Michael was raised as a very strict Jehovah’s Witness. He loved God deeply. Even when he was the most famous man on the planet, he did something totally amazing. He would put on a funny rubber fat suit. He would glue on a thick, fake mustache. Then, he would walk door-to-door in normal neighborhoods just to hand out religious magazines. He just wanted to be a regular, faithful guy.
But his pop world and his strict church were on a massive collision course.
The church elders did not like his wild, suggestive dancing. They did not like his flashy, expensive clothes. Then, Michael made the legendary “Thriller” music video. The elders were completely furious. They hated the dancing zombies and the spooky werewolves. They thought it was dark and worldly.
Michael was totally crushed. He cried tears and actually wanted to destroy the entire million-dollar tape. He just wanted to make them proud.
Why Michael Jackson DROPPED Religion & EXPELLED From Jehovah’s Witnesses?!
The rules were everywhere. The church strictly forbids all blood transfusions. When rumors swirled about Michael’s health and his medical treatments, the pressure grew intense. People constantly wondered if his strict faith would put his own life in danger.
The walls were completely closing in. Michael had a massive, creative soul. He could not stay hidden inside a tiny, strict box anymore.
In 1987, Michael made a brave, terrifying choice. He officially left the church. The media said he was kicked out or “disfellowshipped.” But that was not the truth. Michael walked away on his own. It was a personal, painful choice.
Michael Jackson Talking About His Life as a Jehovah’s Witness
Leaving the church came with a very heavy, terrible price.
The church had a strict rule called “shunning.” When you leave, the members are supposed to totally ignore you. They are not allowed to speak to you ever again. This included his own devout family. The entire world thought his beloved mother, Katherine, had completely turned her back on her famous son.
But true, pure love is always stronger than any harsh rule.
Behind closed doors, Katherine refused to lose her boy. The family completely ignored the rumors. They kept their beautiful, deep bond totally alive in secret. Michael survived the incredible heartbreak because he knew his mother still loved him no matter what.
Michael walked away from his childhood church, but he never lost his faith. He just traded a small church building for a massive global stage. He used his incredible music to heal the world and preach pure love.
Sometimes, to find your true self, you have to bravely walk away from the strict rules you grew up with. Your true path might be very lonely at first. But when you follow the pure music inside your heart, it will always lead you to your ultimate destiny.