I struggled with even writing about Lady Gaga’s just released song, “Judas.” When so-called celebrities and shock artists do degrading and debase things, whether they do it because they believe it or just for publicity, I usually don’t join the discussion. I need to be a better steward of my time.
But when I read this post on my daughter, Emily’s, Facebook page, and when she texted me this morning about people’s responses and how angry she is about it, I thought it might be worthwhile addressing it.
Here is Emily’s post:
Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss. Then the guards arrested Jesus and crucified him. He died so we can live and how do we repay him during this holy week? We purchase a song (Lady Gaga’s “Judas”) worshiping the very man who publicly cheated and defiled our Lord and Savior. It’s disturbing!
Most of the comments to her post were supportive and uplifting, but one comment said, it’s “just art.”
Emily asked me how to respond. First, I Googled the lyrics to the song (since I’m not a huge Lady Gaga fan…). Then, after reading through the lyrics, I texted back to her, “It’s okay to be angry for righteousness and to war against the lies of this world. We need to do it in love and speak truth into their lives. People are blind sometimes. We need to gently show them the way.” I also said, “ You should tell this person that true art should reflect God’s glory. It should make you delight and should not be degrading. Lady Gaga’s song is not art, it is derogatory expression. It is not truth, it is a lie.”
What do you think of Lady Gaga’s “Judas”? Would you let your children buy it or listen to it?
