Avril Lavinge's new single causes a stir in the Christian community

After a long hiatus from recording, Avril Lavigne has returned to the music scene with another brand new single.

The 34-year-old singer dropped her new track, 'I Fell in Love With The Devil', which is the fourth release from her upcoming album Head Above Water.

But the song's release hasn't come without its share of criticism from fans who have been enraged by its anti-religious undertones.

The singer shared some teaser photos to promote the song to her Instagram. However, the Christian community took offence to the use of religious imagery to endorse her music.

In one of the posts, Lavigne is pictured in all black and is holding a crucifix close to her heart.

"You need Jesus. What was up with the last single, head above water? God saved you and blessed you with another opportunity to choose. Now you have this crap? Man, what a shame. I've been a fan since you came out, this is a turnoff. Get your soul right with Jesus. Only one who can save you, yet you hold his cross and blaspheme his name? I pray for your salvation," one user wrote.

"Are u Christian? Or you are mocking of Jesus?" another wrote. 

"I'll have to unfollow you now… How can you fall in love with Devil when God created you with amazing talent which made so famous… Thank God for the blessings not Devil," another user added.

However, others commended her for bringing back 'goth Avril' — a welcome throwback to her original roots.

"This one is epic!" one user wrote.

"GOTH AVRIL IS BACK Y'ALL BETTER STREAM THIS SINGLE OK," another added.

Lavigne was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2015, and her last song 'Head Above Water' was heavily inspired by her fight against the debilitating illness.

In late June, Lavigne announced that she will embark on a concert tour which will mark her first tour in five years.

Her upcoming album Head Above Water is anticipated to make its debut some time this year.