September 24, 2000
CBS recently aired an interview with Madonna which was originally recorded in May of 1999. Charlie Rose interviewed Madonna.
The interview went more or less as one would expect of an egocentric celebrity. Charlie Rose brought to mind the mixture of sex and religion that Madonna had portrayed is some of her music and accompanying videos. In one particular music video, Madonna brings a sculpture of a saint to life and begins foreplay on the altar of what appears to be a Catholic church.
Sounding proud of her controversy, she adds:
"At the time, I was in super rebellion mode. I mean, it's like, great, the establishment is against me."
Nonetheless, I became somewhat interested at how "religious" the conversation became. At one point she claimed that she could disagree with the church and its dogmas but still celebrate them, adding that she goes to the synagogue and studies Hinduism.
The conversation turned to her daughter. Charlie Rose mentioned that among all Madonna's rebellion and irreverence for the Catholic church, she christened her daughter in the Catholic church. Rose expressed some surprise at this. Then out of this intrigue came the gospel according to Madonna.
Religion is "about realizing that all paths lead to God in the end." She insisted that all religions are the same "at their core." And when Charlie Rose pressed her for an answer as to what that core would be she answered that love was the most important thing.
Now, my point here is not to bash Madonna, regardless of what I think of her personally. The point is that we have a person here who is a role model for our youth--a person who is admired by millions. This person has a New Age view of religion. When celebrities express their views on religion, they are, whether they realize it or not, an evangelist for their religious view.
We know as Christians that all paths do not lead to God. We also know that while love is very important in the Christian life, love will not save anyone. Only Jesus' blood can do that.
©2000, Cleff Publishing. All rights reserved.