American rapper Clifford Joseph Harris Jr., widely known as T.I., has shared why he does not attend church despite identifying as a Christian, saying he feels disconnected from organised religion.
Speaking during a recent conversation with gospel singer Kirk Franklin, the rapper said his faith in God remains strong, but his experiences have shaped a critical view of the modern church. According to him, he believes many churches operate more like businesses than spiritual spaces.
T.I. explained that he was raised in a deeply Christian household and grew up surrounded by strong influences of prayer and faith.
“I have never been a church person,” he said. “I grew up in a strong Christian household. My grandma and auntie were very strong in prayer. So, I know how to pray, and I know the word. And I know God is real — I’ve seen His presence and His hands in my life. But I have never felt the connection with the church.”
The rapper went further to criticise what he described as the commercialisation of worship, accusing some clergy of manipulating biblical teachings for personal benefit.
“To be honest, I don’t think the church is real. I think it’s a business,” he said. “It’s like a show. It’s like public speaking, like a TED Talk. And sometimes, clergies try to twist the word of God to benefit themselves.”
T.I. also questioned the emphasis on financial contributions and the idea of needing an intermediary to communicate with God, stressing that his relationship with God is personal and direct.
His comments have since sparked conversations online about faith, organised religion, and how individuals choose to practise their beliefs outside traditional church settings.
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