POP CULTURE & FAITH
- Jason Aldean - Roseanne Barr - Candace Cameron Bure - Teron Carter - Jim Caviezel - Brendan Fraser - Whoopi Goldberg - Melissa Joan Hart - Stacey Jones - Pentatonix - Pink - Rob Reiner - Alan Ritchson - Taylor Swift - Roger Waters - Rainn Wilson -
- politicians & Faith - |
- POP CULTURE - |
==jason aldean===========
In Country, more than any other genre of music, there is a profound overlap between America’s Patriotic and her Christian values. Standing for the flag and kneeling for the cross beats close to the heart of what Country Music (ostensibly) cares about. But here in Aldean’s song we are witnesses to, and participants in, a sentiment that is profoundly un-Christian. Christians should not fantasize about scenarios in which they might commit acts of violence. And I can go on to say, on the same theme, that Christians should not fantasize about scenarios in which they might commit acts of sexual intercourse, or theft, or deceit. And if a song is inviting me to fantasize about such thing, if a song lionizes activities which stand opposed to the tenets of my Christian faith, then I ought to put that song aside.
If anything, Christians should fantasize about peacemaking. What would it mean to wake up in the morning and prayerfully consider how you might end conflict, restore harmony between men and women, or even perform acts of radical forgiveness? Years ago, there was the faddish trend of “paying it forward,” where Christians committed to performing “radical acts of kindness,” usually by purchasing someone else’s coffee or MacDonald’s order. Personally, I thought that the fad was better at making you feel good than doing any actual good, but it was still better than starting your day by imagining shooting someone. Let me be explicit: carrying a firearm as a civilian in the anticipation that you might need to use it against other civilians in defense of various civic ideals is not anywhere part of Christian moral formation.
For now, Aldean will have his moment in the spotlight. In the power of the outrage machine, criticisms of the song—and its video—will fall on largely deaf ears. In time—hopefully a short one—this song will be forgotten while other, better, Country songs will come along and encourage people to be more faithful, hardworking, and attentive to life. What won’t go away so easily are those fantasies of violence—certainly not until we are forming properly Christian sentiments in their place. And while the Christian sentiments overlap so seamlessly with the Patriotic ones… let’s just say that the battle for true peace will be long and difficult. --J Michael Rios; Mustard Seed Faith; Moral Formation in Country Music—Or, What’s Really Wrong With “Try That In a Small Town” 7.27.23
If anything, Christians should fantasize about peacemaking. What would it mean to wake up in the morning and prayerfully consider how you might end conflict, restore harmony between men and women, or even perform acts of radical forgiveness? Years ago, there was the faddish trend of “paying it forward,” where Christians committed to performing “radical acts of kindness,” usually by purchasing someone else’s coffee or MacDonald’s order. Personally, I thought that the fad was better at making you feel good than doing any actual good, but it was still better than starting your day by imagining shooting someone. Let me be explicit: carrying a firearm as a civilian in the anticipation that you might need to use it against other civilians in defense of various civic ideals is not anywhere part of Christian moral formation.
For now, Aldean will have his moment in the spotlight. In the power of the outrage machine, criticisms of the song—and its video—will fall on largely deaf ears. In time—hopefully a short one—this song will be forgotten while other, better, Country songs will come along and encourage people to be more faithful, hardworking, and attentive to life. What won’t go away so easily are those fantasies of violence—certainly not until we are forming properly Christian sentiments in their place. And while the Christian sentiments overlap so seamlessly with the Patriotic ones… let’s just say that the battle for true peace will be long and difficult. --J Michael Rios; Mustard Seed Faith; Moral Formation in Country Music—Or, What’s Really Wrong With “Try That In a Small Town” 7.27.23
==roseanne barr==============
Roseanne Barr Compares Jewish People to Egyptian Pharaohs in Antisemitic Barb: They ‘Also Inbreed’ | Video
Roseanne Barr, after previous backlash and job-affecting consequences over antisemitic comments and a racist tweet, all of which she has defended as jokes, continued the practice in a recent appearance on Bill Maher’s “Club Random.” Barr, in a meandering and seemingly serious discussion with Maher about the families and offspring of ancient Egyptian pharaohs, suddenly dropped a reference to Jewish people, saying they inbreed.
(Jeremy Bailey/Yahoo/Christian Post 12/4/23)
Read More>>>>>
Roseanne Barr, after previous backlash and job-affecting consequences over antisemitic comments and a racist tweet, all of which she has defended as jokes, continued the practice in a recent appearance on Bill Maher’s “Club Random.” Barr, in a meandering and seemingly serious discussion with Maher about the families and offspring of ancient Egyptian pharaohs, suddenly dropped a reference to Jewish people, saying they inbreed.
(Jeremy Bailey/Yahoo/Christian Post 12/4/23)
Read More>>>>>
candace cameron bure
Jan 20, 2023: Movie Guide: CANDACE CAMERON BURE AND TARA-LEIGH COBBLE TALK FAITH AND THE HOLY SPIRIT
In a recent episode of her podcast, Candace Cameron Bure sat down with Tara-Leigh Cobble for a fascinating dialogue on their shared interest in the story of Scripture.
After introducing her guest over coffee and matcha, Bure asked Cobble about her travels to the Holy Land and some of her favorite moments there.
In a recent episode of her podcast, Candace Cameron Bure sat down with Tara-Leigh Cobble for a fascinating dialogue on their shared interest in the story of Scripture.
After introducing her guest over coffee and matcha, Bure asked Cobble about her travels to the Holy Land and some of her favorite moments there.
Jan 3, 2023: Access More: The Son of God shows what God is like
Candace is BACK with Tara-Leigh Cobble to continue their conversation on the connection between God and Jesus (pssst ... He is still the same person) Think about this: if Jesus were not God, but was just a man, how would that change the way you live? You likely may stop seeing Jesus as Divine and see as a man who was a bit crazy at times; as a man who ran around claiming to be God, the fulfillment of the Old Testament. And you likely would not place as much weight into what He says or how He guides you.
Candace is BACK with Tara-Leigh Cobble to continue their conversation on the connection between God and Jesus (pssst ... He is still the same person) Think about this: if Jesus were not God, but was just a man, how would that change the way you live? You likely may stop seeing Jesus as Divine and see as a man who was a bit crazy at times; as a man who ran around claiming to be God, the fulfillment of the Old Testament. And you likely would not place as much weight into what He says or how He guides you.
Teron "Bonafide" Carter
Teron "Bonafide" Carter
“The bottom line is, you're going to have people who go on a journey in life, and it comes to a place where they do question what they believe and all that. And guess what? That's OK. It's OK to ask Him, ‘Is this really real?’ It's OK. Because it puts Him in a position to have to prove it to you. So, He allows you to go with whatever you want, and He won’t go anywhere.....Anyone who has ‘stepped away from the faith,’ that's not really what it is; it’s that they're coming to a place where they're really getting ready to get close to Him....You know why? Because you only have Him to lean on when everybody else is gone. So the further away you get from Him, you'll realize you get new friends and new stuff, and then one day, you'll be left by yourself and no friends, no nothing. And the only person you can call on is the One that you left back there. But you realize, no, He just followed you the whole way and just played the background until you were ready to really talk.”
--Teron "Bonafide" Carter
--Teron "Bonafide" Carter
Hip-hop duo Grits speak out on faith deconstruction in Christian music, issue challenge to next generation
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Christian hip-hop duo Grits weighed in on their Christian music colleagues who have deconstructed and left the faith in recent years and challenged the next generation of musicians to stand firm on the Gospel amid cultural changes. Stacey "Coffee" Jones and Teron "Bonafide" Carter, who have been on the Christian music scene since 1995, spoke to The Christian Post on the red carpet of the 2023 GMA Dove Awards about their fellow artists who have publicly renounced Christianity despite having successful careers in CCM. (Leah Klett/Christian Post 10/24/23)
Read More>>>>>
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Christian hip-hop duo Grits weighed in on their Christian music colleagues who have deconstructed and left the faith in recent years and challenged the next generation of musicians to stand firm on the Gospel amid cultural changes. Stacey "Coffee" Jones and Teron "Bonafide" Carter, who have been on the Christian music scene since 1995, spoke to The Christian Post on the red carpet of the 2023 GMA Dove Awards about their fellow artists who have publicly renounced Christianity despite having successful careers in CCM. (Leah Klett/Christian Post 10/24/23)
Read More>>>>>
Jim Caviezel
We’re witnessing a pop-culture moment exemplifying this confusion of religious and secular conservatism. Actor Jim Caviezel, best known for his portrayal of Jesus in Mel Gibson’s 2004 movie The Passion of the Christ, made it known on Fox News that he regarded Trump as “the new Moses.” He made this pronouncement while flogging his latest flick, Sound of Freedom, which, much like The Passion of the Christ, has become a counter-Hollywood phenomenon heavily promoted by ticket-buying churches and church organizations. As Rolling Stone’s Miles Klee explains in his review, the new movie is the perfect vehicle for Caviezel, who has been flirting with QAnon-ish conspiracy theories for a good while:
[Caviezel] has become a prominent figure on the conspiracist right, giving speeches and interviews in which he hints at an underground holy war between patriots and a sinister legion of evildoers who are harvesting the blood of children. It’s straight-up QAnon stuff, right down to his use of catchphrases like “The storm is upon us.” Here, he gets to act out some of that drama by playing a fictionalized version of Tim Ballard, head of the anti-sex trafficking nonprofit Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.), in a feature film that casts the operator as a Batman-style savior for kids sold into the sex trade.
Caviezel pulled Trump into his story by asserting that he’d be the leader who would “go after the traffickers.” And he also revealed that he had provided Trump with a private showing of Sound of Freedom at the former president’s Bedminster resort. Trump unsurprisingly responded with a Truth Social post vowing to administer the death penalty to human traffickers and blaming Joe Biden’s border policies for this terrible danger to children. Actor Jim Caviezel, best known for his portrayal of Jesus in Mel Gibson’s 2004 movie The Passion of the Christ, made it known on Fox News that he regarded Trump as “the new Moses.” He made this pronouncement while flogging his latest flick, Sound of Freedom, which, much like The Passion of the Christ, has become a counter-Hollywood phenomenon heavily promoted by ticket-buying churches and church organizations. As Rolling Stone’s Miles Klee explains in his review, the new movie is the perfect vehicle for Caviezel, who has been flirting with QAnon-ish conspiracy theories for a good while...[Caviezel] has become a prominent figure on the conspiracist right, giving speeches and interviews in which he hints at an underground holy war between patriots and a sinister legion of evildoers who are harvesting the blood of children. It’s straight-up QAnon stuff, right down to his use of catchphrases like “The storm is upon us.” Here, he gets to act out some of that drama by playing a fictionalized version of Tim Ballard, head of the anti-sex trafficking nonprofit Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.), in a feature film that casts the operator as a Batman-style savior for kids sold into the sex trade.
Caviezel pulled Trump into his story by asserting that he’d be the leader who would “go after the traffickers.”
--Ed Kilgore; Intelligencer; ‘New Moses’ Is the Latest Sign of the Christian Right’s Trump Confusion Trump used to be their unwitting agent of God. Now he’s a religious leader? 7.23.23
[Caviezel] has become a prominent figure on the conspiracist right, giving speeches and interviews in which he hints at an underground holy war between patriots and a sinister legion of evildoers who are harvesting the blood of children. It’s straight-up QAnon stuff, right down to his use of catchphrases like “The storm is upon us.” Here, he gets to act out some of that drama by playing a fictionalized version of Tim Ballard, head of the anti-sex trafficking nonprofit Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.), in a feature film that casts the operator as a Batman-style savior for kids sold into the sex trade.
Caviezel pulled Trump into his story by asserting that he’d be the leader who would “go after the traffickers.” And he also revealed that he had provided Trump with a private showing of Sound of Freedom at the former president’s Bedminster resort. Trump unsurprisingly responded with a Truth Social post vowing to administer the death penalty to human traffickers and blaming Joe Biden’s border policies for this terrible danger to children. Actor Jim Caviezel, best known for his portrayal of Jesus in Mel Gibson’s 2004 movie The Passion of the Christ, made it known on Fox News that he regarded Trump as “the new Moses.” He made this pronouncement while flogging his latest flick, Sound of Freedom, which, much like The Passion of the Christ, has become a counter-Hollywood phenomenon heavily promoted by ticket-buying churches and church organizations. As Rolling Stone’s Miles Klee explains in his review, the new movie is the perfect vehicle for Caviezel, who has been flirting with QAnon-ish conspiracy theories for a good while...[Caviezel] has become a prominent figure on the conspiracist right, giving speeches and interviews in which he hints at an underground holy war between patriots and a sinister legion of evildoers who are harvesting the blood of children. It’s straight-up QAnon stuff, right down to his use of catchphrases like “The storm is upon us.” Here, he gets to act out some of that drama by playing a fictionalized version of Tim Ballard, head of the anti-sex trafficking nonprofit Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.), in a feature film that casts the operator as a Batman-style savior for kids sold into the sex trade.
Caviezel pulled Trump into his story by asserting that he’d be the leader who would “go after the traffickers.”
--Ed Kilgore; Intelligencer; ‘New Moses’ Is the Latest Sign of the Christian Right’s Trump Confusion Trump used to be their unwitting agent of God. Now he’s a religious leader? 7.23.23
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brendan fraser
|
Actor Brendan Fraser Praises Jesus, Explains His Refusal To Attend Hollywood Events
Actor Brendan Fraser, whose career has seen a recent renaissance after several years out of circulation, emerged from the proverbial wilderness with a seeming willingness to speak unfettered by the worries of career repercussions. On a recent trip to Disney’s Epcot Center in Orlando, FL Fraser took the occasion of speaking on stage during the park’s candle-lit Christmas party to preach on the love of Jesus Christ. As reported by RedState, Fraser, with a rather fearless display in the proverbial heart of the leftist-compromised entertainment industry demonstrated uncommon courage as guest narrator at the procession. (Matthew Holloway/Trending Politics 12/29/23) READ MORE>>>>> |
Fraser continued, “Jesus Christ found it in his earthly heart to give of himself to the people who loved him, and even to the people who betrayed him, to all people, that a baby in a manger could grow to become a man who taught a world of people what it means to love one another.” |
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whoopi goldberg
Whoopi Goldberg, original name Caryn Elaine Johnson, (born November 13, 1955, New York, New York, U.S.), American comedian, actress, and producer who was an accomplished performer with a repertoire that ranged from dramatic leading roles to controversial comedic performances. She also garnered attention as a cohost of the TV talk show The View. Goldberg was the first Black woman to win all four major North American entertainment awards (EGOT: Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony).
Whoopi Goldberg Files
“The evangelicals are not the evangelicals of my youth. I’ve always known evangelicals. And while we have different roads to God, they’re, you know, basically the same roads. But I don’t know who these folks are........You know, the thing about evangelicals that we all have to remember is that they’re human beings. They’re people and they’re flawed, like all of us, so, you know, when they wake up and realize that God may not be on their side the way they think he is, because someone who says, ‘I’m doing this for you,’ sounds an awful lot like, you know.”
-Whoopi Goldberg; The View; 6.26.23
-Whoopi Goldberg; The View; 6.26.23
melissa joan hart
Aug 16, 2023: Christian Post: Melissa Joan Hart details ‘born-again,' Holy Spirit’ encounter, lives out faith with global missions
Actress Melissa Joan Hart says prayer has deepened her faith walk with Jesus exponentially and described a Holy Spirit encounter as her “born again” moment.
In recent years, Hart has linked arms with World Vision to be a part of the life-changing work the organization does around the world to provide clean water and resources to those in need.
Actress Melissa Joan Hart says prayer has deepened her faith walk with Jesus exponentially and described a Holy Spirit encounter as her “born again” moment.
In recent years, Hart has linked arms with World Vision to be a part of the life-changing work the organization does around the world to provide clean water and resources to those in need.
stacey jones
Hip-hop duo Grits speak out on faith deconstruction in Christian music, issue challenge to next generation
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Christian hip-hop duo Grits weighed in on their Christian music colleagues who have deconstructed and left the faith in recent years and challenged the next generation of musicians to stand firm on the Gospel amid cultural changes. Stacey "Coffee" Jones and Teron "Bonafide" Carter, who have been on the Christian music scene since 1995, spoke to The Christian Post on the red carpet of the 2023 GMA Dove Awards about their fellow artists who have publicly renounced Christianity despite having successful careers in CCM. (Leah Klett/Christian Post 10/24/23)
Read More>>>>>
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Christian hip-hop duo Grits weighed in on their Christian music colleagues who have deconstructed and left the faith in recent years and challenged the next generation of musicians to stand firm on the Gospel amid cultural changes. Stacey "Coffee" Jones and Teron "Bonafide" Carter, who have been on the Christian music scene since 1995, spoke to The Christian Post on the red carpet of the 2023 GMA Dove Awards about their fellow artists who have publicly renounced Christianity despite having successful careers in CCM. (Leah Klett/Christian Post 10/24/23)
Read More>>>>>
pentatonix
Pentatonix Singers Want People To ‘Feel Jesus Through Us’
Although the Grammy Award-winning a cappella group Pentatonix isn’t labeled as Christian, it’s known for its Christmas music and moving renditions of beloved hymns. Two Pentatonix vocalists are outspoken about their faith—as well as their efforts to infiltrate culture and show people the gospel’s relevance. At this week’s premiere of the live-action film “Journey to Bethlehem,” Pentatonix members Kevin Olusola and Matt Sallee talked with The Christian Post about their strategies for sharing Jesus. Olusola pointed to the Old Testament hero Daniel, who “goes into the culture, and he gets to infiltrate, but he also gets to stay true to the one true God.” (Stephanie Martin/Church Leader 11/10/23)
Read More>>>>>
Although the Grammy Award-winning a cappella group Pentatonix isn’t labeled as Christian, it’s known for its Christmas music and moving renditions of beloved hymns. Two Pentatonix vocalists are outspoken about their faith—as well as their efforts to infiltrate culture and show people the gospel’s relevance. At this week’s premiere of the live-action film “Journey to Bethlehem,” Pentatonix members Kevin Olusola and Matt Sallee talked with The Christian Post about their strategies for sharing Jesus. Olusola pointed to the Old Testament hero Daniel, who “goes into the culture, and he gets to infiltrate, but he also gets to stay true to the one true God.” (Stephanie Martin/Church Leader 11/10/23)
Read More>>>>>
pink
Jewish pop star Pink shuts down anti-Hanukkah commenter in viral interaction
Pink, a Jewish pop star, was one of many to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah on December 7. On a photo Pink shared of her menorah, a negative comment quickly came in accusing the star of being "tone deaf" for her post. Pink’s response to the comment has since been applauded by many social media users. Captioning her post on Instagram, Pink wrote “Happy [Hanukkah] to all those who celebrate. May there be light in darkness always. May there be peace in our hearts, our homes, and in the world.”
(Danielle Greyman-Kennard/Jerusalem Post 12/9/23)
Read More>>>>>
Pink, a Jewish pop star, was one of many to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah on December 7. On a photo Pink shared of her menorah, a negative comment quickly came in accusing the star of being "tone deaf" for her post. Pink’s response to the comment has since been applauded by many social media users. Captioning her post on Instagram, Pink wrote “Happy [Hanukkah] to all those who celebrate. May there be light in darkness always. May there be peace in our hearts, our homes, and in the world.”
(Danielle Greyman-Kennard/Jerusalem Post 12/9/23)
Read More>>>>>
rob reiner
Rob Reiner will release a film about Christian nationalism and he has secured A LOT of evangelical talking heads and “influencers”
The role that evangelical influencers are playing in Rob Reiner’s new film is worth discussing. I think that supporting Reiner’s film is something different than speaking to The Washington Post or talking to a religion reporter or CBS News. Reiner is not interested in news. He is an outspoken atheist with an axe to grind. If Reiner asked me to join this film as a talking head (after all, I was using the term “Christian nationalism” way before it was popular) I don’t know if I would participate. If I did go on camera, I would probably regret it in the end. Whatever the case, I would definitely have to think and pray long and hard before contributing to such an effort. I hope the evangelical influencers who joined this project and are now on social media announcing to the world that they are in a Rob Reiner film have thought this through. I hope they realize that they will be Reiner’s poster men and women when the media blitz starts in February 2024. Having said all that, I love “All in the Family,” “A Few Good Men,” “The American President,” and “The Princess Bride.” (John Fea/Current 12/8/23)
READ MORE>>>>>
The role that evangelical influencers are playing in Rob Reiner’s new film is worth discussing. I think that supporting Reiner’s film is something different than speaking to The Washington Post or talking to a religion reporter or CBS News. Reiner is not interested in news. He is an outspoken atheist with an axe to grind. If Reiner asked me to join this film as a talking head (after all, I was using the term “Christian nationalism” way before it was popular) I don’t know if I would participate. If I did go on camera, I would probably regret it in the end. Whatever the case, I would definitely have to think and pray long and hard before contributing to such an effort. I hope the evangelical influencers who joined this project and are now on social media announcing to the world that they are in a Rob Reiner film have thought this through. I hope they realize that they will be Reiner’s poster men and women when the media blitz starts in February 2024. Having said all that, I love “All in the Family,” “A Few Good Men,” “The American President,” and “The Princess Bride.” (John Fea/Current 12/8/23)
READ MORE>>>>>
==alan ritchson===============
‘Reacher’ Star Alan Ritchson Faces Backlash After Trump Comments
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ritchson—a devout Christian—discussed his faith and how he sees politics as a corrupting force within Christianity. “I'm a Christian quite simply because of what Jesus calls us to do," Ritchson told THR. "Love other people until death. It doesn't mean we're all to be hung on a cross, but how can I suffer for you? That is a beautiful thing." But Christians have become “ the most vitriolic tribe” the 41-year-old actor added. "It is so antithetical to what Jesus was calling us to be and to do."
(Forbes) READ MORE>>>>>
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ritchson—a devout Christian—discussed his faith and how he sees politics as a corrupting force within Christianity. “I'm a Christian quite simply because of what Jesus calls us to do," Ritchson told THR. "Love other people until death. It doesn't mean we're all to be hung on a cross, but how can I suffer for you? That is a beautiful thing." But Christians have become “ the most vitriolic tribe” the 41-year-old actor added. "It is so antithetical to what Jesus was calling us to be and to do."
(Forbes) READ MORE>>>>>
==Taylor Swift=================
The changing faith of Taylor Swift
While the popstar's references to Christian faith have been infrequent, it may just be possible to trace a journey of deconstruction through her music, says Giles Gough. He reports on the tale of two TaylorsAs a result of a dispute with her old record label, Taylor Swift is currently in the process of re-recording all of her back catalogue. This provides a fascinating chance to hear songs originally written by teenage ingénue Taylor being re-arranged by thirty-something music-industry-conquering Taylor. (Gile Gough/Premier Christianity 7/18/23)
READ MORE>>>>>
While the popstar's references to Christian faith have been infrequent, it may just be possible to trace a journey of deconstruction through her music, says Giles Gough. He reports on the tale of two TaylorsAs a result of a dispute with her old record label, Taylor Swift is currently in the process of re-recording all of her back catalogue. This provides a fascinating chance to hear songs originally written by teenage ingénue Taylor being re-arranged by thirty-something music-industry-conquering Taylor. (Gile Gough/Premier Christianity 7/18/23)
READ MORE>>>>>
When Taylor Swift Took Me To Church
The week after Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour concert movie debuted in theaters, a TikTok video of one particularly enthusiastic audience went viral. As the singer and her backup dancers swayed to the song “Willow” on the screen above them, a group of fans danced in a circle on the theater floor below, waving their illuminated phones in lieu of glowing lanterns. This is “the cultiest thing I’ve ever seen,” the caption read.
As is the case these days with any major cultural moment, the viral video and the few seconds of concert video it captured sparked a public debate. Was the video an example of the cruel cultural phenomenon of recording people without consent and publicly mocking them as “cringe”? Or was it indicative of a disturbing cultural obsession, evidence of the cult of Taylor Swift?
(Melodie Roschman/Spectrum Magazine 11/3/23)
Read More>>>>>
The week after Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour concert movie debuted in theaters, a TikTok video of one particularly enthusiastic audience went viral. As the singer and her backup dancers swayed to the song “Willow” on the screen above them, a group of fans danced in a circle on the theater floor below, waving their illuminated phones in lieu of glowing lanterns. This is “the cultiest thing I’ve ever seen,” the caption read.
As is the case these days with any major cultural moment, the viral video and the few seconds of concert video it captured sparked a public debate. Was the video an example of the cruel cultural phenomenon of recording people without consent and publicly mocking them as “cringe”? Or was it indicative of a disturbing cultural obsession, evidence of the cult of Taylor Swift?
(Melodie Roschman/Spectrum Magazine 11/3/23)
Read More>>>>>
Giles Gough
The most explicit statement of faith from Taylor comes from her Netflix documentary Miss Americana. We see her in a 2018 clip, arguing with her team about making a political statement in favour of a Democratic candidate in an upcoming election. This discussion has been sparked by election adverts for US Senator Marsha Blackburn, who has voted against legislation protecting women from domestic violence, and believes that businesses should have the right to refuse gay couples. Taylor says in the clip: “I can’t see another commercial and see Marsha Blackburn disguising these policies behind the words ‘Tennessee Christian values’…I live in Tennessee. I’m a Christian. That’s not what we stand for.”
For someone who, for professional reasons, has had to be vague about her religious and political beliefs, that bold statement of faith stands out a mile. To find another declaration so strong, we have to go all the way back to the start of her career, to a song that never really saw the light of day. 'Didn’t They' is an unreleased song leaked onto the internet, purportedly recorded in 2003. In it, Taylor asks where was God when 9/11 happened.
Here’s the chorus: “And didn’t they call you, didn’t they need you bad enough? / Was there some reason I’m not aware of? / Did you not write it down? Just one more thing to do / Where were you, where were you / And didn’t they pray, too?”
Artistically, it’s a lament reminiscient of a Davidic psalm. One can only guess that it was never included in any of her early albums because it’s openly critical of God - such a sentiment would not have played well with Swift's early audience. From aged 13, Swift grew up in Tennessee, which is famously part of the Bible Belt - ten states where socially conservative, protestant Christianity is so ingrained into the culture, that people may see themselves as Christians without necessarily thinking much about what that means. This cultural Christianity is in the background of songs such as this.
The only other reference to faith in her early music can be found in 'Christmas Must Be Something More', released in 2007 which clunkily refers to Jesus as “the birthday boy who saved our lives”.
However, when we listen to Swift today, the perspective of God is a very uncertain one.
--Gile Gough; Premier Chistianity; The changing faith of Taylor Swift 7.18.23
For someone who, for professional reasons, has had to be vague about her religious and political beliefs, that bold statement of faith stands out a mile. To find another declaration so strong, we have to go all the way back to the start of her career, to a song that never really saw the light of day. 'Didn’t They' is an unreleased song leaked onto the internet, purportedly recorded in 2003. In it, Taylor asks where was God when 9/11 happened.
Here’s the chorus: “And didn’t they call you, didn’t they need you bad enough? / Was there some reason I’m not aware of? / Did you not write it down? Just one more thing to do / Where were you, where were you / And didn’t they pray, too?”
Artistically, it’s a lament reminiscient of a Davidic psalm. One can only guess that it was never included in any of her early albums because it’s openly critical of God - such a sentiment would not have played well with Swift's early audience. From aged 13, Swift grew up in Tennessee, which is famously part of the Bible Belt - ten states where socially conservative, protestant Christianity is so ingrained into the culture, that people may see themselves as Christians without necessarily thinking much about what that means. This cultural Christianity is in the background of songs such as this.
The only other reference to faith in her early music can be found in 'Christmas Must Be Something More', released in 2007 which clunkily refers to Jesus as “the birthday boy who saved our lives”.
However, when we listen to Swift today, the perspective of God is a very uncertain one.
--Gile Gough; Premier Chistianity; The changing faith of Taylor Swift 7.18.23
==roger waters================
Roger Waters denied hotel stays in Argentina and Uruguay over antisemitism allegations, report says
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Hotels in Argentina and Uruguay reportedly rejected reservations for Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters over accusations of antisemitism leveled at the British singer known for his pro-Palestinian views. Waters was due to stay in Argentina’s capital of Buenos Aires ahead of shows scheduled for Nov. 21-22 as part of his “This is Not a Drill” tour, but the reservations fell through, with hotels citing a lack of availability, the Argentine newspaper Pagina 12 reported. (Associated Press 11/15/23)
READ MORE>>>>>
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Hotels in Argentina and Uruguay reportedly rejected reservations for Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters over accusations of antisemitism leveled at the British singer known for his pro-Palestinian views. Waters was due to stay in Argentina’s capital of Buenos Aires ahead of shows scheduled for Nov. 21-22 as part of his “This is Not a Drill” tour, but the reservations fell through, with hotels citing a lack of availability, the Argentine newspaper Pagina 12 reported. (Associated Press 11/15/23)
READ MORE>>>>>
rainn Wilson
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Mar 13, 2023: New York Post: Rainn Wilson calls out anti-Christian bias in Hollywood after ‘Last of Us’ episode: I knew he was a ‘villain’
Actor Rainn Wilson criticized the anti-Christian bias in Hollywood on Saturday after the latest example from the HBO series “The Last of Us.” From his Twitter account, the former “The Office” cast member called out a recent episode of the series for featuring a villainous character using Bible verses in what he suggested was a predictable formula. |
“I do think there is an anti-Christian bias in Hollywood. As soon as the David character in ‘The Last of Us’ started reading from the Bible I knew that he was going to be a horrific villain. Could there be a Bible-reading preacher on a show who is actually loving and kind?” Wilson tweeted. 3.13.23 |