Newly discovered folk music singer Oliver Anthony has continued to see his star rise, with the latest example being an appearance on Joe Rogan’s top-rated podcast.
Anthony initially burst onto the music (and political) scene in mid-August after his song Rich Men North of Richmond went viral. That led to a whirlwind of attention, including seeing him perform his first paid concern in North Carolina.
Since then, things have become more complicated, with people on both the left and right sides of the political aisle seeking to pigeonhole Anthony. Early on, sites like Rolling Stone savaged the singer because his lyrics appeared to have a right-wing bent. Later, some conservatives grew angry at Anthony when he chastised influencers and politicians who latched onto him, stating that he wasn’t on their team either.
So what did Anthony have to say to Rogan? Instead of talking politics, he talked scripture (Proverbs 4:20-27), leaving the podcast host floored by the end.
Oliver Anthony Reads The Bible on Joe Rogan’s Podcast pic.twitter.com/rdiMeQ57gj
— The Triune Times (@TriuneTimes) August 30, 2023
ANTHONY: “My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free from perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.”
Anthony also shared his salvation story while talking to Rogan, speaking of an injury he sustained that left him feeling desperate and alone. While lying in a hospital bed suffering from a fractured skull, he proclaimed, “I can’t do this anymore,” and asked God to give him another chance to accomplish what he felt was left for him to do in this life.
The singer also alluded to the writings of the Apostle Paul in Romans, noting that everyone is destined to become a slave to something and that choosing God over fleeting, worldly idols is the right path.
ANTHONY: We all serve some master, whether we realize it or not, so why not let it be the master that is above all?
The entire interview is pretty astonishing, especially considering it’s probably the first time anyone has directly shared the Gospel with Joe Rogan. Perhaps a seed was planted that will grow? We can’t know that, but certainly, Anthony deserves credit for wearing his faith on his sleeve and not backing away in the face of fame and fortune.
Does that mean Anthony is the most spiritually mature Christian out there? Of course not, but I’d caution anyone from attacking him just because he doesn’t fit what some might consider the perfect mold. The Bible is full of examples of very imperfect people being used as messengers of the Gospel, and certainly, Anthony is using his new platform to be just that.
As I said in my prior writings on the man, I think those trying to make him some political force are misguided (on both sides). I don’t think that’s his goal, and that’s not something that should be chastised. I don’t really care what political party he supports or who he voted for in 2020. There’s more to life than political slap-fighting, and reading scripture to Joe Rogan seems like a pretty worthwhile cause to me.
