Michael Sweet Praises Jacoby Shaddix for Embracing Faith

Stryper frontman Michael Sweet has shared his reaction to Papa Roach singer Jacoby Shaddix’s recent declaration of dedicating his life to Jesus Christ, posting a statement on Instagram.

Sweet voiced his encouragement for Shaddix’s spiritual journey and reflected on the shared human experience of faith. “I’m very happy for Jacoby Shaddix,” Sweet said. “I’ve been saying for years that at some point, we all have a ‘God’ experience. Some of us rebel and deny Christ, and some of us accept and receive Christ. Jesus has given us all the opportunity to choose where we will go. Some choose sooner and some choose later. And sadly, many don’t.”

He went on to speak about the growing significance of faith as people age. “Personally, I believe as we get older, we start to understand and realize that we are not invincible,” he continued. “We all die. We just don’t know when. And we will all step into eternity. It’s the most important decision of our lives.”

Recently, Shaddix revealed that he had surrendered his life to Jesus Christ, saying, “I finally put the bottle down 13 years ago. More than 13 years ago. And about a year after that, I finally gave my life to the Lord Jesus Christ. Changed my life forever. I have recently been convicted to share my faith walk with the world. I will be honest it’s been a rocky road littered with failure and sin but I continue to turn my will and my life over to the lord one day at a time. God keep doing your work on me! Praise Jesus!”

Shaddix’s spiritual rebirth has been a defining part of his personal evolution over the past decade. According to Cross Rhythms, the Papa Roach frontman became a Christian in 2012 after years of battling substance abuse. In the years following, he began speaking publicly about his faith at major U.S. events, sharing his story and even incorporating his beliefs into his music. In more recent interviews, the singer has been candid about his convictions. “I follow a man named Jesus, and I think he’s awesome,” Shaddix stated, underscoring how central his faith has become to his life.

His beliefs have also shaped Papa Roach’s artistic direction. Cross Rhythms noted that the band’s 2015 album F.E.A.R. features tracks with overt Christian themes, including “Devil” and “Hope For The Hopeless.” This period signified a new creative phase for a band once primarily associated with mainstream hard rock and nu metal.

Despite his deep religious beliefs, Papa Roach continues to tour and produce music that resonates with a wide audience. This balance highlights how Shaddix’s faith coexists with the band’s long-standing identity. His openness in merging his spirituality with his public role as a rock musician demonstrates his dedication to authenticity—both in his faith and in his art.