I’m struggling with some of the voices coming out of Christian circles that seem to imply that Lady Gaga’s new “Judas” video may be of some redeeming value. Though I’m sure there are some who might come away with something, I don’t think the masses will—especially our kids. I think guns are important and serve a purpose; but, they aren’t items I want my kids harboring loaded in their bedrooms either.
Few teens would carry from this anything more than a cheap thrill and a demonic influence. Whatever message is being conveyed here, the same message can be conveyed in a way that is more congruent to God’s definition of beauty and entertainment. Is it entertaining? Let’s say it is. But, people are entertained by porn also. It just doesn’t do anything positive for the soul or spirit of an individual–in fact, quite the opposite—especially for a teen. I’m not sure God approves either. Does it take talent? It absolutely does. But, so does the perfect murder or bank heist. Not all art and not all talent is Holy Spirit inspired—regardless of how intriguing or entertaining or deep and mysterious the message is. Perhaps the most spiritually and emotionally mature among us can be exposed to something like this without much fallout—kind of like a sex-crimes investigator for a police department or a ministry to prostitutes or porn stars. The problem is that the most mature among us aren’t going to be the ones watching this “lady” most of the time. It will probably be the most naïve and impressionable among us. Watching it for the sake of understanding the culture should be reserved for guys like Walt Mueller with The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding, and others like him—a commendable task indeed.
But, I happen to know how our five senses affect the deeper spiritual side of human beings in general—especially sound and visuals. Bach said that all music should be for the glorification of God and the refreshment of the human spirit. I’m not sure this does either. This, by no means, is an indictment against secular music. Much of it is more uplifting than some of the Christian garbage I’ve heard. But, as entertaining and creative as this piece of “art” might be to the carnal side of our humanity, for most of us, it is a blight on our spiritual side—especially our kids. However, entertaining ourselves into death and hell is the direction our nation is going; and, it is using the “dagger of art” to get us there. This piece is quite tame compared to any number of others, however. With all the commendable and beautiful “secular” and “Christian” music and entertainment that is out there, it seems to me that our culture’s intrigue and appetite for things like this is indicative of a nation de-civilizing before our very eyes. Is there any wonder why more missionaries are now coming to America than going out? Some of the world’s most gifted artists have no idea how damaging their “art” can actually be. Remember Emmanuel Ninger?
Author: Trace Embry is the Founder of Shepherd’s Hill Ministries. He hosts the License To Parent radio program. For over a decade, Shepherd’s Hill Ministries has helped struggling teens through its residential program and Christian boarding school, Shepherd’s Hill Academy located on an 86-acre property in Georgia. Call 706-779-5766 for more information, or join us on Facebook.
