy seye gnik Reficul / Redrum meht lla.” Say what, now?! What the hell does that mean? The lyrics from the intro of “Hymns in Dissonance” are reversed… Dissonance indeed! What Phil Bozeman, the Whitechapel frontman sings is “Father of lies / Father of the abyss / We come from below / Open your eyes king Lucifer / Murder them all.” Hellish to the nth degree! “Hymns in Dissonance” is the second track from the Tennessee death metal band’s ninth studio album, Hymns in Dissonance, released in 2025.

 “Hymns in Dissonance” is chaotic, noisy, and infernal from the onset. The pummeling drums and jagged guitars hit you right in the chest. Throughout, there are different musical changes, particularly tempo changes during various sections. Bozeman’s boisterous, unclean vocals catch the ears from the beginning.  With reversed lyrics setting the tone, the songwriting draws ample attention.  The lyrics are intense and intriguing.  “I stand before this withered sepulcher / Saturating my flesh in sulfur,” Phil sings in the first verse, adding, “The fruitful now rotten / Restrained by roots of feces and mold.” Damn – more liked damned!  It gets worse: “Feel the worms crawl in your evеry orifice/ Your eyes start to jaundice as they make their way through / Converted to our ways, you can’t ignore this / Saved from the faith that’ll fuck you.” Faith that’ll fuck you, huh? “Hymns in Dissonance,” indeed.  In line with sinfulness, in the third verse, Bozeman asserts, “As you lay impaled on this inverted cross / I masticate the throats of your lambs / As I masturbate to the sound of them choking.” Yes, it’s giving unholy shit! The chorus can’t be denied either, referencing previous Whitechapel songs, and memorably stating, “To all that are dead, stay dead / We are the means to a messiahbolical end.” Dark, damning, anti-Christian (“The trinity denied”) and Satanic AF, “Hymns in Dissonance” is something else, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. 

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4. Lynks, “LEVITICUS 18”

ABOMINATION // Heavenly Recordings / [PIAS] // 2024 

“You shall not lie with a male as with a woman / It is an abomination.” Yikes, yikes, yikes. Lynks provides a major bummer for the gays on “LEVITICUS 18.”  The interlude, the eighth track from their 2024 album, ABOMINATION, features spoken word of the infamous scripture used against homosexuality: Leviticus 18.  What is interesting about the scripture is that far too often, the other things it advises against receive far less hype than being gay.  Focusing on “LEVITICUS 18” the musical interlude features enigmatic musical accompaniment. In the context of the album, “LEVITICUS 18” prefaces “ABOMINATION”.  In the context of 13 Songs That Capture a Nontraditional Church Experience, it prefaces the brilliant yet difficult to listen to “Leviticus: Faggot” by Meshell Ndegeocello.

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5. Meshell Ndegeocello, “Leviticus: Faggot”

Peace Beyond Passion // Maverick Recording Company // 1996 

“Hey faggot, better run, learn to run, ‘cause Daddy’s home / Daddy’s sweet lil’ boy just a little too sweet.” Uh-oh… more like, holy shit! “Leviticus: Faggot” – let that song title set in! Grammy winner Meshell Ndegeocello delivered a controversial single in 1996.  The fifth track from Peace Beyond Passion isn’t an easy listen.  Why? The f-slurs are abundant, while the intolerance and lack of acceptance by the gay boy’s Christian parents are disgusting and utterly disturbing.  While this powerful song penned by Ndegeocello and produced by David Gamson is troubling, its narrative isn’t far-fetched, particularly given the prevalence of homophobia.  On a lighter note, “Leviticus: Faggot” thrives instrumentally.  The groove ‘kicks some serious ass.’ The bass line by Ndegeocello is equally athletic and fat.  The guitar riffs are sickening.  After the drums, guitar, and bass, set the tone, keys and strings expand the instrumental. Still, “Leviticus” explores big topics: sexuality, masculine stereotypes, religion, and most jarring, suicide.

Religion is firmly planted in “Leviticus: Faggot.”  Leviticus 18:22 is the culprit used to condemn homosexuality: You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination. Per Ndegeocello, “His mother would pray / Save him, save him, save him from this life.” Praying the gay away is viewed by some narrowminded folks as a remedy for queerness, hence why the boy is ‘encouraged’ to “go to church boy, faggot, you just a prisoner / Of your own perverted world.” Faggot, which has been reclaimed by some members of the gay community, is used intentionally to highlight the emotional abuse the nameless boy receives.  Regarding his sexuality, “the faggot wanted the love of a man.” He should run from his dad, who focuses far too much on masculine stereotypes: “Every night the man showed the faggot / What a real man should be.” After being kicked out for being gay at 16, he ultimately commits suicide:

“Before long, he was crowned queen

For all the world to see, his bloody body face down

All hail the queen, the wages of sing

Are surely death, child, that’s what Mama used to say

So, there was no sympathy.”

No one should merely be referred to by a slur just because they’re gay.  The boy’s parents let religion and myopic, unsupportive views lose their son.  Given the use of the f-slur and a controversial music video, “Leviticus: Faggot” was censored. Nearly 30 years after its release, the song remains meaningful, powerful, and must-hear song.

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6. Jeangu Macrooy, “Worship”

Summer Moon // Unexpected // 2022

“The flesh I’m made of, oh, boy, it’s a temple.” Amen 🥵 😍 🤤! “So now I’ve let you in, show your devotion /… and if you’re looking for a blessing…” In the hands of Surinamese, Netherlands-based R&B singer/songwriter Jeangu Macrooy, worship is far more fun than church.  When sex is involved, there are plenty of believers who’d be passionate about his flesh, too… “Worship” is the eighth track on Macrooy’s 2022 album, Summer Moon. This steamy sex track ‘hits it’ satisfactorily, with the blessing being a marvelous, passionate performance by Macrooy.  Macrooy penned “Worship” alongside producer Bud Kolk.  Kolk puts in serious work behind the boards, giving Jeangu the perfect backdrop to sing upon.  With a rhythm section and warm brass, there is a superb instrumental break before the final chorus.

“Heaven is a place on Earth / And it’s right here in this room,” Macrooy sings with expressive, buttery smooth vocals.  Predictably, that heaven takes place in the bed, with a fine man (we assume he’s fine) – let the church say YAASS! Macrooy embraces spiritual references, transforming them into unholy sex speak, and we’re here for it 😈.  The chorus marks the peak of the service, as he implores his boyfriend, “I need you to worship my body / Worship my body.” And who wouldn’t? Check out the cover art for the single – Macrooy is hot 🥵 😍 🤤! Do you know what else is hot? When Macrooy shows off his ripe falsetto, further titillating us in this delicious, queer sex song! The “Worship” is designed to get you hot and bothered – in the mood for… 😈.

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7. Behemoth, “The Shit Ov God”

The Shit Ov God // Nuclear Blast // 2025 

“Eat my flesh, drink my blood / I am the shit ov God.” ‘Holy shit’ is an appropriate reaction to the intro of “The Shit Ov God”. The Polish metal band Behemoth is fascinating.  They have consistently embraced anti-Christian, blasphemous, and satanic elements in their music. That is part of their allure.  Behemoth remains ‘infernal as hell’ on the promo single and third track from their 13^th studio album, The Shit Ov God.  “The Shit of God” is dark, heavy, and hellish. Who would have it any other way or expect something different? This shit that Nergal (Adam Darski) sings about, as well as the rest of the band plays, hits you right in the chest.  Nergal’s vocals are coarse and unrefined, while the lyrics are damning.  “You brighten the north, I rage down south,” Nergal sings in the first verse, continuing, “This heretic’s homily I offer thee now.” And, holy shit, the homily, which appears in the chorus, is heretical to the nth degree. Behemoth scrambles the letters of Jesus and In His Service, transforming them into pessimistic, unholy things:

“I for ingrate

E to eradicate

S for scorn

U for useless

S for the shame

J for the joyless

H to humiliate

S for thy son unloved

We are the shit ov God

We are the shit ov God.”

Wow… In the second verse, Nergal continues embracing the left-hand path: “They say you’re almighty, an illusion I quell / You serve up in Eden, I reign in hell.” Behemoth remains firmly committed to its renowned atheistic, satanic vibes on “The Shit Ov God”.

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8. Madonna, “Papa Don’t Preach” 

True Blue // Warner // 1986   

Last time I checked, Madonna was a democrat, or, at least, she’s supported democratic politicians for years.  We are well aware that the controversial pop icon wasn’t a fan of 45.   Why do I mention Madge’s political affiliation? Well, her 1986 hit, “Papa Don’t Preach”, played better with the GOP than democrats, at least at the time. Why? Pro-Life, baby!   

“Papa, don’t preach, I’m in trouble, deep 

Papa, don’t preach, I’ve been losing sleep 

But I made up my mind, I’m  

Keeping my baby, ooh 

I’m gonna keep my baby.”  

We have a teenage girl who’s become pregnant with her boyfriend.  Rather than have an abortion, she decides she’ll keep the child against the judgment of many folks in her life.  Does her father advise her to abort the child? That’s not clear, but what is clear is that Madonna doesn’t want her father to give her a sermon – she’s taking matters into her own hands.  Furthermore, her boyfriend is going to step up, or so Madonna sings in the second verse: “He says that he’s going to marry me / And we can raise a little family / Maybe we’ll be all right / It’s a sacrifice.” Teenage pregnancy is rarely without controversy. Furthermore, the decision to keep the baby is polarizing. Abortion advocates loathe it.  Pro-life peeps embrace it. Madonna, ultimately, didn’t take a stance.  Controversy sells, so, it’s no surprise this True Blue gem reached no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.   

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9. 6LACK, “preach”

Since I Have A Lover // LVRN / Interscope // 2023 

“I know they love it when I talk that shit / It’s really smoke, so you gon’ wheeze for a second.” Is 6LACK (Ricardo Valdez Valentine Jr.) a preacher? If he is, he is more like the late, ‘cussing pastor,’ Thaddeus Matthews.  Why do I ask if Valentine Jr. is a preacher? Well, the name of the song at hand is “preach.” “Preach” is the eighth track from his 2023 album, Since I Have A Lover.  The often profane, rapped song was produced by Cobalii, Nik D, and OZ. Following an enigmatic sound during the intro, “preach” features warm production anchored by a hard beat. 6LACK shows off a compelling cadence and flow as he “talk(s) that shit” he describes in the first verse.  So, what does 6LACK’s sermon entail on “preach?” Nothing that would be considered Christian, per se. One of his memorable lyrics from the second verse: “Presidential, still can’t take the money when I’m gone / But I’m Chrisean, I can’t leave the blue face alone.” Oh, snap! “Preach,” 6LACK!

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10. LISA, “Born Again” (Ft. Doja Cat & RAYE)

Alter Ego // RCA // 2025 

“If you tried just a little more times / I would’ve made you a believer.” Amen… I think! Thai singer and rapper LISA (Lisa Manobal) has salvation on her mind on “Born Again”, a single from her debut album, ALTER EGO.  This spiritual experience doesn’t come without friends – Grammy-winner Doja Cat (Amala Dlamini) and Grammy nominee RAYE (Rachel Keen). Doja Cat, RAYE, Anthony Rossomando, and Andrew Wells penned “Born Again.” RAYE and Wells produced it.

“Born Again” commences enigmatically in a minor key. It features warm, colorful, sleek production: keys, pads, synths, bass line, and sickening groove. Following a slower tempo initially, “Born Again” grooves something fierce. After the intro, LISA brings mad attitude in the first verse: “I’m about to make it heard as I vroom-vroom / Ice-cold how I leave you ‘lone, but please / Tell your mother I’ma miss her so.” Damn! Doja Cat is true to self, rapping in the second verse: “Non-believer / You’ve bitten from the fruit but can’t give back / Nice to leave ya / But I would be a fool not to ask / Do your words seem gospel to ya now?” Those spiritual references eat, even if true salvation is not the modus operandi. The tuneful chorus is the section to beat, performed by RAYE and LISA. It is excerpted in the intro, that sets the tone.

“If you tried just a little more times

I would’ve made you a believer

Would’ve showed you what it’s like (Like)

Every single night (Night)

To be born again, baby, to be born again

If you stayed just another few nights

I could’ve made you pray to Jesus

Would’ve showed you to the light (To the light)

Every single night (Every night)

To be born again, baby, to be born again.”

Ooh-wee! The rhythmic bridge by RAYE is electrifying, particularly her soulful runs.  Ultimately, “Born Again” has bop written all over it. LISA, Doja Cat, and RAYE eat this one up!

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11. The Weeknd, “Baptized in Fear”

Hurry Up Tomorrow // The Weeknd XO Music ULC / Republic // 2025 

“I fell asleep in the tub, I was met with paralysis / My foot hit the faucet, water started flowing in.” Uh-oh, The Weeknd – that sounds like a horrible situation. Paralysis occurs when you’re unable to make voluntary muscle movements, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Not good! He continues singing in the sole verse of “Baptized In Fear”, “Couldn’t scream for help, I just slowly felt the pressure hit / Moving one toe was the only form of motion left.”  The picture that Abel Tesfaye paints in the sixth track from Hurry Up Tomorrow is life-threatening. Death, in some form or fashion, is possible (“Figure in the corner I can’t quite see / I just know the shadow’s staring at me”). Despite this shadow and  his ‘slowing heartbeat’ in the pre-chorus, in the chorus, “Voices tell me that I should carry on.” Word. Who are the voices? Angels?

The Weeknd, Daniel Lopatin (Oneohtrix Point Never), and Nathan Salon composed “Baptized in Fear.” The Weeknd, Salon, Oneohtrix Point Never, and MIKE DEAN produced it.  The musical backdrop is sensational – ear-catching to the nth degree.  Even so, it is The Weeknd who ‘steals the show’ with his radiant vocals. Tesfaye sings authentically, putting his all into this introspective ballad. “I’ve been baptized in fear, my dear,” he sings in the bridge, adding, “Like Paul, I’m the chief of sin / Washing my soul within, oh.” The Paul he cites was the famous Apostle of Jesus and the author of many books of the Bible. The spiritual references make “Baptized In Fear” that much more special.  Is this a religious song? No, but, The Weeknd is incredibly reflective as he thinks about life, his musical career, and the future. Marvelous vocals, love, rhythmic melodies, thoughtful songwriting, and superb production make “Baptized In Fear” a surefire winner from Hurry Up Tomorrow.

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12. Childish Gambino, “Final Church”

Atavista // RCA // 2024

“Final Church” the epic closer from Atavista was originally released as the timestamped “53.49” from 3.15.20.  “Final Church” features a spirited sound from the beginning.  There are superb production touches and music cues – keys, synth, and the groove. The jubilant number by Grammy-winning musician Child Gambino (Donald Glover finds him aggressive AF. He is turned up from the onset as he raps intensely on the verses (“I’m just tryna put the spirit in your Yeezy Boosts / Get your cup, it runneth over once I got the juice”). Then, he contrasts, singing gorgeously in the chorus (“There is love in every moment / Under the sun, boy / I did what I wanted to…”). In the first chorus, he showcases restraint, while the second finds him digging in, flaunting otherworldly grit and ripe falsetto.  Ultimately, he speaks about how great his life is.  “Final Church” is musical awesomeness exemplified. Can I get an amen?!

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13. August Alsina, “Benediction” (Ft. Rick Ross)

Testimony // The Island Def Jam Music Group // 2014 

“Started off in the streets / We would take collection from the fiends…” August Alsina is incredibly sincere regarding his come up on the gospel-tinged R&B record, “Benediction”. He continues singing in the chorus, “People dying all around me / so I gave you my testimony.”  He pulls at the heart strings when he references his murdered brother, capping the story by stating, “I hope he made it to your presence, for me he was a blessing.”  “Benediction” wasn’t the main attraction from his 2014 debut album Testimony, but ranks among the best, most personal, and most thoughtful numbers. 

In the first verse, Alsina eulogizes being poor: “Paying our respects to being broke, hope he’s in a better place.”  He mentions the hardships he experienced growing up on the streets. These include dreams without the possibility of becoming a reality, crying internally yet being forced to exude a tough exterior, and hustling and the ills accompanying it. In the second verse, he references family tragedies, most notably the murder of his brother. Through all of the mess, he seeks a better life – clean living.  He expresses remorse for his sins, seeking forgiveness and a deeper relationship with God.  Guest rapper Rick Ross plays the role of Alsina’s ‘Amen Corner,’ in the third verse as his come up includes “Rightin’ all my wrongs for these homies out here thuggin’ / Pray for benediction…”  “Benediction” is a sensational R&B ballad relatable to anyone who has ‘been through it’ and conquered adversity.  

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13 Songs That Capture a Liberal Church Experience (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Gee Tree Creative, Heavenly Recordings, Interscope, LVRN, Maverick Recording Company, Metal Blade, Nuclear Blast, [PIAS], Red Alliance Media, RCA, Republic, Sire, The Island Def Jam Music Group, The Weeknd XO Music ULC, Unexpected, Warner; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]

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