I grew up in an environment that condemned secular music.
In high school, viewing Hell’s Bells: The Dangers of Rock and Roll was a rite of passage.
While I’m not speaking ill of my upbringing or the sincere intentions of my elders to teach me the truth, I think they may have been throwing the baby out with the bath water.
Now that I’m older and wiser, I can honestly say that this view was a little (okay, maybe A LOT!) off base.
It’s this kind of outlook that condemns the culture without even attempting to engage it.
It’s this kind of open mockery of American society that garners Christians the labels narrow minded, self-righteous, and holier than thou.
It’s this kind of attitude that only sees the surface without considering what lies beneath.
The worst part of it all? We sometimes approach our brothers and sisters in Christ with the same attitude.
{Mis}Judging Gaga
Thanks to Jonathan Keck of Theology21 I have had Lady Gaga’s “Judas” stuck in my head since Friday.
Don’t know what I’m talking about? You can watch the controversial video here (WARNING: NOT suitable for children)
The song has sparked quite a debate amongst Christians as to the true intention and meaning of Lady Gaga’s lyrics.
Is she mocking Jesus? Is she worshipping Judas? Is she saying that Jesus and Mary Magdalene were lovers?
What exactly IS she saying about Christianity while shaking her tail feathers?
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not a fan of Lady Gaga, but I’m not a hater either. Her music isn’t my bag.
But, I can definitely appreciate her {performance} art for what it is, without throwing her under the bus.
Furthermore, I think the pop parable in “Judas” is glaringly obvious, something we can even learn from!
I like Keck’s interpretation in his excellent post The Gospel According to Gaga: A Modern Commentary on Jesus, Judas, Betrayal, and the Human Propensity toward Evil
While many have interpreted Lady Gaga’s imagery and lyrics as a blasphemous call to tear down Christ from his throne, to “bring him down, a king with no crown”, Gaga is pointing to something deeper. Indeed, she is describing her gravitation toward the “bad boy” in her life. But further, she is pointing to the evil—the Judas—that lives within us all. And though we love Christ, we often act as though we want to dethrone Him.
Stephen Hale at Think Christian further explains in his post Let Gaga have Judas that the song is
about a bad relationship with an untrustworthy partner. The biblical Judas is a pretty good metaphor for that, actually. So in this song, Gaga is just using religious imagery to discuss something else. This is one of the more common themes in Western art, used in everything from painting to pop. There’s nothing particularly surprising or offensive here.
Despite the fact that Lady Gaga may be proclaiming some fundamental truths about human nature, Christians have been quick to write her off without even seeking to understand the lyrics.
That leaves us looking the fool because we’re condemning some of our own beliefs simply because they’re being sung by Lady Gaga.
This, despite that fact that we are warned in Proverbs (18:13)
13He who gives an answer before he hears,
It is folly and shame to him.
Hale confers that in a sense, Christians believe that others just can’t be trusted with these characters and ideas. They don’t trust people who try to use God talk outside their systems.
In Essentials, Unity
Just as Christians have been quick to judge Lady Gaga’s “Judas” without even listening to it, we so often misjudge one another within the Body of Christ.
I tend to mistrust someone from a different denomination or doctrine simply because they are speaking outside of the systems I deem acceptable and appropriate.
By focusing on the differences, I’m revoking the truth we share in Christ.
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For the past couple of days, I’ve been a part of a robust and thought provoking discussion about Christian labels at Relevant. Go here to read the article and look for my pic in the comments.
In regards to labels about Christian denominations and doctrines, I feel that so often these words serve to cause division and dissension.
As I shared on Relevant,
My desire is that we as a Body of Christians, as the Bride of Christ would come to see ourselves as that-a unified body, not an us v. them. I don’t think it helps the cause when people insist on defining their faith by terms such as evangelical, reformed, Baptist, Methodist, Calvinist, charismatic, etc, . To me, it’s no different than me prefacing this comment with an introduction to my ethnicity. It shouldn’t matter, should it? Maybe I’m just being naive, but I think if we are all truly walking in our faith, we can embrace each other’s differences with unity in the essentials and liberty in the non-essentials.
I further explained that,
I have been the victim and the perpetrator in misjudging and misinterpreting others based upon labels…It’s not that the labels in and of themselves are useless or harmful. What I find harmful is the way we judge others by resorting to stereotyping and reduction of an individual to a label. We don’t even seek to understand or hear their frame of reference simply based on the fact that they are of a certain Christian denomination or doctrine. Secondly, we can blindly accept certain beliefs and values based upon these same labels. What I’m really advocating here is for a deeper look at the truth, the facts, the Scriptural basis of said labels, before we use them, for good or for evil.
Bottom line: if we’re all speaking the truth of the Gospel, shouldn’t what everyone has to say be useful, purposeful, and edifying?
Or is it only useful if it comes from the mouth of someone who shares my denominational preferences?
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Keri,
I visited Relevant and read your comments there and the responses.
Have you ever been stereotyped based on your denominational or doctrinal views?
Have you ever stereotyped others based on their denominational or doctrinal views?
What are some benefits you see to using these labels within the Body of Christ?
1. Yes.
2. Yes.
3. (Here’s where it gets interesting…) For me, a denominational label is merely a starting point for my search into a person’s life. Say you tell me you are a Baptist. Fine. I am familiar with the ins-and-outs of baptist theology, so I would then know a bit more as to how you will think and the issues that are part of your mindset. Or, say you are a Methodist, Lutheran, Assemblies of God, etc. Once I know where a person worships, and how a person worships, I know the person. (Tell me the songs you sing on Sunday morning, and I’ll tell you your theology.)
All stereotypes are rooted in truth.
Are labels in and of themselves irrelevant or meaningless? Hmm. Yes and No. It is a blatant truth that denominations are simply man’s way of carving up my Father’s Kingdom into bite-sized and appealing morsels that each denomination loves loves loves to eat. Whatever. They matter not in The BIG Picture. But….they do have an applicable and practical use this side of Heaven.
I’m a non-denominational covenant son of God with charismatic tendencies and some monergism mixed in. I could be called a “Calvinist” if pressed, and I am of the Once Saved, Always Saved school of thought. I have a strong streak of classical Fundamentalism, (note: classical, not modern!), and I’m one of those “tongue-talkers” you hear awful stories about. (Thanks John MacArthur!) I firmly believe in the absolute Sovereignty of God, and I mean ABSOLUTE.
This is why I am non-denom. There is no man-made denomination out there that accommodates all my truthful beliefs. But now that I have told you exactly who I am as a Christian, you know where I stand. This may or may not make a difference to you and how you view me. That’s between you and my Dad.
Good article, Keri.
I saw your “like” on Relevant.
See, it’s interesting what you say about a denominational label being a
starting point. In a sense, that is stereotyping. But, I get what you mean
about it helping you to narrow down where a person is coming from, then
getting to know them better.
For myself, I don’t feel that my denomination defines my faith. It’s my
place of worship, it’s where I learn about God on the weekends. But, it
doesn’t define my faith personally. So, my revealing my denomination to you
would in all likelihood lead you to believe certain things about me that
just aren’t true.
There are parts of the doctrine that I believe in wholeheartedly. There are
other parts that I’m still unsure of. In that sense, I continually ask God
to reveal HIS truth to me, even if it’s in disagreement with my
denomination. I think I’m much like you in that there is no one
denomination that could fully express my personal faith or doctrine. But, I
find that community and fellowship with a local body of believers offers
much more value than my pinning myself down to a certain set of
denominational beliefs. As I said in the post, at my specific church, I
feel the liberty/freedom to accept/reject certain doctrine, but the
essentials, the salvation issues-those are non-negotiable.
I had no idea what monergism was. I had to look it up. I learned something
today. And, quite honestly, I’m not sure what I believe about monergism.
Keri,
You said:
“So, my revealing my denomination to you
would in all likelihood lead you to believe certain things about me that
just aren’t true.”
True story. The enemy and/or my own character flaws would seek to seize upon any denominational/doctrinal differences we have and use them to drive a wedge between us.
Having confessed this, please, no matter if I beg or scream or weep about it, don’t ever tell me what denom you subscribe to! Please! Never! (I have a hard enough time relating to Michael Perkins since he is a *gulp* Nazarene pastor! Aaaargh!) Jokes, just jokes…:)
All kidding aside, Keri, I simply look at you through these internet eyes as a woman who walks honestly with God my Father. What else really matters? Exactly.
I will keep my denominational preference to myself. JK! Actually, if you really care, I’ll share with you “off the record”. I try my best to keep this site a denominationally free zone, so that all feel welcome to share from their own perspective.
That being said, I also try my best to be genuine, so I’m sure my doctrinal tendencies are showing even more than I notice.
I will keep my denominational preference to myself. JK! Actually, if you really care, I’ll share with you “off the record”. I try my best to keep this site a denominationally free zone, so that all feel welcome to share from their own perspective.
That being said, I also try my best to be genuine, so I’m sure my doctrinal tendencies are showing even more than I notice.
Great post Keri, Wow!
I’ve been stereotyped by my own denomination I’m part of. Why? Cause I don’t label myself as part of a denomination. I’m a Christian, a son of God, a brand pluck from the fire. Want to know more of me? Get to know me. Let’s be friends, let’s have coffee, I drink, you buy!
I have also learned to give people the benefit of the doubt. I do have a real disgust with certain denominations, but more of the “system” that they are built on, not the people who are part of it.
Sometimes I think that we get too caught up in our differences that God uses an ass to talk to us (you know the story). I’m not calling lady Gaga an ass, but sometimes the least person we expect may have a better perspective of some truth than us because we are so darn blind to the truth.
Oh and another thing. Why do people get so offended when someone from the world does something that we may find as sinful or insulting? How can an apple tree bear cherries? Sinners will bear sin and disgust for God. Why should we expect any less. Judgement begins in the house of God. Let us examine ourselves, to make sure that we are truthfully of the faith.
“Judgement begins in the house of God.”
You got that right, Moe. Preach it.
People WANT the stereotypes because it means you belong to a certain group-it provides a sense of identity and community.
When you break out of that, it’s like you’re a loose cannon. (Well, we all know that Moe is a bit of a loose cannon anyway.)
I think we pigeon hole one another to assert some sense of control over the relationship. If I have you figured out, then I can infer all of the meaning from your words and catch you red-handed with false ideas and lies. It’s placing a big importance on appearances, and not on the heart.
I love how you say if someone wants to know more about your beliefs, they should get to know you. That is a big part of what I’m talking about here.
I guess the difficulty really comes when you are in a relationship with someone who stereotypes you. It can get dirty and hurtful. I’ve learned that so many times the assumptions are made out of ignorance, and if I can gently educate and reveal the truth, then maybe their ideas will change. If not, I try not to take it personally, but it’s hard. My beliefs are at the core of who I am as a child of the King. When someone, especially a Christian, disses on my thoughts about faith, it bums me out. Blogging has helped me to get past that and focus on my identity in Christ, not what others think of me.
That last part is what gets me. It seems a lot of Christians are quick to defend the “worldly” person who is mocking/insulting/being critical of Christians while immediately jumping on the people who point out that worldly person is being blasphemous. I’m more “offended” when it seems someone would rather defend the world than defend Christ.
Wow…excellent point, Jason! And, I have definitely seen that happen, especially when it comes to “art”.
I feel I’ve been stereotyped from time to time. My upbringing involves varying demoninations and backgrounds. I grew up going to one church, then during middle/high school I went to a different church, then a different during college. I’ve found even being stereotyped between denoms happen just as much. Sad…
Non-denom right now.
The good thing, in my opinion, about attending a variety of churches is that it can help to break down walls and stereotypes. For me, I’ve been a member at a variety of churches from completely different traditions. This was part of our early marriage-trying to find what worked best for us as a couple. But, I found that there was something good to take away from each church. I felt that each tradition focused on a different aspect of His character. I wish I could take them all and mash them together for a more well rounded perspective.
Thanks for reading, Dustin.
I have no problem with the lyrics – being that I am a musician and a music teacher – I’m pretty open to all kinds of music. She is a little edgy and not my favorite – but my 23 year old daughter went to her concert and said she is an AWESOME performer. So if nothing else she does know how to entertain! I believe after watching this – this is a metaphor for a bad relationship that keeps pulling her back to the dark side – it seems pretty clear. I have used “non” Christian music in the past for students and Christian people are always the most offended by it. I always stand my ground on good music – Christian or not – but it has put my reputation and character in question so I can relate. Thanks for sharing!
I think she definitely has the X factor, as evidenced my her massive following.
Cindy…interesting that you say that using good music has put your reputation and character in question.
That’s exactly the kind of thing I’m talking about! If people would just take the time to LISTEN, they wouldn’t have to deal with the folly and shame as the Proverb says.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Great post Keri!
My perception of Lady Gaga has little to do with the relevance or meaning contained within one or two of her songs. I recently watched her “Monsters Ball tour” recently on HBO and I must say I was not impressed. She makes her living by promoting her false gospel of fashion, alternative lifestyles, and basically thumbing her nose at the “squares” of the world who are not slaves to the latest fad. If you watch the beginning of that HBO special you really feel sorry for
Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta/Lady Gaga. This poor girl is so empty and devoid of self-worth that its almost scary! In the brief segment before the concert she is shown crying in the dressing room and telling the camera that she feels like a complete and utter failure. But then soon after she puts on the facade of her alter-ego, dons her costume and starts living her lie all over again. Sad really.
As to your questions:Yes I have been stereotyped based on my doctrinal views. However this usually fades away as people get to know me and learn how loving and how crazy I really am:->I usually do not stereotype people based on their denomination and doctrinal views. I like to chat with them as individuals and see where their heart truly lies. When I do this I always find that there is more common ground than division. However, like Donald, knowing where they are coming from based on their denomination and beliefs does help with the common ground thing (which I think answers your last question)
Thanks so much for sharing, Mark! It is really sad to think that her level of performance is in all likelihood the depth to which she is escaping her reality.
I like the idea of using the denominational identifiers as a baseline, but I know that for me it still requires a focus on the positive and not the negative. I’ve got some growing up to do.
Thanks so much for sharing, Mark! It is really sad to think that her level of performance is in all likelihood the depth to which she is escaping her reality.
I like the idea of using the denominational identifiers as a baseline, but I know that for me it still requires a focus on the positive and not the negative. I’ve got some growing up to do.
I’m walking in the non-denominational camp but even still, I’m sure I get stereotyped. I tend to stay as far away from labels as possible. While I understand their purpose in general, people tend to fully identify others with labels when no one fits neatly into any label. Ultimately it’s lazy and I refuse to label myself anything other than a son of God. Period.
I have a really negative view of labels because I just don’t feel like I fit any of them. For example, I actually do belong to a church that has a specific denomination. But, the stereotypes of said denomination don’t really describe me as an individual. Another example, I don’t really think like a girl. So often when I read relationship books, I just come away feeling frustrated because none of the traditional girl stuff applies to me.
Honestly, I put people in a box to make things easier for me. It’s not really about the other person. That’s not very loving, now is it? We serve a God who is intensely personal. It’s only right that if I want to be like Him, I take the time to get to know people as individuals as well.
Thanks for sharing, Tony. I like your label as son of God. You have one more: brother in Christ.
I have a really negative view of labels because I just don’t feel like I fit any of them. For example, I actually do belong to a church that has a specific denomination. But, the stereotypes of said denomination don’t really describe me as an individual. Another example, I don’t really think like a girl. So often when I read relationship books, I just come away feeling frustrated because none of the traditional girl stuff applies to me.
Honestly, I put people in a box to make things easier for me. It’s not really about the other person. That’s not very loving, now is it? We serve a God who is intensely personal. It’s only right that if I want to be like Him, I take the time to get to know people as individuals as well.
Thanks for sharing, Tony. I like your label as son of God. You have one more: brother in Christ.
Ooh! I like this topic! I have absolutely been on both the giving and receiving end of stereotype judgement. Attending a Baptist church while living in Tucson, coming from a pentecostal background, we heard all kinds of discussion about “those tongues-speakers.” It surprised me. They didn’t know our background and beliefs, and we were careful to engage lovingly in theological discussion with them. We didn’t find a “spirit-filled” church, frankly, because we really liked that one and the people there. We made wonderful friends there and still heard preaching “within our system” by watching podcasts from home.
On the other side, I grew up with negative views of Catholicism. Since my childhood, I have learned of and gotten to know a girl I grew up with who happens to be an extremely active, devoted Catholic. I just love her heart and have learned a lot from her perspective. It had challenged me in my natural tendency to look at the differences. I
The benefits revolve mostly around comfort and preference in my mind. When I was looking for a new church when I went away to college, having a denomination gave me confidence that the teaching would be in line with my understanding of my faith. My grandmother (Presbyterian) has visited our church and one or twice commented on her desire to sing more traditional music and hymns. I think denominations help us know how to worship in our comfort zone, if you will. I am uncomfortable sitting and standing, following a script in her church, and she is uncomfortable without written music showing her how to sing in mine, not knowing when to sit or stand.
I love what you said about being in unity in the essentials. Now whether we agree on what’s essential is another story!
Haley in da hOOOOOuse!
I’m soooo excited to read your thoughts, friend.
As a girl who married a {former} Catholic, I have had to eat my words on all sorts of stereotypes I previously held and had been taught. So, I can totally empathize with you on that one.
I think the benefits of these labels do exist, but it’s kinda like just finding out which aisle the cereal is on. Then you have go down that aisle and decide which cereal you want, read the label, and then take it home, taste it, and then pick out all the marshmallows. Maybe that’s a weird analogy-but, my point is that we can’t stop at the label. And, I think that’s exactly what you’re sharing in your words about your Catholic friend.
Kudos to your G-ma for stepping out of her comfort zone and coming to church with you. That’s awesome!
p.s. I can’t take credit for the “unity in the essentials” thing. I think it’s a famous saying, but I don’t know who said it. It’s just always stuck out to me.
Haley in da hOOOOOuse!
I’m soooo excited to read your thoughts, friend.
As a girl who married a {former} Catholic, I have had to eat my words on all sorts of stereotypes I previously held and had been taught. So, I can totally empathize with you on that one.
I think the benefits of these labels do exist, but it’s kinda like just finding out which aisle the cereal is on. Then you have go down that aisle and decide which cereal you want, read the label, and then take it home, taste it, and then pick out all the marshmallows. Maybe that’s a weird analogy-but, my point is that we can’t stop at the label. And, I think that’s exactly what you’re sharing in your words about your Catholic friend.
Kudos to your G-ma for stepping out of her comfort zone and coming to church with you. That’s awesome!
p.s. I can’t take credit for the “unity in the essentials” thing. I think it’s a famous saying, but I don’t know who said it. It’s just always stuck out to me.
This is an incredible post Keri, and I agree with the commentary you shared here about Gaga’s performance art. I think she is pointing to something deeper and I thing its’ all very misunderstood. That aside, I see a lot of dissension amongst denominations (particularly having switched denomination myself). I think the problem is not that we are all speaking the “truth” but those speaking are not trusted. I don’t know that it’s directly tied to the fact that the denomination is not share, but more a result of large scale denominational scandal witnessed as an outsider. I believe this is why it’s so important to have a PERSONAL relationship with Jesus, to KNOW the bible for yourself, to seek after your OWN righteous in Christ. This way you don’t have to judge, label, or accuse. If someone is misconstruing the word in anyway, you will know it. Thanks for this well put together post!
Marlee…welcome to Pop Parables!
You said >> it’s so important to have a PERSONAL relationship with Jesus, to KNOW the bible for yourself, to seek after your OWN righteous in Christ.
Sooooo true! And, true even within your own denomination, with people you know and look up to. God asks us to work out our salvation with Him. Sure, our brother and sisters in Christ can support and encourage us in the journey, but ultimately, I have to know and live these things on my own. You don’t get to God through anyone else but Christ.
Thanks so much for sharing your thougts. Ya’ll come back again now, ya hear?
Have you ever noticed how people confuse the words denomination and religion?
Like you (if I’m understanding you correctly-lol), I believe our shared beliefs as Christians are more important than differing views on hymns or communion or even politics.
Ironically, that acceptance is one of the things that people criticize about my personal “brand,” of Christianity-too stodgy for some, and way too loosey-goosey for others!
I also know practically nothing about Lady Gaga, although I thought the recent Vanity Fair article on her was pretty fascinating.
Maegen…you make such a good point. Everyone has something to criticize about another denomination. I feel like denominations offer different angles on God’s character. If we could all get together and be more ecumenical, I think we’d find that we have a lot to learn from one another, especially when it comes to styles of worship.
Thanks so much for sharing!
I think this might qualify as a stereotype–I talk to some people and have enjoyable conversations, but then they find out that I am a baptist pastor and they absolutely shut down. It is really sad that some of them think we are so judgmental that they are afraiid to open up.
That definitely qualifies as a stereotype. Heck, now that I know you’re a {GASP} Baptist pastor, I might think twice too. JK! You know I love your bloggity! Your personality is so disarming Matt, I really don’t get how anyone would feel threatened by you.
I’ve done it before and it’s been done to me too. Growing up I had an anti-Catholic bias. I was Pentecostal. I went to a Catholic university and my biases have dissolved. I am now a Anglican after many years of soul-searching. And seek out the Catholic expressions of faith and worship. I’m way more comfortable in the anglo-catholic tradition, than my pentecostal upbringing.
As a teenager, my classmates would tease a fellow Pentecostal student for the church he went to. I would point out that my church was also Pentecostal. He was labeled with the stereotype of the wacky Pentecotal, while I was considered normal. His church was more expressive and broadcast services on the local cable network.
I lived in Korea, and attended the largest Pentecostal church in the world, even not understanding the language, while avoiding the American Assemblies of God, because I stereotyped the smaller English congregation before I had even visited. When I finally went, I found a great fellowship and wished I had gone earlier. It would have saved me some spiritual hardships, had I stuck closer to my denominational vest.
That’s one of the benefits of the denominational tag. I know that when I travel and attend an Anglican service, I will find a similiar service no matter where I am. Likewise within the evangelical movement, the particulars might be different, but the liturgy of a worship service, a special solo and a sermon preached, out by noon, seems pretty standard accross the board, whether Pentecostal, Baptist, Wesleyan or other. There I am doing it again, labeling by stereotype.
and for the record, I love the music of Gaga.
You’ve had quite the denominational ride, haven’t you?!
What I think is cool is that you were able to move into a tradition that better suited your personality-a way of worship in which you can best communicate with God. I really think that’s what it’s all about, and what it should be about. I shouldn’t criticize anyone because they are liturgical and I’m contemporary. Or because their service is only 1 hour, and mine is 2. None of those things actually mean that I’m closer to God than you.
You’re a Gaga fan? That’s awesome!
Yeah, the spiritual hardships I mentioned involved a church denomination that bordered on the cultish. The denominational ride of my adulthood kept me in the Pentecostal tradition longer than I should have. But It’s been a good switch for me. And as time goes on, I could expect a transition into more ministry training, ie seminary. If I study for the Anglican priesthood, I want to maintain the tradition of any church I serve, but see how to add the contemporary without replacing the tradition. Non-traditional times and locations. Development of people to the works of ministry, small groups, etc.
Thank you so much for sharing, Keri. I am so happy to have come across your blog after reading the article in Relevant. God Bless, and keep up the good work, girl!
So happy to have you here at Pop Parables! This post in particular sparked an amazing discussion, that I’m still thinking about. The cool thing about the community in faith based blogs is that they can be entertaining, challenging, and inspiring at the same time.
I appreciate your encouraging words. Y’all come back now, ya hear?
This is a good piece with good insights. I appreciate the fact you took time to seriously consider Gaga’s work instead of simply shrugging her off or dismissing her as a kook. Christians should take a more serious look at culture rather than be so quick to sweep it under the rug. I’m not saying all forms of culture are suitable for everyone (we must use discretion), but I hold by the old saying that “all truth is God’s Truth” since God is the embodiment of absolute truth anyway.
Nicole…thanks so much for taking the time to read my thoughts.
I love what you say about “all truth is God’s Truth” since God is the embodiment of absolute truth anyway. I also think that He can use anything to speak to me, He isn’t bound by the labels Christian or secular. That’s so much of what this blog is about.
I’ve found the same thing to be true in my own life. I’ve been deeply moved by books, songs, films, TV shows, etc. that didn’t bear a “Christian” label. For example, I think the former Fox series “Prison Break” possessed strong Christian undercurrents regarding redemption, sacrificial love, and freedom from sin. It’s deeper messages touched me more strongly than overt, “preachy” Christian media. I’m curious – have you ever read a book by John Fischer called “Fearless Faith”? I read it in college and it really opened my eyes to how we as Christians have boxed ourselves in and isolated ourselves from the very people Christ called us to minister to. If you haven’t read it, I think you’d really like it. Give it a try. Great thoughts!
I haven’t read it. And, that definitely sounds like a book I would be interested in. Thanks a lot for the recommendation, Nicole.
You say that the Judas clip is not suitable for kids.
Given the fact that the majority of her fans are most likely to be kids (not adults), then I think that’s a good enough reason to write her off, i.e protecting our kids from her influence.
Wow Keri, what a blessing I was led to your blog! I don’t know where to start, as I have just spent an hour digesting your insights.
First, I love your writing style. It is provocative, yet realistic; progressive, yet conservative. You are creatively academic and I am really enjoying your posts!
I am forty years old and became a Christian just three years ago. I have had what I would call a radical transformation, and my writing is a mirror reflecting the lost soul that was once me. I share this with you because my writing comes from such a raw place and I have thought about what my writing would be like if I had been raised in a Christian home.
I have friends at church who have been Christians all their lives, and as they listen to my testimony, or that of those like me, they almost seem envious of the broken parts where God was absent. It’s as if they know they took God for granted, and yearn for an opportunity to know life without Him so they can really love him again.
You have captured your own life in a very real and compelling way.
Yes, stereotypes create canyons between the body of believers, as well as between the believers and the lost. Jesus calls us to go and make disciples of all nations. In this day and age, we need to be mindful of culturally relevant evangelism, which includes pop culture. However, I do agree with the above comment by djs. Lady GaGa may intertwine biblical truth into her lyrics, but the delivery is so unbiblical I don’t know if it’s worth my time to decipher.
One of my biggest concerns is how pop culture exalts both individualism and universalism. Icons like Lady Gaga may have something important to say but who they are is speaking so loudly I can’t hear a word they are saying.
She is toxic to cur children, mostly our daughters. My daughter is 10 yrs old and I don’t encourage her to listen to Lady Gaga. However, I know that too much sheltering can have the opposite effect. It’s all about communication. I talk very openly with her about what “the world” celebrates verses what God celebrates. Sex is all around us in commercials, tv shows, music, etc. Our young women are confused and building their self image through the media.
On the positive side, it does push us as parents to keep open lines of communication with our kids about who God is and who they are in Him. It’s great for discussions around the dinner table.
Thank you for such great writing!
I look forward to reading more!
Heather…wow, you have paid me some amazing compliments in this comment! Thank you for taking the time to share that with me-it is very encouraging and motivating to read those words. It can be easy to get lost as a blogger-to forget why I even started this to begin with. It’s comments like these that bring it all back into focus for me.
With regard to Lady Gaga and deciphering…I undertand what you mean. My purpose here on Pop Parables is to expose the truth through culture. So many of us are consuming the culture and pretending like we aren’t allowing it to affect us, when indeed we are. If I can blow the top off and show the underlying truth, I feel that we can find a lot of lessons there. But, I would never recommend glorifying the culture above God’s Truth. {This is a topic I’ve wrestled with since I started Pop Parables and continue to try to figure out.}
>>One of my biggest concerns is how pop culture exalts both individualism and universalism.
I could write a post about that statement right there and what that has meant for the church as a whole. It’s something I’ve been mulling over for awhile. Thank you for pointing that out, Heather.
I look forward to reading more of your comments here on Pop Parables.