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Okay, though I risk cultural suicide, I must say that I DO NOT UNDERSTAND the Michael Jackson hysteria.
Disclaimer: I understand that he was extremely talented (fighting the urge to ask, "so what?"). I understand that he accomplished a lot in the arts and entertainment world. I understand that he bridged the gap in a racially divided industry. And heck, I'm a huge Motown fan... c'mon Jackson 5.
However, I do not understand the fawning over a dead MAN. That's it... he's just a man. And a very tormented, misguided man at that. I don't care how much you like or were influenced by his music... what did he really ever do for you? What was worth the pure idol worship going on today? (Especially from those, like myself, who would call themselves Christians.) Where was the eternal perspective in all of the hoopla? I think the lack thereof is what bothered me the most.
I checked my facebook twice today and was assaulted by MJ memorial play-by-play... seriously people?
I didn't catch much of the news coverage (honestly, I had no interest in watching it), but the couple parts I saw were just absurd. Brooke Shields saying she knew Michael was "perched somewhere in a crescent moon..."? Smokey Robinson saying that Jackson would "live on and on and on and on" and everyone cheering obsessively? From someone who believes in the eternal, I would say, yes, MJ is living on and on and on... possibly in eternal torment. What is worth cheering about that? Let's hope he met His Creator (the one who gave him all his talent) on this side of eternity.
In all the news coverage, one image kept coming to my mind: the statue Jackson had of himself on the cover of his "History" album. We really are not that immortal, are we? There is only one King and Michael is not him. All the fame and fortune and talent and fanfare got him where? Dead at 50 from a probable drug overdose? I am reminded of the Scripture that says, "What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?" (Mark 8:36)
And that really is a reminder to those of us still living (not a cut on Michael himself). We are the ones who elevate celebrities to god-like status. We are the ones who strive for god-like status ourselves. We want to turn the other way and pretend immorality is no big deal. We are the idol worshipers. At this point, God is the only person who knows the condition of Michael's eternal soul, but what does this say about the soul of America?
Kelley Owens and Kacey Shetler (The sisters formerly known as Wade)
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9 comments:
I agree with you on this. Though as christians we must be careful not to judge I agree that what went on today seemed like idol worship. I wouldnt go as far as saying he is in eternal torment myself because we just dont know what the last days, hours, minutes, or even seconds were like. I do pray for his sake, that he made Jesus lord of his life before dying.
MICHAEL THE NARC-ANGEL
Millions of little members of the worldwide F.F.A. (Future Followers of the Antichrist) have finally learned how to find a certain part of their lower anatomy and quickly touch it while dancing - thanks to Michael Jackson, the highest paid Lower Anatomy Toucher of all time! Special thanks also go to the Jesus-bashing, Hell-bound Hollywood moguls who were just as quick to see higher profits in lower anatomies! [Just saw this opinion on the web. Other grabby items on MSN, Google, etc. include "Separation of Raunch and State," "David Letterman's Hate, Etc.," "Tribulation Index becomes Rapture Index," and "Bible Verses Obama Avoids." - something for everyone!]
MJ's History album always made me think of Nebuchadnezzar.
Angel, I agree. Thanks for the comment. I wasn't trying to say I know the state of his soul... more just trying to make the point that people are so flippant about eternity, and it's really not a flippant thing. I, like you, hope he met Jesus before he died.
Great post and appropriately timed. :)
Some weird stuff (and images) were definitely said that crossed the line into absurd. People say and believe dumb things. We as believers should help them get that figured out.
We also have our entertainment news to blame. Anything to hype something up and get people watching or talking.
As a people we are consumers more than producers. When someone we, as a people, consumed so much of dies, it probably hurts more than it should because there is not a proper balance. Those are my thoughts.
(again small keyboard, sorry if thoughts are fragmented)
Amen sister! Great post, my thoughts exactly.
Great post. Though I think christians can go overboard when it comes to pushing cultural norms and preferences, I do not believe that "as christians we must be careful not to judge." The Bible actually tells us to judge a tree by its fruit. One of the great qualities of the Bereans is that they judged the words of the Paul to see if they lined up with scripture. I don't think the security of ones eternal soul is a flippant thing that we as humans ultimately determine. However, I do think we are called to judge actions and lifestyles (beginning with the man in the mirror) based on the Word of Truth.
So, refreshing in the midst of the hoopla! I agree completely with you!
Agreed. I can't figure out why people are so shocked that he used drugs. I would have been shocked had it been another cause of death. I feel sorry for his kids. Their father was a pedophile and their mother is greedy and cold and wants nothing to do with them. The whole situation and the media's reaction to it is just all around disturbing.
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