In June I shared the news that Katy Perry, whose hit single "I Kissed A Girl" was climbing the charts, had released a Christian album back in 2001 under her real name, Katy Hudson.
The debate has raged on ever since. Does the song promote homosexuality and does it matter? Is Katy Perry a Christian and if not, how did she get a Christian record deal? (Australia's The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Katy "insists she still has her faith and has a tattoo which reads 'Jesus' on her wrist.") And what do her conservative evangelical preacher parents think about her new album?
Well, now Perry's parents have chimed in on the discussion.
The UK's Daily Record reported yesterday that Katy's mother, Mary Hudson says, "I hate the song. It clearly promotes homosexuality and its message is shameful and disgusting. Katy knows how I feel." She tells the British paper that she and her husband are "deeply ashamed" of their daughter and say that the song "promotes a sin."
She calls her daughter's recent antics (which include jumping off the stage to land a lip lock on a 16-year-old female fan and offering a kiss to Miley Cyrus; Cyrus declined) a period of rebellion, and adds that she's praying for her daughter's salvation, despite the fact that Katy apparently assured her, "Oh Mum, I'm not going to turn into Amy Winehouse."
There you go. What do you think about the whole Katy Perry story? Has she been "led astray by the Hollywood crowd" as her mother claims, or is Katy Perry just being herself? And what dangers abound for Christian artists (like the Jonas Brothers) in the mainstream music world?
And here's another question: even if you don't agree with your parents' beliefs, do you have a responsibility to not flaunt your opposition? Or is there an age at which you can do whatever you want, regardless of who you hurt or embarrass?
Can't wait to hear your thoughts!
**** NEW: 1/26/09: Katy Perry: Clearing The Air On Her Faith, Her Parents And The Celibacy Vow ****
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I have noticed that there is a pattern to the success of performers who start out in the church, then take their talent to the world. It always seems they shine brightly for a season, garner a lot of popularity and support, then they fade and they slip into obscurity. The people that support her current choice, are the same people who will stop buying her music, when they begin to label her passe. But the Lord's love will never fade and His compassion will always be toward her, awaiting her return. That's the beauty of Christ.
>> Is Katy Perry a Christian and if not, how did she get a Christian record deal?
Just because someone’s beliefs do not correspond exactly with your own, does not mean they cannot be considered a Christian… there are many divisions and interpretations of the Bible and Christianity, what right does anyone have to state that their interpretation of scripture is accurate, and thereby condemn the interpretations of others? Granted, there are passages in the old Testament that appear to condemn homosexuality, but there are plenty of passages that you would not interpret literally anymore, such as not eating animals with cloven hoof, or barring those with less than perfect sight from the clergy (if you don’t know what I’m talking about, see Leviticus, I think Chapter 20).
>> And here's another question: even if you don't agree with your parents' beliefs, do you have a responsibility to not flaunt your opposition? Or is there an age at which you can do whatever you want, regardless of who you hurt or embarrass?
Your analysis of this situation is disturbingly one sided. You raise a valid point, but you fail to consider the converse situation: should Katy’s parents, who should be older and wiser, be flouting their opposition so publicly either? Being Christians, and apparently pastors, perhaps they should know better? You may say it is their responsibility to spread the word of God, but is the best way to do so by publically attacking their daughter? Her mother responds so vehemently against homosexuality that it makes me wonder if she’d love her neighbour if he or she were gay?
Adcocate, that comment wasn't to question what a Christian is, but what defines Christian music. There's used to be guidelines for what constituted Christian music - what it is musically or lyrically, what behavior was expected from artists, etc. Not that those guidelines were good, but the questions I have are more about defining Christian music.
Joanne
host of the GS blog
Dave, I am curious as to what scientific tests prove that there is no God. could you please expand on that? And yes, many Christians do give off a judgemental vibe, but Christians who imitate Christ's teaching believe as Christ states to "Love your neighbor as yourself". Now who can we love more than ourselves? This type of sacrificial love is anything but judgemental in itself but can easily be twisted by a messed up, jealous humanity to become judgemental. The generalizations that are being made here about Christians are sad because the Christians that I know are some of the most loving, sacrificial, and accepting people. They may have a universal standard they hold on to, but is it not true that everyone holds to a certain ethical standard? Just a question to ponder...
I strongly agree with Dave. As for Homosexuality being a ''sin'' and a ''disgusting'' thing. It's been proven that being gay is NOT a choice. You people here are very judgemental and hypocritcal. You don't demean people and deny people of other religions or races marrige rights and equality do you? Then why homosexuality? And as for scientific tests that prove that there is no god? Where are the tests the prove there is a god?
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