Tuesday, February 4, 2014

World War III vs. The Ongoing Culture War

This was first published on Facebook in dealing with the VMA's but gradually, it has had plenty to do with the Grammys as well. I have updated this to reflect as such. And yes, it's been awhile since I published a blog here.
I don't have cable, so I didn't watch the VMA's. For the past 15  years, MTV has ceased to be about music, but it has always been about pushing boundaries. Similarly, the Grammys were always a classy event, that is, until recent years. However, after seeing several clips and photos via YouTube, I have a few things to say. I also have to comment on this year’s Grammy Awards, as this is also relevant.
I know some feminists will say that the performances of Miley Cyrus and Lady GaGa at the VMA;s empower women, but the truth is, the whole mindset of sexualizing oneself has never made a woman empowered and has only made the men who "want it" feel they've got the right. Ladies, God made you better than this.
The Grammys went into several different directions with Katy Perry doing a performance that even made the best liberals puzzled, especially when they referred to it as “witchcraft.” Of course, Lady GaGa, BeyoncĂ© and others would not be outdone in their sexualizing everything under the sun. And let’s not forget the rather unsettling fact that the entertainment industry has pushed tolerance to a new level in the mass gay weddings with Mackelmore fronting everything and Queen Latifah officiating.
Conservatives often complain that we spend too much time focusing on thesetawdry performances, but the truth of the matter is, we are in a culture war, even when there is war looming in the Middle East. Certainly, it is no secret that the situation in Egypt and in Syria are dire. Back on the homefront, there is a war that is just as intense. We are fighting a war in the minds and hearts of our young people, and in order to numb reality, we are selling an "anything goes" culture. Is it any wonder why society is attempting to introduce Islam to the rather debased culture of our time? It is a distinct possibility, but is hiding a woman behind a veil the answer to our feminist woes? Not really. It may hide a woman, but the man's sexual appitite still cannot be satisfied.
Here’s something for the women reading this: I look at all the godly women in the Bible and understand what made them great. Sarah birthed the nation of Isreal through Isaac, and even though she tried to "help God" in His plan, He still blessed her, greatly. Miriam led the Children of Israel out of Egypt as a musician. Rahab, a former prostitute, welcomed two of Israel's spies into her home, and later, her household was saved from the fall of Jericho. Deborah, a prophetess and songwriter, was commissioned to be Israel's only female judge, and served as a great leader in a time of war. Ruth, a Moabite, showed kindness to her mother-in-law, Naomi, and in return, married Boaz, and later had a son, Obed, who would be an ancestor to King David, as well as Jesus Christ. Esther became the Queen of Persia, and in turn, she was able to save her people from a possible slaughter. And who could forget Mary, the mother of Jesus? Obviously, there are other women I could name, but this is just the basics. They didn't need to sexualize themselves in order to become great. They were great because God worked through them.
Here’s something for the fellas, and ladies can also benefit as well: Remember that we’re not fighting against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, rulers of this dark world and spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12). Our armor should be on constantly as we engage others in this culture war. My friends and I have really tried to pray for those in the industry, and it can be quite difficult, but we do it because there is a need. Pray for the entertainment industry. The war in the culture will continue to get worse if we forget Whom we are serving.