John Cooper stands as the dynamic frontman of Skillet, a band that has not only conquered the 21st-century rock scene but has also resonated deeply within the hearts of millions worldwide. With two Grammy nods and a staggering 11 million records sold, Skillet’s journey is as compelling as their music. But behind the roaring guitars and powerful vocals, there’s a story of personal trials and unwavering faith. John Cooper himself opens up about his formative years, the battles he faced, and how his relationship with Jesus Christ became his anchor through it all.
Episode 58 Site 1
From Strict Beginnings to Rock Star Status: The John Cooper Story
“My name is John Cooper,” he begins, introducing himself with the same straightforwardness that characterizes his music. “I sing and play bass for Skillet.” His upbringing in Memphis, Tennessee, in a devout Christian household, was steeped in the traditions of the Bible Belt. “No rock-and-roll, no black, no drums,” he describes the environment, a stark contrast to his current life as a hard rock musician. This irony is not lost on Cooper, and it underscores the transformative journey he has undertaken.
Growing up in the 1980s, Cooper experienced a cultural dichotomy. On one hand, he was encouraged by the era’s mantra of self-discovery and limitless potential – “you can be anything you want to be.” Yet, this was juxtaposed with a rigid, legalistic interpretation of Christian living within his community. This created internal conflict as he navigated the push and pull between personal freedom and prescribed beliefs.
Music was a significant point of contention. His mother, a piano and voice teacher, introduced him to classical and church music. However, when Cooper discovered hard rock, it sparked immediate resistance. The 80s were marked by a strong backlash against rock music, even within Christian circles. His discovery of Petra, a pioneering Christian rock band, initially seemed like a bridge between his passion and his parents’ faith. However, their reaction was far from acceptance, dismissing Petra as “wolves in sheep’s clothing.” This early experience of musical passion clashing with religious rigidity sowed seeds of confusion and friction in Cooper’s young life.
John Cooper Skillet
Finding Friendship with Jesus Amidst Life’s Storms
The most profound challenge of Cooper’s young life emerged when his mother was diagnosed with cancer during his sixth grade year. Her three-year battle with the illness and subsequent passing when he was fourteen marked a period of intense personal upheaval. Compounding this loss, his father remarried, which Cooper describes as the beginning of “World War Three” at home. This tumultuous period became a crucible, forcing him to seek solace and understanding in his faith. It was during this time that Jesus transitioned from a distant figure to a personal friend.
Navigating the complexities of adolescence was further complicated by a strained relationship with his father. Cooper felt misunderstood and pressured to conform to an image that didn’t align with his true self. While acknowledging his own teenage turbulence, he points to the fundamental differences in personality and aspirations between him and his father. His mother, in contrast, had been a source of understanding and acceptance, particularly regarding his love for music and his personality.
Looking back, Cooper reflects with mature empathy on his father’s situation. Now older than his father was at the time of his mother’s death, he recognizes the immense burden of loss and the challenges of navigating grief and family dynamics. This perspective informs his understanding of forgiveness and the complexities of human relationships. He acknowledges that everyone makes mistakes and handles situations imperfectly, highlighting the necessity of forgiveness within families and personal relationships.
The Pathway to Forgiveness and Hope Through Music
Cooper’s faith provided a crucial anchor during these turbulent times. His conviction in God’s reality became paramount. He actively engaged with the scripture about drawing near to God, putting it to the test in his own life. In moments of profound isolation and misunderstanding, he directly addressed God, expressing his need for a tangible friendship, a connection beyond the roles of Savior and Lord. In response to this earnest plea, Cooper experienced a transformative shift in his relationship with God, feeling His presence as a comforting and supportive friend.
Forgiveness, he learned, is not a singular event but an ongoing process. He emphasizes that forgiving someone doesn’t guarantee immediate resolution or a seamless reconciliation. The journey can be cyclical, with moments of bitterness resurfacing even after forgiveness has been extended. This realistic understanding of forgiveness as a continuous effort offers comfort and guidance to those navigating similar paths.
This personal journey of struggle and faith became the wellspring of Skillet’s music. Cooper channels his experiences into songs that resonate with themes of hope amidst adversity. He believes that a significant portion of Skillet’s fanbase connects with the band because of the relatable nature of their lyrics and stories. Drawing a parallel to the Psalms, he points to the raw honesty of David and other psalmists who openly expressed their pain, doubt, and feelings of abandonment to God.
Honest Faith in Difficult Times: A Message for Skillet Fans
Cooper observes that within some Christian circles, there can be a hesitancy to express negative emotions or struggles openly, fearing it might be perceived as a lack of faith. He encountered this sentiment in his own church environment, where a culture of superficial positivity sometimes prevailed. In contrast, he advocates for emotional honesty with God, emphasizing that such openness is not a sign of weakness but a pathway to deeper intimacy.
He encourages fans to embrace their feelings, even the negative ones, assuring them that it’s “OK to feel like that.” He underscores that God is already aware of their inner turmoil and that expressing these feelings is not about revealing a secret but about fostering genuine communication. This vulnerability in prayer, akin to open communication in marriage or friendship, allows for processing pain and recognizing God’s constant presence, even in feelings of isolation.
Cooper challenges the notion that becoming a Christian equates to a life devoid of hardship, referencing the contrast with the overly optimistic message of “Everything is Awesome.” He acknowledges the reality of “stinky times” in life, even within a faith journey. It’s during these challenging periods that crying out to God becomes particularly vital. He also advocates for community support, encouraging believers to confess their struggles to their “brothers and sisters” in faith. This vulnerability and communal support are essential components of navigating life’s difficulties.
Ultimately, Cooper emphasizes the importance of turning to the truth found in the Word of God during difficult times. He highlights the empowering message of overcoming adversity and living in victory through Christ, reminding believers of their new nature and identity in Him.
Jesus Calling and a Daughter’s Faith Journey
John Cooper and Skillet
Cooper shares a personal anecdote about his 14-year-old daughter, highlighting her deep and genuine faith. Describing her as a “real Jesus lover,” he notes her unique spiritual depth, inherited from her mother. When his daughter expressed the challenges of maintaining her connection with Christ while on tour, away from her regular youth group and routines, her aunt introduced her to Jesus Calling.
This devotional book became a significant tool in his daughter’s spiritual walk, particularly amidst the demands of touring life. Cooper notes its concise format, making it accessible and impactful even with a busy schedule. He explains that Jesus Calling helps her focus and encourages deeper reflection, providing daily spiritual nourishment in manageable portions.
Cooper’s overarching passion remains taking Skillet’s music to the mainstream world, reaching audiences beyond traditional Christian settings. While valuing the Christian music scene, he feels a calling to connect with a broader audience within the “rock music” world. He recognizes the profound brokenness prevalent in the mainstream and believes Skillet’s music carries a message of hope and healing that resonates deeply with those who might not typically seek solace in church.
He recounts a powerful story of a fan whose life was profoundly changed by Skillet’s music. This individual, grappling with infidelity, depression, and suicidal thoughts, found unexpected resonance in the song “It’s Not Me, It’s You.” The song served as a catalyst for self-realization and a turning point toward recovery, leading him to rehab, sobriety, and ultimately, regaining custody of his children. This impactful story underscores the profound reach of Skillet’s music and its capacity to deliver messages of hope and recognition to those in desperate situations, outside the conventional boundaries of faith-based communities. For John Cooper, this is the driving force behind his music and ministry – to meet broken individuals where they are and offer them a message of hope and resilience through faith and rock and roll.
