John Cooper of Skillet Tells the Story Behind New Single ‘Unpopular’

[@country_boy7475]

Alice cooper said that being a Christian is the greatest act of rebellion against the spirit of the world.

[@flufflet4673]

He's not wrong by any means. 🎉

[@Lightning_Wolf567]

He could not have been more wrong. Being Christian is mainstream. So not believing that fiction would be rebellious

[@Hissoninme]

​@Lightning_Wolf567 Identifying as "Christian" is common. It is the current yet despised status quo, but being Christian beyond a superficial identity or simplistic morals hasn't been popular for over a century.

[@ScalbyBloseus]

@@Lightning_Wolf567 Keep believing that the universe randomly came from nothing then a bunch of random stuff randomly happened and worked out ;)

[@Lightning_Wolf567]

@ScalbyBloseus you really skipped 1st grade science? Lmao. I know the Bible is fake because it says being gay is a sin yet it's not even a choice

[@kaputanium5465]

One of the best aspects of Skillet is that their approach to writing is overwhelmingly a universal message. Yes, it has biblical roots, but the Bible has universal values, lessons and stories.

[@MyWorld-eb9oz]

If only they wrote their songs to an adult audience and not the middle school crap they've always written

[@RayG.]

@@MyWorld-eb9oz How long has it been since you listened to their music?

[@country_boy7475]

​@@MyWorld-eb9ozadults don't need to be reached out too. They got their act together it's the reckless youth influenced by Cultural Marxism that need to be reached out to.

[@brotoonstwins]

There is this super masculine lesbian I don't bank on that she's a Christian she's listening to skillet at work

[@umarae27]

Well said, I agree 💯 @kaputanium5465

[@panheadschris3926]

We’re Unpopular but Saved by Grace of Jesus!!!🙌🙌

[@jwillhall4061]

My favorite line from the song is: "I guess I'm an outlaw, WHOO!". It gets me pumped every time.

[@HeroMonsterPS3]

John's unwavering beliefs are definitely a great thing to see in this world! Love the song, can't wait for the album!

[@drewachong]

John's commentary around 15:51 reminds me so much of Alien Youth, which was my first experience with Skillet. The idea of being alien, unpopular, not conforming to the ways of this world is an important message we need to be teaching our young people.

[@lorettasearcy1471]

Amen just because we're in this world doesn't mean we have to be of this world.

[@davidmcintosh2415]

The new single is a GREAT song that had a HUGE impact on me. LOVE the sound, especially love the message. The lyrics are awesome. The message that comes through your music is life changing. Keep it up!

[@Juliskool423]

Watched this with my teenage boys. So thankful for John and the whole Skillet crew- mine and my kids’ favorite band! We have our tickets for Skillet/Seether in Bethlehem, PA! Can’t wait for REVOLUTION!

[@samwardonline]

This song definitely SCREAMS Cooper Stuff podcast lol

[@flufflet4673]

Yessss it sure does❤🎉

[@stevezilla1961]

I love the new song. Can't wait for the new LP

[@joabtextliramos9750]

Jhon Cooper es una persona muy admirable

[@watthetruck2989]

Just saw them 5 days ago with royale Lynn and seether, they put on a great show and the new song sounded great live!

[@MiaMatthias]

I love you Skillet

[@ecstatica1123]

Never heard of this band, and it's interesting how i found Skillet, like a divine intervention. The title for the new album is very fitting for our times.

[@willharper1326]

I’ve never been a huge fan of the band. But I’ve always liked John, and he is speaking facts in this interview.

[@The10CodeMindset]

Great interview and the new song is awesome! Keep walking by faith, in God and not the world. 💪✝️

[@guy554]

I've seen and talked to plenty of people who, even if they value more normal aspects of people or society, even if they say they believe in one thing, they're very reluctant to lose whatever popularity they have. Many are afraid to face any backlash for it, but plenty have just become accustomed to having a fake sense of personal value. Things like friendships, loyalty and the like are becoming more difficult to find because no matter what you believe in, the only way you'd have anyone who wants to be with you is if you're somewhat 'popular,' and plenty would be willing to give it up if it meant gaining that popularity. Not only are society and culture suffering as a result, but you're creating more people who are adopting bad ideologies just to have some kind of "friend," because they won't otherwise. Mankind was not created to be alone, but you shouldn't have to be "worth" enough to have a brother or sister to talk to, laugh with and help you through tough times in your life. I'll admit, as someone who has spent the vast majority of his life without friends or a social life, there have been times I've wanted to be popular just to have someone there. Currently struggling with alcoholism and substance abuse, but I'd rather poison myself that way than live as a poison to other people checking the very boxes I don't believe in. Now, if I was popular, these words would ring loud, but in today's society, the correct thing to do is point fingers at me and move on. The human experience has really suffered. Good morals will continue to be lost if we refuse to help each other stand because it wouldn't be beneficial to our ego. Everyone, find a few unpopular people, talk to them, get to know them, and help them to maintain what is important before those people are lost alongside those traits.

[@JoAnneRubjerg]

Jesus was definitely Unpopular and I plan on hanging around with His crowd through out eternity!! He is the (only) way, the (only) truth, and the (only) life!!

[@SPARTANSIX-1]

Amen

[@FirstMavrix]

Seen skillet twice at winter jam Indianapolis absolutely amazing show

[@TheCephas64]

John's attitude is perfect. Ephesians and Corinthians both commission us to "stand" against evil, it doesn’t specify the type of evil. We recognize its not a winning formula, we will always be outsiders, but the commission is the stare evil in the eye and say "no further"!! Then once our Lord returns he will know we "held the line" against evil, but winning can only come from His hands.

[@ecstatica1123]

what are you talking about?? THEY are the outsiders, don't get it twisted ;) we are the resistance and we are taking back what those who worship evil took from humanity. In the name of Jesus!

[@TheLightSideReactions]

I completely get it. It was a pleasure to react to the song a few weeks ago and give my own analysis of the lyrics. Keep up the great work, John. Skillet is awesome.

[@nwtruemusicnathanwong6828]

Great interview!!

[@rosebetime1029]

Great interview thanks 😊 🙏

[@kimleecarroll4052]

This song hit me hard. It sent me back to school cause I Was the Unpopular kid. Very good song though. Keep up the amazing songs Skillet

[@KyleZiebarth-ui9fc]

I Can't wait for Skillet to come back to City on the Hill Music festival so me and my family can go! Me and the family had an amazing time rocking and praising God!

[@alicialovezyou]

Skillet has been incredible at motivating me to stand up! I get pumped listening to your music! Thank you so much ❤

[@jessa2542]

God willing I will see Skillet live in Dallas October 🥺🙏🏽 as a wife/mother/caregiver for my disabled husband and 1 year old Skillets music has helped me ❤

[@aAngel93]

I can tell I'm going to LOVE this new album!

[@MattLeFaitMusic]

Great song!!

[@mcdalek2233]

I really appreciate John Cooper's points in this interview. I'm not a Christian myself, but as I've gotten older I've come to learn that the Bible still has value, and that the core philosophies within it are good and teach us a great deal about how we ought to go about living our lives. His specific point about atheists living with no consequences is a great example of this- ultimately they believe that there is no-one to judge them upon the end, and so nothing they do has meaning. Believing in God gives you a set of values to live by, but I think it is also vital that those who do not believe, are still brought up with some kind of core philosophy or manta in which to live by, and compare their choices to.

[@wendyromano9872]

Amen John Cooper and band...Rock & Roll used to be "say what you want to say and what you mean"...Great Song "Unpopular" and keep bringing it John Cooper - Rock On Skillet!

[@rebeccaholton8062]

Love skillet and John’s message 🥰❤️🙏

[@ThatWasherNerd]

So pumped to see them in Pittsburgh next month!!!!

[@melaniellamas9824]

A teacher did not like me and always shut me down because I have unpopular opinions 😂

[@tillburn]

John m8, It's called man glitter! Wood chips, saw dust and sweat is man glitter :) Love it.

[@alonicoleman9553]

Thank You for this podcast and for the emcee and John Cooper/Skillet.GOD BLESS YOU AND GIVE YOU THE STRENGTH;WISDOM to get your truth and message out there.

[@kenrowe5386]

John hit the nail on the head

[@alicialovezyou]

You always look amazing!!

[@nonamelegend_vapor]

We have to bear in mind that the "spirit of the world" (selfishness, greed, uncharitability, indifference) can infect any group and has many forms. We can't use the phrase as a substitute for "people we feel threatened by". Still, the message is solid. Stand by your convictions, justice, and truth, no matter what "in-group" disagrees with you. Even if they happen to be "your" people

[@nidnoms3622]

So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love 1 Corinthians 13:13 a strong verse indeed

[@WarofJoymusic]

It's good to be unpopular

[@zados3511]

Unpopular= Not confirming to the world.

[@JoshMcKeon-ix4cq]

Yup !!

[@tylerclout8175]

And that’s something skillet has always represented and been all about

[@singlenose3053]

yeah...well said mate...a brilliant testimony of Christ!!!

[@RonaldStephens-k2j]

SKILLET IS THE REAL AWESOME CHRISTIAN ROCK BAND!!! JESUS draws his lost people to HIM through SKILLET music!!!! Awesome interview SKILLET!!!

[@RUS_Cover]

Wise Person 💯

[@blucreator7747]

The catalyst that lead me to faith in Christ was that I looked what people were saying about the purpose of life. My mother is a Christian but my father turned away from the faith and practiced paganism/wicca. I grew up hearing two opposing views: God exists and wants you to live a certain way and do what makes you happy as long as it doesn't hurt anybody. The catalyst was when I was learning about evolution in junior high. I started to question the meaning of my life. (Back then I compared myself to other people). I asked my brother about the meaning of life. (My brother is close to my dad and shares many beliefs). He shrugged his shoulders and said, "To live". With darwinism (survival of the fittest) in mind, I asked what the point of living if there will alwasy br someone who is stronger than you, faster, smarter, etc. He didnt have an answer so I looked elsewhere. Long story short, I gave my life to Christ and found meaning in purpose in Him. It would be some time later that I'd find new life in Him but thats a story for another time.

[@Свистун_Дмитрий]

" I asked what the point of living if there will alwasy br someone who is stronger than you, faster, smarter, etc." In general, the meaning of life in the evolutionary process is not to be better than everyone else, but to reproduce life, which, by the way, is not much different from the meaning of life that God appointed in the book of Genesis 1:28 "And God blessed them: and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the heavens, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth." So life with or without faith in God will not be that much different for a sane person.

[@blucreator7747]

@Свистун_Дмитрий In my search for meaning, I found the evolutionary prospect of "The reason for you being alive is to be alive and procreate" lacking. I think that we can all agree that life itself is a miracle and should be cherished. But what I found lacking was the meaningless of it. (To be fair, during this time, I had just read Ecclesiastes, with those famous first words, "Everything is meaningless"). Looking back, I had been unfair to my brother as my question behind the question was about the meaning of my life. But living for the sake of living seems pointless to me.

[@Свистун_Дмитрий]

@@blucreator7747 to live for the sake of life for an atheist is not the final meaning, it is the starting condition. Something like a blank sheet for an artist, and then you have all the boundlessness of your imagination to decide what to fill this blank sheet with. And if atheists are convinced that this sheet is the only one and there will be no other, believers are convinced that this is a draft after which they will be given a new canvas

[@blucreator7747]

@Свистун_Дмитрий I'm enjoying this conversation. We are given a canvas the day we are born. The believer also has freedom, to a certain extent, but remembers that the purpose of life is to bring glory to God. The first time I came to Christ wasn't life changing. It was mostly a result of not wanting to go to hell (fire insurance if you will). By then, I had decided that the purpose of my life is to follow Christ and bring glory to His name. But later, when I had learned about God's wrath and His grace (two sides of the same coin), my eyes were open to how much God loves me, an individual who consistently had failed, (and continues to fail) to live up to what I believe a Christian should be. But as I seek God, I find Him. As I worship Him in song and deed, I can't help but love Him. As I love Him, I can't help but love other people. Why? Because God is love. God is truth. God is the ultimate reality. The atheist may find freedom in forsaking religion, turning their nose to the divine. In doing so, they may find freedom to live their lives how ever they wish. But the believer finds freedom in following Christ. They learn that not everything is beneficial. This is why the believer pays attention to what they watch, what they listen to, and what they read. Anything that does not lead to life, leads to death.

[@Свистун_Дмитрий]

@@blucreator7747 In order to love people, it is not necessary to believe in any god, at least for me the lack of faith does not prevent me from sympathizing with people and helping those who ask for help. And in order to know that not everything is useful, the lack of faith does not prevent me. And in principle, doubting what you see, hear, and read is an absolute norm for the modern world. The only difference is that an atheist doubts one book more than a believer. Although it is stupid to deny that for immature minds atheism is dangerous due to the lack of a clearly expressed purpose for life, which can lead them to the most vile forms of hedonism, and in the realities of the Western world, this probability becomes even higher.

[@alicialovezyou]

Keep preaching the gospel no matter what! We obey God as ruler rather than men.

[@JuanFloresluvgod]

The song " unpopular " is great in my opinion

[@darthcrio1]

But we aren’t a democracy we are and always will be a Constitutional Republic

[@ecstatica1123]

save the republic! time to stand up and unite. Join the rEvolution! We are free thinkers, and we will not be controlled, for the kingdom of heaven is within.

[@SupaCapitalism]

Not mutually exclusive

[@jonesbrandonletsgo]

Rebel for Christ! 🔥

[@ksteak27]

God told us to go into the world... go preach the truth to those who have not heard it yet. Jesus sent his apostles into the most hostile areas ever... telling them go deep into where no one knows what you have to say and no one will welcome it. Skillet's out there doing that. Any Christian faithful to the Great Commission should appreciate that John and Skillet are out where we're too afraid to go. The gospel changes EVERYTHING. Jesus himself dined with sinners... and he's won an army until himself through his example.

[@samsonitemike3127]

Tolerance has to go both ways....... Totally agree.....

[@Oldfashioncountryboy]

I lost a friendship because I stand by Jason Aldean's song try that in a small town. I don't care about being popular

[@country_boy7475]

That there was a good song even though Jason Aldean does not sing Christian songs as such. I feel that try that in a small town speaks the Christian ethos about looking out for one another and not resorting to following antichrist movements of like BLM or Antifa.

[@AnthonySalandich-cl8lk]

Praise the LORD JESUS CHRIST for the stand that Skillet is taking for Him. Thank God for stand they are taking.

[@GareginAmyanArt]

Thank you for your courage and willingness to stand for the truth.

[@SPARTANSIX-1]

If you look at the church in through history from the beginning, the real church, it was a COUNTER culture church that stood against what was popular but wrong according to the word of God. Jon is right here. “What’s popular isn’t always right. What’s right isn’t always popular.”

[@lightningpelt9662]

if you speck your mind and you lose your friends they werent friends in the first place

[@marshalltate1704]

Great interview great song My 2 cents: if someone is uncomfortable with seeing skillet in a secular context, I would say they are not the target audience. I truly believe that John and co are using the platform they have to be a witness for Christ. Jesus said follow me. We don’t follow His followers. We all have a ministry day to day. We should all be reaching out to the unsaved.

[@josephshumway]

I love this. Rebel for Jesus. We rebel against Sharp Tooth ( the devil). I stood up to a teacher in school once when he kicked some classmates out of the group activity. That was the point of it. I told him it wasn't right

[@loripost8792]

Moving? I hope you’re not leaving Wisconsin.

[@sneggleblech]

Christ is counterculture

[@lorettasearcy1471]

Isiah 53:5 is Strypers passage from the Bible.

[@Dacuteone08]

Trump needs to play this at his rallies!!!! ❤❤

[@lorettasearcy1471]

That man really needs Jesus Christ 🙏,all these politicians do and the Pope allowing gay marriage and transgender people in the Catholic religion.

[@Oldfashioncountryboy]

Trump 2024.

[@ChrisBelson-ly1tr]

Glad I clicked in. Now I know that I don't agree with this guy. All about freedom, right up until it's someone else doing something that doesn't comport with his own sense of normal. Then it's bad, and they shouldn't have the freedom to do that. So to boil it down, John's essentially saying "freedom for me, and my rules for thee." NOTED. 🤨

[@umarae27]

Normal translates to "as long as hurting nobody's else's rights". To each their own

[@ecstatica1123]

what is "comport"? btw maybe he is saying rules for everyone, but these rules are not his own, they are rules that Jesus talked about. Commandments is another word to use instead of rules.

[@lukemcevoy5371]

I lose more and more respect for John cooper every day.

[@carlsipe6458]

Go and be popular than 😂

[@saphirecheetah8350]

​@@carlsipe6458Woooo!!! 🔥

[@ecstatica1123]

@@carlsipe6458 🔥brilliant

[@FirstMavrix]

Seen skillet twice at winter jam Indianapolis absolutely amazing show