Reviewed by Peter Dilley

A feature in CR67 gives extensive background info on the controversial Bishop and his Woman Thou Art Loosed preaching/concert tours, and it certainly helps put this live recording into some kind of context. I'm all for passion in worship, and the music here is of a high standard, but there's something about TD Jakes' approach which leaves me feeling quite uncomfortable. Maybe it's the whole concept of this ostentatious, opulent man ministering to thousands of hurting and possibly vulnerable women, and the way he delivers his welcome "Are there any blessed women in the house?" which somehow isn't quite right. Or perhaps it's the almost relentess onslaught of exhortations he and others deliver in English and tongues over the songs - hype and emotional manipulation? And that's without mentioning his frenzied sermonettes. Some will accept all this as normal, but it's much more "in your face" than what I'd usually expect from any worship leader, whatever his/her churchmanship or musical genre. Read the feature first, then handle this with care.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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