World Famous Russian Rock Star's Message of Christ & Repentance Is a Hit Across the Globe
Don't let the name fool you - he's a Christian, and he is sharing his faith with the world
It’s easy to talk about Christ with those who already believe in Him. There is no risk or challenge involved when talking in an echo chamber. But how can we break through to those outside the Church? How can we reach the world?
Part of the answer is coming from an unexpected place — Russia — from a singer with an unexpected name — Shaman — to a spiritually thirsty audience that literally spans the globe and numbers in the millions. In the above video, he goes in the opposite direction as the crowd, removes his dark outer clothing (symbolizing his past sins), enters an Orthodox church, and seeks a new life with Christ.
This next video shows him singing the same song in Moscow, at the Kremlin Palace:
I made the mistake of being offended the first time I saw his name advertised on a banner in Moscow. I actually thought someone was promoting a modern witch doctor! Turns out I was wrong . . . “Shaman” happens to be the stage name of one of Russia’s most popular mainstream music artists. He sings about many different topics, from love to patriotism to showing deep respect for fallen military heroes. And in his recent video, titled “Confession” (Russian: “Исповедь”), he sings about turning away from sin, entering the Church, turning towards Christ, and being spiritually reborn.
His music is not just a hit within the borders of Russia. His videos have gone viral worldwide. Not only are there millions of views on the original video, there are literally dozens of reaction videos, many of them with tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of views. Numerous people from America, Argentina, Japan, and all over the world are hearing Shaman’s music and seeing his videos. And as a result, they are being introduced to the Orthodox Christian faith.
The following video includes snippets of 16 reaction videos from around the world. Some respond in shock and amazement, and some are literally brought to tears. In particular, tune in at 3:05, where the viewer says that this song inspired him to believe in God and to have more faith in God:
Here are some more great reaction videos:
If only I could teleport to Russia...
The best artists get you to question and re-frame the world around you and your place and path in it.
It's not just inspiration, it is also changing perceptions and assumptions.