Michael Jackson’s relationship with God and spirituality was a guiding force throughout his life. Raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, faith shaped his worldview, personal values, and creative process in profound ways. In his own words across interviews and public statements, Jackson often credited God for his success and saw himself as a humble instrument of a higher power.

“First, I’d like to thank God who makes all things possible,” he often said in award speeches. His gratitude was not just ceremonial—it reflected a deep and lifelong belief in divine purpose. Jackson was openly spiritual. “I believe in God. Absolutely,” he once affirmed. “I believe in spirituality and I believe in a higher source.”

Jackson described himself as a prayerful person who found beauty and God’s presence in everyday life. “I see a beautiful sunset, a baby’s smile, or butterfly wings, and I say, ‘God, it’s beautiful. Thank you.’” His spirituality wasn’t limited to private moments but informed how he lived and created. “Sometimes I pray and ask, ‘Where do you want me to go next, God?’”

As a child, Jackson regularly attended religious services—often four times a week. His family’s devotion was strict and formative. “We were raised with strong values,” he recalled. “We’d go pioneering… I’d wear a fatsuit, wig, beard, and glasses to go door to door distributing Watchtower magazines.”

This foundation shaped his perception of creativity. Jackson never viewed his artistic abilities as something he fully owned. “Where do you think the gift came from? God,” he once said. “I didn’t ask to be a singer… I’m honored to be chosen. It’s God’s work, not mine.” He described songwriting as a spiritual event: “They come. I don’t write them. They come through space. I just let it happen.”

This sense of divine inspiration extended to his performances. Standing before tens of thousands of screaming fans, he didn’t feel arrogance—he felt love. “I feel blessed and honored to be an instrument of nature that was chosen to give them that.”

Jackson believed his purpose was to serve through music and love. “My purpose is to give… through song and through dance. I believe all art aims for the union between the material and the spiritual.” He considered himself a vessel: “I was chosen as an instrument to give music and harmony to the world.”

His religious upbringing also instilled in him a deep love for children and humanitarian causes. “When I see children, I see the face of God,” he said. Inspired by the teachings of Jesus, Jackson said he strived to “imitate Jesus” by caring for children, the elderly, and the suffering. “Jesus said be like children. Love children. Be pure, innocent, and full of wonder.”

Jackson channeled this love into Neverland, his home turned children’s paradise. “If I can open my gates and hear laughter from children, I say, ‘Thank you, God.’ I feel I won God’s smile of approval.”

Even during turbulent times, including legal battles, Jackson leaned on his faith. “I have been strengthened in my fight to prove my innocence by my faith in God… I know I am not fighting this battle alone.”

He often saw artists and innovators as divine vessels. “I think God plants little seeds through people on Earth—to bring bliss, escapism, joy, magic. Without entertainment, what would the world be like?”

Ultimately, Jackson’s message was one of giving. “I just want to do good, make people happy, and give them the greatest sense of escapism through the talent God gave me,” he said. “That’s where my heart is. That’s all I want to do.”

Through his words and actions, Michael Jackson left no doubt: for him, faith wasn’t just personal—it was the engine behind his life’s purpose.