Cussing Pastor Thaddeus Matthews
The Memphis mainstay with a filthy mouth and millions of views is making headlines again.

The controversial "cussing pastor" is at it again, this time defending his right to host a provocative twerking contest in his Memphis church.

"This message is for all you hypoChristians who live hypocritical and f*\**ed up lives when you have the nerve to judge someone else," begins Thaddeus Matthews, leader of the Naked Truth Liberation and Empowerment Ministries, in an Instagram video. "I look at many of you who have criticized the young ladies...dancing in my gymnasium. I look on your pages, you got your a**, your titties out. You got all type of trash in your life but you want to be the one to judge f*** you."

These are the kind of profane messages that have attracted millions of online viewers to this three-year-old ministry and have allowed Matthews to build on a life long career as a controversial broadcaster in Memphis.

Twerk Hard, Pray Hard

Not only does the cussing pastor not consider his unorthodox ministry offensive to God, he recently told The Christian Post he doesn't even believe he is technically swearing. "There is a difference in 'cussing' and 'cursing' as people say. The words that we use today like motherf***er, sh*t, damn, were not words that were used in biblical times."

It's obvious Matthews is pushing the envelope for publicity. He has fondly promoted his most recent provocation, so-called Soulful Sundays, as three solid afternoon hours of clean adult fun in a video that featured plenty of big beats and dancing bodies to match.

It was enough to make fellow Christians enraged at the potential damage to being done to the faith movement.  

"Woe be unto to the pastors who scatter the sheep of my flock! I don't think you understand how many people just got turned off & walked away from wanting any interest in the Lord Jesus Christ. This is truly not of God, you need to repent so you can make it into Heaven. The blood is on your hands sir & you will have to answer to all of this! REPENT & come out of that backslidden state!" the worshiper wrote online.

Much Ado About Cussing

The cussing pastor refused to back down, echoing previous arguments that the women in those videos had found God after a long absence. "You can't clean a fish until you catch it, and you can't catch a fish until you go where it's at. At Naked Truth I don't care about your son of choice I just want you to know that no matter who you are God Loves you and I welcome you. So if you're mad get over it because...it's a new day, a new thing and we're trying to save those who are lost."

Does the pastor have a point? Are these reactions really just "bullsh*t from the pulpit" - unnecessary blowback to all the stiff modesty traditional religion has taught us for years? Some may argue he's simply using the nomenclature of our time to reach those who are otherwise unreachable.

Or is the cussing pastor little more than a longtime controversy-seeker who is back at it again? A man who loves the headlines his behavior creates?

37 comments

  1. Jim D.'s Avatar Jim D.

    You gotta love this guy! I think he's great. At the very least, he should get your attention.

    1. Rev. Rene's Avatar Rev. Rene

      OK, how about a "let your genitals hang out "ministry??? Is the whole benefit of church not thrown out when moral guidelines are tossed? For decades and centuries and millennia religion has acted as the external "policeman" of peoples morality, and this "pastor" is not helping by diminishing this function of a common religion.

      1. Jim D.'s Avatar Jim D.

        "OK, how about a “let your genitals hang out “ministry???" Sorry, Rene. I don't do hypotheticals. Too easy to get into the weeds. For example, nothing in the article suggested a genitals hang out ministry, but here we are, talking about a genitals hang out ministry. What's the point? I'll just stick to the facts, thank you.

        As for the potty-mouth Reverend, I get it. He's not your cup of tea, nor does he appeal to a lot of other people. But there are people that will respond to him, and maybe for those people, it's all the preaching they are ever going to get, and they are probably the people that need it the most.

    2. sibyltheheretic's Avatar sibyltheheretic

      The place is a "Church" not a "Circus". The church should be kept as a Holy place. Singing , dancing, foul language are for night clubs. Twerking; simulating a sex act in church?

      1. Jim D.'s Avatar Jim D.

        "Singing , dancing,... are for night clubs." Sibyl, are you going to make me go all Footloose on you and start quoting Bible passages encouraging people to sing and dance unto the Lord?

        No, Sibyl. This may not be the kind of preaching that motivates you, but I guarantee it works for others. Maybe it's crass. Maybe it's depraved. Hey, maybe it's just downright low-down. But I think the peppery-tongued Reverend may have found what works for his flock. If he has butts in the pews on Sunday, and gets people to think about things the other six days a week, can you argue his efficacy?

        I have to go now. I gotta cut loose. Footloose, and kick off my Sunday shoes.

        1. PackNGPaw's Avatar PackNGPaw

          Jim D Morality is taught by example. Being an example to others carries an obligation to elevate them, not diminish them. Jim, you missed out on the class. Shame on your parents.

          1. Jim D.'s Avatar Jim D.

            PackNGPaw, I missed out on absolutely nothing. I had the best example a child could have in my two loving and caring parents; two people you do not know and have never met, yet had no problem shaming them. There is no recovering from this one, Pack. You're on the d-bag list. Nice going.

            It is you who missed out on what I was saying about the saucy pastor. My guess is if another pastor had to minister to his congregation in his part of town, a pious and proper man say (maybe like you?), the congregation would walk out, bored out of their minds, and the pastor would probably get mugged in the parking lot. Matthews is trying to reach a very tough crowd in a way that they will listen. He has to get their attention and get them to listen, then he can work on turning them around and being better people. To a lot of folks that live in the projects, a good, moral person who thinks he is a good example is nothing more than an easy target and a soon-to-be crime victim.

      2. Dee's Avatar Dee

        You are so right; we've allowed way to many entities enter in the church in the name of "this is want the Millennials want" What does GOD want should be the real question.

        1. Pastor Dsve's Avatar Pastor Dsve

          If one wants to find out what God wants then one has to have a relationship with God by reading the Bible. Do not go by what people tell you. I had nuns tell it it was a SIN to eat meat on Friday. That was a total lie. I am NOT going to burn in hell if I rat a burger on Friday. I preach if what you do does not hurt anyone then go for it. Too many people are offended by small things that really do not matter. So if I pray over my food in public, so what?
          Or I read my Bible in Dunkin Donuts again DO WHAT?

    3. Vivian T Harris's Avatar Vivian T Harris

      I volunteer in a prison and I agree, you have to get on the level that the person you are trying to reach can relate to. Rev. Vivian Harris

    4. Right Reverend Desmond Morris's Avatar Right Reverend Desmond Morris

      I'm with you on this, he's a great bloke

    5. Minster Raydeen's Avatar Minster Raydeen

      Too many Churches has taken on what the world does, there will be many false prophets,only there for SHOW, he will feel the wrath of God, and all those that follow him

      1. Jim D.'s Avatar Jim D.

        You just don't get it, do you?

  1. Tom's Avatar Tom

    Holy f*** that's fing great! I wonder if he would approve of fing ******* and **** hard on a ******* at night ****** plus *** and ******* clown face ******* fire lit by ******* **** with a **** and juicy ******* squirrels?

  1. Rev Dr Ryan's Avatar Rev Dr Ryan

    Such immature antics are best ignored, lest he is encouraged to greater extremes. His bizarre ministry seem to be mere cover for his fetishes.

    1. pcfield's Avatar pcfield

      Evil is, as evil does, so we who do not want to participate can tell the difference or atleast should know the difference. Freedom of religion is still the law of the land and each person has to make their own peace with God or not. Do not fret over such things, just do not participate.

  1. Ralph J Miller's Avatar Ralph J Miller

    I don't agree with the twerking contest.But I have no problem with the language.People who use profanity seems to speak their mind more. I don't trust people who don't curse(most of them are hidding something) .people are tried of pasters lieing in church or trying to push there social agenda or lifestyle.Preach the truth for a change.

  1. Maiane santo santos's Avatar Maiane santo santos

    Who gives a hoot, he's got an agenda, get himself posted somewhere, he did just that, if this is the worst thing coming round the bend, i don't think anyone should give a patoot, just sayin. Also he would fit right in at one of my biker bbq's.

  1. Laurence's Avatar Laurence

    Why did/do we need a Savior? Why would anyone, let alone Our Creator send His Only Son to live here, just to die here, resurrect and send the Holy Spirit? Why would all of those who were disciples for Him sacrifice their selfish lives and be martyred? Why would we need to confess our sins and faults? Why would we need the Grace of God? And why would there be a scripture like proverbs 6: 16-19, with one of the things the Lord hates is feet that are quick to run to mischief, if it was okay to use mischief to attract the lost in the name of the Lord? At 16 I knew I was a mess and needed and wanted a savior and accepted Christ into my heart and to be Lord of my life. But it has taken almost all of another 38 years to begin to understand the Love, Mercy, Grace, Forgiveness and the Abundant Life of the Infinite that is available to us only after we give our free self will back and seek to live life according to His will and purpose for us. Yes I fall short daily, but all the teachers I have had and have read about and have today and even as I go out to try to carry a message of hope and help others realize their need for a personal relationship with their creator, especially the sick, lost and suffering, we are all trying to share the fact that there is a vast difference in living with and for God than not. Can you imagine a crack house in a church to attract the crack addicts? A brothel in the back to attract the prostitutes and Johns? Hear a sermon get your sex and drugs on? I agree with speaking the language of the heart? It takes a sinner who has recovered from sin and been saved and changed to reach one effectively. For the most part we don't wear halos and we are not saints. We are saved by Grace for sure. But there but personally I'd have to examine myself carefully, consider the fruits of self will and blasphemy, self wanting to please itself, play god and justify its behavior and steal vicarious pleasure hiding behind "in the name of god". And the true fruits of a relationship with that which has all power and brought all things into existence: Love, selflessness, Love the Lord God with all your heart mind and soul and your neighbor as yourself. Charity, hope, forgiveness, healing, losing interest in worldly clamors, to gaining interest in righteousness, holiness, helpfulness, intuition, inspiration, accessing the power to live free from addiction, making amends. Going from a perverse mind and heart to a clean and contrite heart, etc etc etc etc. I don't know? I am no one to be on any board of judges. However, I do know that God can use shortcomings to attract the lost, more, it seems, than virtue, at times. But It's God who uses these things after we have repented and as we seek him and for His Glory. So, I guess the real question is: Does what I am up to in the name of God Glorify Him or me? Does the message I am living and carrying in His name actually lead His children to Him, or me? Cause that 7th thing in proverbs 6:16-19 I mentioned earlier, I'd definitely be concerned about. he who causes discord among the brethren as it's written there, seems more deadly than hands that shed innocent blood. And aren't all the messages from all the christian churches in all the world made up of the brethren that this would definitely cause discord among? Aren't all of us really His children therefore all brethren whether we claim so or think so or not? Isn't it that Jesus would that none of us would parish? Finally, even though Jesus said be careful for nothing, and in the end of his life here, said forgive them father for they know not what they do. I'd consider being a little concerned about a message like that if I were carrying it. Jesus is definitely controversial as far as the worlds system goes vs the Kingdom of Heaven, but at least lets honor him for walking perfect here and sacrificing himself for all of us. There must be a message in that part of his life too? It's definitely more attractive to me when a man or a woman goes from harlot, or addict to recovered and living a glowing life worth dying for. May the "Real True God of All That Is, Was, Shall and Shall Not Be" Bless and Keep All of Us!

  1. Fr Anthony's Avatar Fr Anthony

    Maybe the way in which he is going about it is a bit too much but maybe that's the point for people to understand. The church had to modernise for younger people to come freely and want to come. He's right in that you have to go where the people are, the whole point of ministry is to help people and you can't do that if you sit still and wait for people to come to you.

  1. Dr.Rev. Annie's Avatar Dr.Rev. Annie

    If he is making some people happy and isn't hurting anyone, what does it matter if he says swear words or not? There is a religion for everyone under the sun it seems. Live and let live.

    I would rather a man who swears than one who abuses children.

    1. Carl Elfstrom's Avatar Carl Elfstrom

      I've even cussed at God a few times, and He didn't didnt seem to object, but carried me anyway. Have y'all ever read Footprints In The Sand?

  1. Carl Elfstrom's Avatar Carl Elfstrom

    Throughout the last couple of years I've done most of my preaching here on this blog, and it hasn't always sounded nice, but it has at least helped me get my point across.

  1. Rod Gesner's Avatar Rod Gesner

    Not my Cup o Tea; but not much different than Dancing w Snakes... Or "letting the Spirit Speak Gibberish thru you" Except at least he is Communicating in a Recognizable manner to his Target audience. Plenty of Mega Church's use Country or Rock bands ( Rock n Roll used to be a Big Time Sin;) and as far as I can remember Swearing is taking the God's name in vain ( which any hippocritical person or Self Serving Preacher does whenever he makes any reference to any gods;) and Cursing is using Gods or other magical beliefs to threaten someone...

    Ecstatic Music, Dancing; in church ritual Frequently Leads to Sex: it's Often Called a Wedding.. But more than Bride and Groom hook up.. People often go to church to meet possible future partners... is that a Sin Now Too?

  1. Loren's Avatar Loren

    "Whoever believes in Me shall have life everlasting" makes Christianity the world's easiest religion. Swear on the pulpit, screw your neighbor's wife, shoot the sheriff. Doesn't matter. Believe in Jebus and you're saved. Hallelujah.

    1. Ren R's Avatar Ren R

      Not just believe.. even Satan believes in Christ.. God knows our innermost thoughts and our hearts.. you don't.. who are you to judge?

  1. ET's Avatar ET

    As an agnostic, if I don’t agree with what is preached nor with the methods or language used, I just accept there are those with whom I don’t agree, respect the difference and stop listening to them. No need to denigrate the beliefs of others. After all, “We are all children of the same universe”.

  1. K Terrell's Avatar K Terrell

    I will not judge thy.

  1. John M Bryant's Avatar John M Bryant

    There is many passes in Bible that the people danced.but he's right in other areas .how can you save the people if you can't go were they are.or help them one there ground .not all just walk back into a church .

  1. cbcuff's Avatar cbcuff

    Location, Location, Location. I'm wondering what 'type' of person would pay to come and watch this guy preform in public.... Do people think that ignorance is bliss, or just entertainment?

  1. Joy's Avatar Joy

    Why are you listening to or watching the cussing pastor if you don't agree??? This is the first I've heard of him and you can believe that I will not listen to or watch his "sermon." But I did pray for his soul and everyone who listens/watch. Look up the word "HOLY" I'm not JESUS and it's not my time to judge, but it's passed time for the people of the true and living GOD to come together as a unified whole and pray the prayers of Salvation for all and let the Holy Spirit convict he/she that is causing His sheep to go astray. It's not the will of GOD for any to perish. JESUS loves you and so do I. "I will not respond to any negative response to my message." We all need more JESUS and less of us. ????????

  1. Apostle Dr. C.N. Turrell's Avatar Apostle Dr. C.N. Turrell

    We are followers of the Messiah, and you never heard Him do things like this. He is a false prophet, and He should have his ordination revoked, and not be know as a religious group. One day when he stands at the Great White Throne Judgement and the Saviour says too him, "Depart from me I never knew you." He will wish he had not done this

  1. Apostle Dr. C.N. Turrell's Avatar Apostle Dr. C.N. Turrell

    One day this false person that is pretending to be preaching the gospel will have to answer at the Great White Throne Judgement, and the Saviour will say to this false person, "Depart from me that work lawlessness."

  1. Mark Hannon's Avatar Mark Hannon

    When I was a young adult I belonged to a church that said it was a Christian church with a calling to the homosexual community. Lots of mainline churches thought we weren't legitimate. My brother's Baptist church claimed that we had sex on the altar in front of upside down crosses. Of course we didn't. Metropolitan Community Churches have been around for years now and have little controversy.

    It appears that this is a way to engage with the disenfranchised and I hope that is the motivation of the minister and congregation. I'd like to hear testimony of what is in their hearts. Jesus did say that what comes out of the mouth is more important than what goes in.

    For myself I don't like to use foul language. It's always been easier for me to get along at jobs and with others. I consider it a form of hygiene but I know that isn't important for others. I said the word, "shit" in front of my dad once and he said he wouldn't hold in his hand what I had in my mouth!

  1. Secretary3rd's Avatar Secretary3rd

    Anyone with $700.00 can applied for a 501 (c) (3) and get one from the IRS. Unless he breaks the rules set down by the IRS he can say anything he wants, do in the name of God just about anything he wants and it does not matter what I say or you say he can make a fool of himself. If enough people buy into his belief he could become main stream. He could also make enough people mad at him and they burn him at the stake.

  1. I.S. Johnson's Avatar I.S. Johnson

    Once more I say Flim Flam man. This gentlemen has no more regard for faith, Jesus and ministering to people than a spider has for a fly in its web. This is about an easy way to get paid, stroke his ego and find young women to sleep with. The more you rebuke him the more popular he gets and that gets him paid. Ignore him and he will wither and fall away.

    Lets get a grip.

  1. Kevin's Avatar Kevin

    At least he is speaking the TRUTH Amen .

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