Conversations That Matter Skillet Rendition of O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Nov 18, 2025
John Cooper discusses the backlash against Skillet's rendition of O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. The conversation explores the tension between sacred worship and artistic expression. They examine how the video channels grief while offering hope in Christ. Personal narratives of loss are intertwined with theological reflections. Cooper's intent to reach non-church audiences is highlighted, along with a defense of sacred music norms. The discussion also distinguishes between worship contexts and outreach methods, concluding with thoughts on artistic freedom in faith.
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Performance, Not Corporate Worship
- Skillet intended their rendition as a performed expression of grief and rage, not as a template for corporate worship.
- The bombastic segment functions as an emotional window that contrasts earthly pain with Christ's remedy.
Juxtaposing Liturgy With Loss
- The video juxtaposes traditional hymn moments with visceral scenes of death to evoke the pain of loss.
- That contrast points viewers to Jesus as the answer to death's sting and the hope celebrated in Advent.
Personal Loss Shapes Reaction
- The host recounts personal experiences at hospital bedsides during his mother-in-law's and grandfather's deaths.
- Those memories informed his empathy for the video's portrayal of raw grief.