Tyson James & Bryson Gray Separate From One Another: What Lessons Can The CHH Community Take From This?

The views & opinions expressed in this article are the sole perspective of eCsiLe and do not necessarily represent those shared by JAMZ Collective as a whole.

I remember the first time I was exposed to Tyson James. It was in my son's vehicle with him and we listened to "Empire Of Lies." The song struck a chord with me because I've long felt there is a strong false equivalency in the U.S. between holiness and Patriotism. The song served as a powerful & poignant reminder that following Christ isn't synonymous with any Earthly nation, and America is no less susceptible to wickedness than any previous nations.

A short time later, I came across Bryson Gray. Although his style & flow didn't connect with me the way Tyson's did, he was saying many things I agree with. Yet, almost from the start I discerned a difference between the two of them.

As both artists rocketed to astounding levels of popularity among professing Christians and political conservatives, they came to be identified closely with one another. It was obvious they had become extremely close friends. They collaborated frequently and interacted online. They used some of the same terminology, coining (or at least championing) terms like CCG. They built a website together showcasing their music.

Together, the duo were no strangers to controversy, building a reputation on calling out wickedness in their music & social media posts. Early on, I even submitted some entries to a couple contests Tyson held but at times, I honestly felt a little leery of both of them. I couldn't really put my finger on what gave me reason for pause with Tyson but I think I now understand it better.

In retrospect, the concerns about Bryson were much clearer from the very beginning. Theological issues that stand on their own merit, most notably his ongoing refusal to acknowledge & articulate the divinity of Christ Jesus. An almost rabid appetite for conflict, regardless of the issue being discussed. A clear lack of humility & teachability. A sophomoric tendency to lash out at people in a way reminiscent of being back in school.

Along the way there were some specific situations that gave me (& likely others) reason for pause too. The infamous hotel parking lot brawl where Bryson was using vulgar language after pridefully allowing himself to be baited into a fight, and then retreating, claiming the other guy had cheated.

None of us are above making errors at times, but when behavior like this is a staple of someone's conduct and demeanor, it's indicative of something much deeper. I stopped following Bryson not long after I started. I remained connected with Tyson but probably truthfully, backed off somewhat in my interactions with his content.

In light of recent events between the two, I think I now understand what my hesitancy with Tyson was all long. It was the strong association he had with Bryson that gave me reason for pause. Thankfully, I stuck it out and didn't leave.

Earlier today, Tyson posted a long statement explaining the separation & sharing his thoughts about the situation. This moment was worth the wait! In a strong display of Godly character, Tyson showed humility & class by refusing to engage in childish insults and mud slinging, opting instead to employ grace in how he addressed the specifics of the split. Most importantly, he made it clear that while the two no longer remain friends, he wishes him well and will continue to pray for him.

My intent here is neither to bash Bryson Gray or unabashedly praise Tyson James. In fact, I think one of the most serious issues plaguing CHH is that we put artists on pedestals. Collectively the audience tends to prioritize flashiness & bravado over spiritual maturity, theological soundness & sincerity. The result is that collectively we sometimes overlook glaring issues we would address if they were present in someone else who we don't necessarily admire, but we shy away from saying anything because we've allowed ourselves to become enamored with Christian celebrities.

Both of these guys have been calling out sin for a LONG time in their music, and both are right about the fact that certain things are abominable before God. Perhaps Bryson much more than Tyson though, became so wrapped up in what he opposes, that he largely forgot to express what he is for. He also forgot he's not above error & reproach.

I take no joy in division between two friends. It's tragic that they may not ever be able to reconcile. However, I praise God for allowing Tyson James to demonstrate such a positive example for other believers of how to handle a disagreement biblically. Moreover, I applaud his acknowledgement that while calling out sin is an important component of our faith, it's not the whole story.

Sometimes encouraging other believers, particularly brand new one's, is every bit as crucial to demonstrating obedience to God, especially in light of the fact that as Tyson so eloquently acknowledged in his statement, we ALL came to Christ as a MESS & very few if any of us can say everything fell off of us overnight.

None of us are perfect but Jesus said we would know a tree by it's fruit. The sanctification process isn't immediate but it is evident. Bryson Gray has demonstrated boldness in some areas, calling out obvious and extreme forms of sin, but like the pharisees in the New Testament, often exhibiting blatant hypocrisy in some of his own behaviors that aren't quite as hot button topics in the sin conversation. Both very public.

Tyson James isn't perfect either. He's not claiming to be though. He's also right... Pride destroys relationships. He appears to be working out his own salvation with fear & trembling... learning as he goes... & I believe attempting to sincerely navigate the mysterious relationship between truth & grace. Be encouraged Tyson. God is using you to provide an example to the CHH community in how you're dealing with this situation. Stay the course brother!!!