James Moore

Jay-Z Video Sparks Controversy at Tree of Life Church

A video featuring recording artist Jay-Z’s “Story of O.J.” sparked controversy on July 30 at Tree Of Life Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles when young praise dancers performed to the track while throwing money in the church’s sanctuary, leaving some members appalled. “I didn’t agree with it. They want to mix that with the church. There’s a place for everything,” said Bathilda Ross, a member for 42 years. Ross believes that many new ministers create churches on the basis of the outside world when they should be creating it for the world inside the church. Sharing a similar perspective,