Controversy Ignites: Christian Podcaster Jordan Riley Labels Brandon Lake’s Music “Dangerous and Unbiblical”

The Christian music scene is ablaze with division following a scathing episode of the Real Talk with Jordan Riley podcast, where host Jordan Riley issued a stark warning to believers: steer clear of Grammy-winning worship artist Brandon Lake. Released on October 10, 2025, the episode titled “Why Brandon Lake’s Music Is Dangerous—And Why You Shouldn’t Follow Him” has amassed over 500,000 views on YouTube, sparking fierce debates across social media and church forums. Riley, a certified biblical counselor known for his discernment-focused content, accuses Lake of prioritizing emotional highs over scriptural fidelity, claiming his songs lead listeners astray by fostering “feelings-driven faith” rather than Bible-rooted truth. As fans clash—some hailing Riley as a prophetic watchdog, others decrying him as a divisive critic—the controversy underscores deepening rifts in contemporary worship music between accessibility and orthodoxy.

Brandon Lake’s ascent as a worship powerhouse has revolutionized modern Christian music, blending raw emotion with stadium-filling anthems. Born in 1990 in South Carolina, Lake emerged from local church worship leading to global stardom, co-founding Bethel Music in 2015 and later launching a solo career with albums like Closer (2016) and House of Miracles (2020). His Grammy win for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album in 2023 for Help! cemented his influence, with hits such as “Gratitude,” “Praise You Anywhere,” and “Graves Into Gardens” racking up billions of streams on Spotify and YouTube. Lake’s “Tear Off the Roof” tour in 2024 drew over 500,000 attendees, featuring collaborations with Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music. As a husband and father, he weaves personal testimonies of healing and redemption into his music, emphasizing worship as a transformative encounter. Critics like Riley, however, argue this experiential focus veers into emotionalism, diluting doctrinal depth for broader appeal.

Jordan Riley’s Real Talk podcast has carved a niche as a no-holds-barred platform for biblical discernment, often targeting high-profile Christian figures. Launched in 2020, the show boasts a dedicated following of over 200,000 subscribers, positioning Riley—a former Bible college student turned counselor—as a guardian against “false teachers.” Episodes dissecting figures like Joel Osteen, Bill Johnson, and Mike Winger have drawn both praise for doctrinal rigor and backlash for perceived legalism, with Reddit’s r/Reformed community labeling Riley’s critiques “out-of-context attacks.” In the Lake episode, Riley pores over lyrics from songs like “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” alleging they promote a “man-centered gospel” that elevates personal struggle over God’s sovereignty. “This isn’t hate—it’s defense of Scripture,” Riley insists, citing Romans 12:2 to warn against worldly emotional manipulation. His confrontational style, blending video clips with verse-by-verse analysis, has polarized listeners, amplifying the episode’s viral reach.

Riley’s core accusation—that Lake’s music is “dangerous, not biblical”—centers on its alleged emphasis on emotion over scriptural authority, fueling accusations of theological compromise. Diving into Lake’s catalog, Riley highlights phrases like “I fought my way to You” in “Hard Fought Hallelujah” as implying self-reliance in salvation, contrary to Ephesians 2:8-9’s grace-alone doctrine. He contrasts this with traditional hymns, arguing Lake’s style—rooted in the charismatic Bethel movement—prioritizes “feelings over facts,” potentially leading vulnerable believers into unchecked experientialism. This echoes broader critiques of contemporary Christian music (CCM), where artists like Lake are accused of seeker-sensitivity that waters down truth for mass appeal. Riley clarifies his intent: “I’m not attacking the man; I’m protecting the flock from music that sounds holy but sows confusion.”

The Christian community is sharply divided, with Riley’s supporters viewing his critique as bold faithfulness, while Lake’s defenders champion his music as heartfelt evangelism. On platforms like X and Facebook, #DefendBrandon trends alongside #DiscernWithRiley, with over 100,000 posts in 48 hours. Pro-Riley voices, including pastors like John Piper-inspired influencers, applaud the episode for exposing “emotionalism’s dangers,” sharing testimonies of ditching CCM for hymns. Lake loyalists, however, flood comments with praise for songs that “drew me closer to God during depression,” accusing Riley of pharisaical judgment. Bethel Music affiliates and fans of Maverick City have mobilized, with a Change.org petition urging boycotts of Real Talk garnering 20,000 signatures. This schism mirrors wider worship wars, pitting traditionalists against charismatics in debates over relevance versus reverence.

This clash exemplifies the modern worship divide, where accessibility clashes with doctrinal purity in an era of streaming sermons and viral anthems. Lake’s earlier comments on avoiding “Christianese” in songs—criticized in June 2025 for potentially alienating Scripture’s depth—have resurfaced, bolstering Riley’s narrative of compromise. Organizations like the Gospel Music Association face pressure to address such feuds, while progressive Christians on Reddit’s r/Christianity lament the infighting as a distraction from unity. Lake has yet to respond directly, but his team hints at a future statement emphasizing grace amid critique.

As the dust settles, Riley’s takedown of Lake prompts a vital reckoning: is worship music a bridge to the lost or a bulwark of biblical truth? The episode’s fallout—booming streams for both artists—reveals CCM’s cultural clout, yet underscores the peril of unchecked emotion in spiritual formation. Riley’s call to “test every spirit” (1 John 4:1) resonates with discernment advocates, while Lake’s emotive style continues to heal hearts worldwide. Ultimately, this isn’t just about one song or podcaster; it’s a mirror to the church’s soul, urging believers to seek worship that glorifies God above all—uncompromised, unemotionalized, and eternally true.