"Lady gaga praise's her Catholic education"

   So after thursday's class I realized that the relationship between religion and secular entertainment walks a fine line, this is nothing new the church has competing with pop culture from the start.This interesting relationship has evolved and become more intertwined than anything. I most definitely think religion in today's society isn't so secular from popular culture's entertainment, its not uncommon in most religious denominations to incorporate "praise dancing" into worship services, alongside a very spirited and theatrical minister. Some ministers even wear flashy attire, give jubilant sermons. All of this is to attract a new following and keep the old flock attending services regularly. But I began to wonder if minister's do it, who amongst pop culture does this? Celebrity music artist.

    As I continued to think and maul over this ideal, I realized some of my favorite musical artist have done this.(Lady Gaga, Kanye West, John Legend, Madonna. etc) They have combined one or more elements of their faith or a piece of religious symbolism into their music, if not directly into the lyrics or message it can be seen in their music videos. Most of these artist songs and video have become very innovative and popular. They became not only memorable, but acceptable and well received by the public. examples of this are seen in Lady Gaga's Alejandro video is clearly a reference to her support of homosexuality and very direct references to her catholic upbringing. She spent the majority of her adolescence in catholic school. The red leather nun's costume, her swallowing rosary beads, the male dancers "monk" haircuts and also her white costume that looks very similar to the Popes hat. She used imagery directly related to Catholicism I really like the song Alejandro it's a fun listen, but still have a hard time connecting the video to the song but I really am a hard Lady Gaga fan and have been since her rise to stardom. She is very different and very talented.

   Also such artist as Kanye West (posed as Jesus on cover of rolling Stone 2006/whom is considered very controversial) and his early career his hit single song/video was Jesus walks. in which the whole setting of the video takes place during a very lively church service, as he raps the message to sinner of redemption as they enter the church. This is also seen again in his most recent and also very controversial video Power.This element or religion in secular entertainment is seen several other iconic video. Artist fusing faith, religious convictions together and presenting it to the public as entertainment. I think this works and happens because: One many music artist whom aren't "gospel artist" often are seen as making secular music or "worldly music" that touches on aspects of life that Christians or religious persons are suppose to be trying to abstain from so they often are seen as "sinners" when in fact the majority of these musicians believe they were given this talent by God. So I think this is when we get to see artist touch on this aspect of there lives. They get to showcase their faith or lack there of or they take their chance to criticize religion all together. But in the words of Kanye west "I want to talk to God but I'm afraid because we ain't spoke in so long " I'm going to post several other videos from rapper Nas Hate me now. In which he is depicted as Jesus Christ going off to be crucified. I think what he was trying to say is "you can hate me now" its okay they hated Jesus. I always thought that was the message.He also referred to himself "God's Son" which he has tattooed across his belly.Singer John Legend who was developed his musical talent in the church. An Madonna's controversial video like a prayer and several others.