A Catholic Priest Who Doubles as a Successful Hip-Hop Artist? That’s This Guy
- Posted on February 12, 2012 at 6:11am by
Billy Hallowell
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Father Claude Burns, whose stage name is Fr. Pontifex (Image Credit: PhatMass.com)
When one thinks of the common characteristics associated with Catholic priests, the ability to rap and produce hip-hop music is not likely to come to mind. After all, many of the themes that modern-day rap artists embrace are, shall I say, less than Christian.
But such a seemingly impossible amalgamate hasn’t prevented Father Claude Burns from doubling as a Catholic leader and a successful hip-hop artist. The Indiana-based faith leader, whose stage name is Fr. Pontifex, is defying stereotypes and making catchy music along the way.
Burns, who has been making music for years, says that people are often very surprised to find out about his talents. Initially, he said the dynamic was somewhat difficult to contend with, but as time has progressed, the priest has found a solid balance.
“I used to be afraid of what people would think,” he said in an e-mail interview with The Blaze. “I really didn’t want people to stop taking me seriously as a theologian because of their perceptions of what rap music looks like.”
But Burns has grown into his own, realizing that his preaching and lyrical-genius actually complement one another.
“In the end, I have to be myself and use what God has given me to proclaim the Gospel,” he explains. “I can be a serious theologian and a clever lyricist.”
And it seems he does both very well. Burns says that his congregation takes his theological messaging and commitment to the priesthood very seriously. On the flip side, he explains that there is a different side that his fans get to see through his music – one that is “more cutting edge, accessible and relevant.”
But as anyone who has reached success in entertainment or media knows, there are countless temptations with the potential to derail and send individuals into unforeseen and potentially unfavorable directions. Burns is well aware of this, as his calling to serve God transcends any and all commitments and passions related to his rap career.
“Music is a passion of mine, but it is nothing in comparison to my passion for Jesus Christ and his Church,” he explains. “I really pray to keep my focus and not be pulled off into some direction this is not supposed to go. My role as Priest keeps me anchored in who I am and what I am about.”
His journey has been an intriguing one. At the age of 17, Burns started rapping. At the time, he says he was heavily involved in a non-denominational youth group. After winning a talent contest, he and a friend received free studio time. So, they recorded a three-song demo and, later, a six-song EP. At one point, he was even mulling over a potential record deal, but his urge to stay in school and to complete his psychology degree caused him to pause — which actually ended up working out to his advantage. As a college senior, the call to join the priesthood changed his life entirely.
“I was working at the Boys and Girls club, which for me was a wonderful job and most likely the seedbed of my vocation,” Burns says. “I began to see priests on television and this voice from within would say, ‘That will be you’ and I would be like, ‘No way, you gotta be kidding me.’”
But this voice translated into visions as well. At night, Burns says he would dream about having vivid conversations with priests whom he had never met before. He’d wake up with his heart pounding, as he attempted to understand what, exactly, was going on.
“The last straw was when my Mom returned from a women’s retreat and I was home for some chili on a Sunday. We stood in the kitchen and she beamed with the light of Jesus — she was so charged from her days of prayer,” he recalls. “She looked at me with a piercing clarity and said, ‘I think I know what you are supposed to do after college, but I think you have to find that out for yourself.’”
He says he felt like he had been “hit in the gut” after hearing her words, as denial became the primary and pulsating reaction he experienced. “She isn’t thinking priesthood, is she?,” he wondered in bewilderment. Burns says he then went home, stared at the ceiling for hours and finally shouted to God, “Okay, what do you want?” That question, of course, was quickly answered, as Burns found himself heading for seminary — an experience that he says “fit like a glove.”
“That was the spring of 1997 and I never looked back…It is truly a great adventure everyday and I wouldn’t change it for anything,” he explains. “My life is not my own but we can never out give God. He is has given me so much more in return. I really cannot see myself ever doing anything else.”
After starting seminary, Burns put rapping on the shelf until he was ordained in 2002. It was then that he met Dustin Seiber from PhatMass.com, a company that meshes Catholicism and cutting-edge music. This reinvigorated both his passion and his career in music. He adopted the stage name Fr. Pontifex, he says, in an effort to find something distinguishable that would be reflective of his commitment to the priesthood.
“I chose the name Pontifex, which is a word that means bridge builder,” he explains. “It is one of the key roles of the priest to be a builder of bridges in the spiritual sense and draw people to Jesus. It’s the reason we call the Pope, Pontiff. Plus it sounds pretty fresh.”
Among his music tastes and influences, Burns mentions Mumford and Sons, Matisyahu, Dave Matthews, Mars ILL, Playdough, and Theory Hazit. Additionally, he’s a fan of classical and jazz, which certainly corroborates his claim to have an “eclectic” musical taste.
In August, Burns released his first full album, “Ordained.” Even in naming the project, the beat-bopping priest was sure to include and invoke his Catholic faith. Upon its release, he made sure that every family in his parish school received a copy. This gesture, far from being one of vanity, was intended to help offset some of the more negative messages that are disseminated in modern rap.
“My [school] kids know my songs by heart and that to me is powerful. They may not always remember my homily at the school mass, but they can shout out ‘Priest on the microphone!,’” he says. “In fact, I think they are more attentive during Mass now than before.”
Beyond this, Burns views his music as a form of ministry. Some people who have no interest in attending church hear his tunes and, as a result, still receive the positive and affirming Gospel message he believes in so adamantly.
“It is a way to dialogue with people right where they are and to help them move inside the walls of the Church,” Burns proclaims. “It’s what Blessed John Paul the Second spoke of over and over again with ‘The New Evangelization.’”
Recently, as the Blaze highlighted, Burns captured a great deal of attention over his spoken-word response to Jeff Bethke’s viral video about Jesus and religion. Considering the buzz his video received, we asked the priest why he felt compelled to offer a rebuttal to Bethke’s declarative video. He explained, in detail:
“Being a Catholic priest with an experience inside the non-denominational church, I felt it necessary to clarify some of the terms that were being used rather loosely and to also answer some of the questions that could be interpreted as direct questions to the Catholic church. In particular, ‘If religion is so great why [has it] started so many wars?’ [and] ‘Why does it build huge churches but fails to feed the poor?’
The other statements about Abolishing religion and religion putting you in bondage, and the real negative statements about structure, rules, and chores, really provoked an immediate response within me. I knew why he was saying it, and to a certain degree, I could agree with the challenge. Contradiction damages the body of Christ.
However, to then summarize all of that and say ‘that’s why Jesus hated religion’ left a lot of room for clarification. In some sense part of the under current in the debate is an old one. Faith alone? Or faith and works? From the Catholic perspective, we believe that the idea of faith alone was condemned by James…One thing that Bethke and I would both agree on, is that it is all about Jesus Christ and love of him. That is the central element of what it is to be a Christian.”
Here‘s Burns’ response video:
And you can watch him offer further explanation regarding why it was created, below:
Just two days after the release of Bethke’s video, Burns says he was contacted by Spirit Juices Studios, a company based out of Chicago. Knowing the priest’s rap skills, they thought he’d be a good fit for a solid response. Rather than mocking the young spoken-word artist, Burns says he was acting out of love through his response.
“I tried to picture talking to Jefferson directly when we were filming,” he explains. “I wanted it to be personal and come through as a loving dialogue between two Christians. I have not talked to him but certainly I would welcome that.”
Burns’ budding career and his intriguing backstory are sure to make him an even greater fixture on the music world, particularly among fans looking for faith-infused music.
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Comments (44)
mattar12
Posted on February 13, 2012 at 10:59am“Those who choose to sit in the pews & refuse the Good News are not the fault of religion”
Report Post »KathleenElsie
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 9:48pmWell it seems to me that if a priest can interact with youth and let them see that being a Catholic Priest that is on fire for Holy Mother Church and can still have fun while remaining holy he will be a good model for vocations.
Report Post »Secret Squirrel
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 8:22pm.
Report Post »“Hip-Hop Artist”
That’s an oxymoron.
Like Jumbo shrimp.
Marcia
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 7:30pmWalk in to almost any Methodist or Episcopalian church and you will know EXACTLY what this guy is talking about. I agree with him. I was raised a Catholic and they were dead, dead, dead. Never learned about the saving grace of Jesus until I left the religious church.
Report Post »horsefeathers99
Posted on February 13, 2012 at 12:01pmThe church is not there to entertain, your relationship with Jesus and his love is up to you.
We have a choice as to whether we want to attend a simpler mass or one with song and worship along with it. Give it another chance and come back.
Report Post »PrayNC
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 7:26pm@GarbageCanLogic….name suits the mentality…married priests you want? women priests you want? then go join another church, since you want change ….you want change? stick with Obama honey, you’ll get your change!
The Church needs to return in All its Churches the Traditional Latin Mass..the Holy Mass; the Reverent Mass; the Mass that has No Room for Abuses as what is going on in so many churches. The church needs Obedient Priests, bishops, nuns…and where you going to get them? ONLY from the traditional orders which are growing, while the 60′s liberal clergy vocations are dwindling and have been for the past 50 yrs. hmmm, wonder why?
Report Post »Luke21
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 8:39pmThe problem is not women priests or priests that marry – the problem is having “priests” period (read Hebrews). Putting sinful men between man and God – “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,” (1 Timothy 2:5). Putting faith in a building, a mass, or a ritual, or in a “priest” who is NOT the High Priest Jesus Christ is a fools game – it is a faith that leads to death.
Priests & tabernacles were necessary before Christ for they were a foreshadowing of things to come. But Hebrews makes clear: “[Jesus Christ], because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:24-25)
So why would you continue in the old way, which was a simile of the real thing, once the real thing was made available to you? Catholicism models the Levitical priesthood – which Hebrews clearly states has been abolished in Jesus Christ – who is A PRIEST FOREVER ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK. (Heb 7:21; Psalm 110:4)
Mr. Bethke has it right. Jesus is > than religion; biblical religion \= organized religion: “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” (James 1:27)
Report Post »garbagecanlogic
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 7:07pmI am a “non attending Catholic”, because of this kind of priest, the inability of priests to marry, the inability of women to become priests; and several thousand “molesting” priests, I will continue to be one.
Pray For Obama. Psalm 109:8
The U.S. Out Of The U.N.
Report Post »The U.N. Out Of The U.S.
howdeedo2U
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 7:50pmAn interesting book you could borrow from your library, by William F. Buckley Jr., “Nearer, My God, An Autobiography of Faith, Doubleday, c.1997, written by a Catholic who was unafraid to proclaim his faith and unafraid to defend it.
Report Post »UBKidding
Posted on February 13, 2012 at 12:25amYou are simply making false excuses for your sins.
Report Post »RayOne
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 6:39pmFirst Listen
Report Post »Then take a deep breathe,
Get Up and Choose a Direction.
Millhouse2therescue
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 6:02pmI can always tell an angry atheist comment, it leaves me thinking, “who pissed in your cheerios this morning?”.
Report Post »MyzPhoenyx
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 5:00pmIt’s sad that a priest saw a niche that he could utilize to spread something positive in a literal swamp of negative music, games, criminal “athletes”, and reality TV, and there are people here that claim to be good Christians driving it home that he’s “too worldly”.
Report Post »In case you forgot, there is a part in the Bible that it mentions that we do have to live in this world, carrying His light to others lost in darkness. Rap is the sound of the day. It‘s what is inundating our children’s lives. I’d rather listen to this than half of the other music coming out these days.. ie Lady Gag-Gag, etc.
We’re told to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. Play flutes and drums and dance! Our love for God is supposed to be JOY that is visible to others! This music is presented joyfully and in a loving Spirit. Let the kids hear THAT instead of the hateful drivel that passes for music these days! Let him minister to those lost that don’t conform to your mold of society! Let him minister to those that have slipped between the cracks for whatever reason! He’s doing nothing wrong!
It is not the will of the Father that ANY should suffer eternal death, even those that listen to rap music…
SwyDaddy
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 4:37pmAre you kidding? Anything laid over the track “Joy and Pain”by Maze FT. Frankie Beverly, is going to sound great. You could dub Pelosi quotes over it and think “hey, that sounds pretty good”. Track 10 on my jam mix tape when I was younger – that song was my closer bring the house down.
Report Post »therockczar
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 3:24pmI invite you to visit the Huffington Post–it suits your needs better!
Report Post »robert
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 2:11pm“I can be a serious theologian and a clever lyricist.”
Where has he heard any rap music with clever lyrics? They’re all nonsensical chanting that was popular with primitive people who danced around the village fire.
Surely he’s delusional.
Report Post »cuinsong
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 1:39pmA lot better then the kill/hate messages in the greater rap industry? I am not a rap fan but the messages you are trying to convey are good for the soul and I wish you success!
Report Post »mark85
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 12:35pmNot a real church anyway
Report Post »http://www.skepticspost.com/first-pope.html
JJBlazeReader
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 11:50am..
fo shizzle
..
Report Post »RayOne
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 6:18pmI listened and want to hear more, and this, without a teleprompter.
Report Post »mycomet123
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 11:47am“Stop posting gabage stories like this”???. Does someone have a gun in your back forcing you to read this????.
Report Post »blackstone22
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 11:45amI can’t believe all the negative comments regarding this story. This is an exceptional young man using all his gifts to serve God. He stands to have a real impact on the younger generation that he comes in contact with.This is a good thing, thanks to the Blaze for reporting on this inspirational story. I am so struck by the constant negative comments towards Catholicism on this site by most likely fellow Christians. Really? I think there are bigger probelms out there, Christians need to pull together.
Report Post »SamIamTwo
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 1:17pmYeah, they young man has it right. It’s about a relationship not a religion made up by man. He is making a point that has been made for the past 30 years…so it should not be provocative.
A lot of religions do not teach from the WORD…they have programs, they preach but don’t teach from the bible…
Report Post »burned at edges
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 3:54pmIf you listen closely you will see
instead of Father Son and Holy Spirit
Obama Reid and Pelosi are his three
Faith is great and I wish people had more
The constitution gave us religion not faith
To fight the government war
The priest had it right Christ gave us a church
and we should all help each other
the government will leave us in the lurch
I left my two cents and I hope you agree
Report Post »we must all pray for our youth
that before too late they will see.
barber2
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 10:00am“you small minded slave ” Why the intense anger ? What is with you atheists that you are so filled with anger ?
Report Post »MrOVW
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 9:34am@Apple Bite…
you asked for it. You’ve just been Hitchslapped you small minded slave…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQorzOS-F6w
Report Post »teddrunk
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 8:15amWhy would a supposed man of God support a type of “music” that does nothing but preach hatred, violence and the degrading of women. Rap has nothing to do with music, it is a creation of man, loved by the devil.
Report Post »The_Jerk
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 8:39amHe makes a good point to start taxing our churches. Far too many are becoming entertainment destinations on Sundays. Some are better equipped, and provide more spectacular shows, than those in Las Vegas and Branson.
Report Post »mycomet123
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 11:34amI think he’s taking a type of genre that young people like, rap music, & trying to turn it into something POSITIVE. I think it’s a great idea!!!!. God likes diversity!!!!!!! GET YOUR MIND OUT OF THE BOX!
Report Post »blackstone22
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 11:51amWhat a bizarre old lady thing to say. Rapp is a form that is dictated by the lyrics. If the lyrics send a positive message then there is potential for positive impact to those who listen, especially among young, impressionable lives. This priest is relevant and not a dinosaur, that is a good thing.
Report Post »Apple Bite
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 8:10amThere is a GOD. The fact you’re still living after post that garbage proves such.
Report Post »The_Jerk
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 7:56am“… a different side that his fans get to see through his music… .”
He’s an entertainer masquerading as a priest.
Report Post »howdeedo2U
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 7:42pmMaybe you can enlighten the rest of us as to just who appointed you to make this decision….and based on what facts?
Report Post »hoss120
Posted on February 13, 2012 at 2:13pm@ The Jerk,
I know Fr. Pontifex personally. I’ve been a co-worker (a teacher in the school of which he is the pastor); I’ve attended over 200 of the masses to which he has presided. So, I am definitely qualified to speak on his behalf. If he were an entertainer in priest’s clothing, wouldn’t that be quite an backwards way to fame? Last time I checked, Def Jam wasn’t actively searching for priests that rap about Jesus, much less the Catholic faith.
Report Post »mutslie
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 7:45am………. MUSIC…….‘ the heartstrings to the soul’
…. ‘ there is no bad music maybe bad musicians?…… goodon’him…. I reck‘n I reck’n.
Report Post »givemelibertyorgivemedeath
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 7:42amThis is why the church is in the state that it is in. Priests have left the “true preisthood” and have becomed “men of this world”. A priest should live poverty, prayer, penance and sacrafice and “take souls to God by teaching them the true Catholic faith”.
Their clothing (wearing black) represents that they are “dead to the world” and are here only to do Gods work.
This is the fruit of Vatican II, a liberal change which occurred in the 60′s. Everything we are seeing right now in politics, the church and the feminist movement is a result of the 60′s.
Sad when we see our beautiful catholic faith being dismantled.
Report Post »AmericanWomanFirst
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 6:32amI am sorry, but I still don’t like rap.
Report Post »qpwillie
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 7:18amI think rap is something for people who wish they could sing. LOL
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