Donna , This is the first I have heard of this tour of Madonna’s but I think that she or anyone else who wants to get up on the cross and take Christ’ place more power to them. Be they man woman or child.God if you study about Him in the Jewish text of Torah or Kaballah or Zohar Or Bahir is not just male but female.God our Father is not just our father but the nuturing and caring Mother as well.Shekinah..the feminine side of God.Too often Christians forget where our religion is derived from and we do not have the whole picture.We go to our churches of which ever denomination and we listen to the priest or pastor or preacher and we take it at faith he knows what he is talking about.With out even reading a Bible or any other word of His. More recently I have heard some preachers delving more into discovering translations and questioning them from Hebrew to Greek and Latin and to what ever other translation they have gone through and they are questioning it and asking did they get it right.But very few ever mention God’s feminine side because of their ultimate sin.PRIDE.The one thing that keeps man for the face of God.They are indeed prideful and only convey the masculine of God. Far too often His love and kindness is not expressed.We always seem to forget it to the point to forget He was so kind to us that He offered the most precious of Himself. His Son Jesus . He offered Himself to the world so that we may not suffer the sins which we the world had brought down upon itself.He suffered for us.He was ridiculed and scorned and feared by those who claimed not to know Him but truly did know Him in their hearts.Then they conspired to destroy Him. Even a pagan Governor could find no wrong with Him. But still their fear over took them and yet they brought down a curse upon His people and cursed not only themselves but their children!They driven by Satan crucified Him and thought they had killed Him but He had the final victory by arising on the third day.Man, now they should really fear for He is alive and He is coming back some day soon and people I am afraid to say will find out how mislead they have been and their eyes will open and they will find all they had to do was just open their hearts minds and eyes and believe what what was right before them.Just have faith in Him!They will find their judgements to be null and void and only His will count.They will find themselves being judged and those they judged and persecuted lifted up and blessed. So if Madonna wants to use an image which should inspire hope to bring a message about a deperate situation in Africa or bring recognition to any crime against man then so be it and God bless her.Let the prudes of the world and pious and proud tread lightly for if they forget themselves and put themselves in the seat of judgement and condemn her for using an image which is to all people a symbol of a promise. Not just a symbol just to the so called Saducees and Pharisees of today who think His image is proprietary to their little world but a symbol to all mankind and women of hope and the faith that God will deliver us from ourselves despite ourselves.>

id love to see someone making fun of her religion and seeing what she will do i think she probably lost some fans>

I think she’s lame and her act is getting old. It’s kind of sad and pathetic, her increasingly desperate attempts to stay popular.>

Fonda, I agree, she only does this because controversy adds to popularity. She is getting older in a media that craves for youth and new talent. I am not sure why so many people take her act overseriously, her fans don’t seem to care as much, they just want to drop a few hundred bucks to see someone sing. (I think she is awful.) Still, I still don’t see the bid deal of this. She sings on a t-shaped figure. Ok?!?>

Madonna on a cross? How about puta on a stick?>

I don’t see how she could ‘lose a lot of fans’ for this, considering her take on Catholocism is not at all new…anyone remember the Like a Prayer video? With her making out with a black Jesus? I mean…is this really surprising?>

We’re not offended because she is a woman taking her “rightful” place on the Cross. (oh, if only she would! And that goes for the rest of us as well.) We are offended because she is doing this as entertainment and for attention. P.S. That wasn’t a “black Jesus” in the “Like a Prayer” video. It was a statue come to life of St. Martin De Porres, an African saint.>

Madonna has been courting controversy ever since her career began and it’s a well known fact that she does this to promote her album/tour. Since she’s been doing this for over 20 years I’m surprised anybody is interested in it any more. This I do know, if she continues to be successful at it she will continue to do it. The answer to Madonna is to ignore her. No album sales and no tickets sold – in spite of her controversy – will stop her being controversial, imho. It’s pretty sad that she herself considers that, after all this time, she still has to indulge in this type of behaviour. Then again, as she herself said (when presenting the Turner Prize) ‘What would you expect from Madonna?’ You will notice that the Rolling Stones – who are much older – don’t have to indulge in controversy to sell albums/tours, they just have to be good. Luna>

Has this “woman” ever repented of her lascivious licentious and sickeningly hedonistic life? If anyone is going to be even remotely “OK” with what this elderly woman is doing in a musical act, as representing some kind of “Christian” expression, how about doing what needs to be done? Calling people to repentance, leaving a selfish and sinning life and walking the path “of” Christ Jesus. Madonna is no role model.>

I personally dont see any problem with it. I think she is just doing a skit, if you will, to entertain her fans. If she is really doing it for some religious purpose then I say so be it. I feel that it is time that the female form of divinity is acknowledged. I personally believe in the male and female form of divinity and that the female form should be equally revered in todays society. It seems that men are more dominating and alot of them that I have talked to say that they are domineering because that is the “christian way”. I feel that women have the right to be a little more domineering and showing that there is female divinity that is equal to its male counterparts.>

In all the controversy over Madonna’s cross, I never once heard a word about the background scenes of poverty in Africa. I watched a video clip of the offending event, but couldn’t see what was in the background. I can’t believe something so important would be left out. This changes the meaning of the stunt from self-aggrandization to political commentary on Africa’s plight. It’s still no less a publicity stunt, but at least it makes a statement about a real world issue. Who knows – it might actually spur some people into action, or at least get them to think about the problems Africa faces.>

I would be willing to bet that if DC Talk or some other popular Christian Rock group performed this same stunt, it would be applauded. I, for one, am very intrigued by Madonna’s use of imagery here, not only the use of the cross but other symbols from dominant world religions. Seems like she has grown up and got a cause and we’re still looking for “like a virgin” simplicity… this one is not so easily dismissed, not by thinking people, in my opinion.>

look the fact is madonna just likes controvesy. she’s too old to use sex to shock people, so she has to use other forms. religion has always been a topic she likes to go off on. so why not? well, she aint Christ, but you know, the romans did crucify other people besides Christ.>

I simply find it presumptious and kind of arrogant on her part, as if she is saying that she is personally being crucified. The images of African poverty don’t change it all for me, it just makes it all the more obnoxious, as if she suffered personally for the starving Africans.>

This is not about being a woman……. This is about someone who has no class and the values of a prostitute. This woman will stoop to any level for the shock and awe she seeks. I wish she would buzz off back to the States.>

I think Madonna’s problem is that she does not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Perhaps if she did she wouldln’t want to put the light on her instead of putting the light on Jesus. Just remember Madonna Jesus is the Lighthouse and His light will light forever. When your light go out, where are you Madonna, you’re in the dark. cmf>

I don’t see why everyone is so offended. Our society is so judgemental. It makes me sick. Madonna is a hardworking, intelligent performer, who knows how to play the game. I’ve been listening to her since second grade when I thought, Like a Prayer was actually about prayer. I don’t think that she just tries to shock and offend people. People need to think deeper. Madonna is not shallow, she is deep and she sends messages though her songs. She is a sort of musical philosopher but no one gets that because they are too busy being shocked or offended to actually see Madonna as she is, someone who despite any hardships in her life, made her way to the top. You people can judge her all you want. Does she like attention, of course, who doesn’t, everyone wants some attention. Some just want more than others. If you deny you want attention, your deceiving yourself, which is possibly the worst type of deception. Madonna is who she is say what you will but I think she is pretty remarkable.>

My, you people are vicious.>

Dear Donna: Thank you for your most interesting and well-written article about Madonna and the crucification. I have mixed feelings about Madonna representing christlike virtues of love and compassion. I find her action of crucification very insensitive and cruel. Although she is a talented song writer and performer, she does not embody the humanitarian gentleness of Jesus or his humility. Her sacrifice is not about Africa but her own personal greed and need for attention. I agree with you that the feminine aspect of God is needed and should be expressed. I feel Mother Theresa embodies more christlike qualities with a humble heart and a great soul of love and sacrifice. Mother Theresa gave of her heart. Another wonderful woman is Mother Hale of Hale House who took care of AIDS babies with love and devotion. To me, this is supreme christlike feminine beauty. Anyway, I loved your article and must thank you for sharing your feminine spirit and voice.>

Dear Donna: I forgot to sign>

I am not intersted in any of the emails you send me. If you continue to send them I will delete them like I have the other ones.>

Donna’s post also shows a lack of understanding as to what the Cross is. Nobody is excluded from it but all are called to carry it — not for their own glory but for God’s. The Cross is not a source of masculine or feminine divinity or any kind of earthly/human power. It’s not about “reclaiming” or any kind of earthly status. The Cross is a form of execution (and yes, we know others were killed on it but if it wasn’t for Jesus Christ’s death on it, only a few history scholars would know about it today, and Madonna would not be re-enacting it.) The only glory in the Cross is through the risen Christ through whom death has been defeated. Madonna will never defeat death no matter how many mock executions she takes part in. (And the starving African kids in the background — if the show were really about them, why not have them in the foreground? Why put Madonna who is not starving or a child or African in the forefront? Because this stunt is all about her, that’s why. She’s a philosopher of nothing but vanity and ego. If you want to learn anything from her, look at what she does and do the opposite. This is not a judgment of her. She may be a saint in her private life but in her public life, she teaches lies and uses the way of the Cross to promote these lies.>

Madonna on a cross? How about puta on a stick? Blatant sexism against this woman is revealed! Anyone who knows Spanish slang call tell you what “puta” means, and I find that remark very sexist and inappropriate for what should be an intelligent discussion. It is indeed very telling that the poster decided to remain anonymous. Coward!>

While it is certainly possible to question Madonna’s motivations (and like many people, I do), I think Donna Freitas’s main point–that regardless of why Madonna is getting up on the cross, she is creating a radical and profoundly important image by doing so–is unassailable. The fact is that if a controversial male pop star–say, George Michael–sang from the cross, there might be shock and condemnation, but *not* the same kind of vitriolic anger that Madonna’s act has generated, in the media or on this board. That vicious anger proves Donna’s point: that the image of a woman on the cross clashes in a violent and absolutely fundamental (and probably largely unconscious) way with our masculine concepts of the divine. The reason this issue matters so much is that, even in this modern age, men still derive so much of their societal power from these masculine portrayals of the divine. It’s not just about the shocking and overt misogyny of so many religious texts (how sad to hear men still excuse their domineering behavior by calling it “the Christian way,” Mary!). It’s about something more subtle: the power of images alone, presented relentlessly, to create an unalterable hierarchy. If Madonna’s act helps chip away at the exclusively masculine nature of divine imagery even a little–and I believe it does–then she is absolutely doing a service, not only to women, but to all of us who believe in a broader, more inclusive idea of equality. I applaud Donna for helping bring the symbolic importance of Madonna’s act (regardless of Madonna’s intentions) to the surface, and through Beliefnet and NPR, to so many thoughtful people.>

“our ability to imagine the divine is impoverished by the fact that we don’t allow for these images to embody gender differences.” Here is the problem. Jesus did not come to this earth to die on a blood soaked cross so that we might “imagine the divine”. He came to make the Father known and to pay for the sins of the world so that those who might believe would be saved. I look at it this way. If I want someone to describe a person to me, I will ask a someone who has meet them and knows them. Not someone who has fancified imaginations about what they may be like.>

its funny that we as humans (male and female) try to personify God as one of us. we try to put a new spin on the way we view God by saying Him or Her, God the Mother, or any number of combination of words to make God feminin or masculine. the solid truth is that God is not of this earth. He lacks the need to reproduce because He his the creator. He doesn’t have to assert His masculinity of femininity because He created both. Man and woman were created in the image of God. so why do we continue to fight over this? why must we make focus on the gender of the author of physics and nature and biology? there are many subjects involving the Almighty that are much more interesting than existence or gender. focus on the important. no wonder the rest of the world looks down on christianity. we can’t stop fighting with ourselves! ps: jesus was a man. biological fact, not opinion. jesus was also the original advocate for women’s rights, so why can’t we move on?>

If a man did the same thing, he’d be assailed every bit as strongly. Why is it if a man does something stupid and arrogant and gets called on it, it’s a critique. When a woman’s actions are criticized, however, the opposition is really only sexism, misogyny, etc. Madonna’s appropriation of the Cross is offensive. Period. If she were a man, it would still be offensive.>

Ilove Madonna’s Courage to exercise her right to expression and give the visual that all people need to see and be aware that there is room on the cross for her and not just him. I am grateful for this young ladies guts to show where we have been whether we like or not Nailed to a cross of labels, lies,and roles with little joy. Now since Madonna’s confession tour, we can all talk about our place in the divine plan in the open. We have all been to the cross in one way or another and she is free. Freedom of the spirit is what this is all about. This is an invitation for others to come off of the cross in life and live without fear to take charge of their journey without the fear of what comes from the mouths of people. He came to set the captives free and she is showing you how she is doing it. God Bless her!>

I DO LIKE SOME OF HER SONGS IF I DON’T HAVE TO LOOK AT HER. SHE’S AN EXABITIONIST! BUT THIS TIME I THINK SHE’S GONE TOO FAR. SHE IS A SICK COOKIE THAT WILL DO ANYTHING FOR ATTENTION. SHE HAS CERTAINLY CHANGED ANY GOOD THOUGHTS I HAD ABOUT HER. SHE ISN’T GOOD ENOUGH TO PORTRAY CHRIST ON THE CROSS. NO ONE IS, EXCEPT HIMSELF. GROW UP LADY,AND STOP TRYING TO SHOCK US ALL.>

It’s bizarre how Madonna comes up with various showmanship performance everytime. When I was a teenager I used to adore Madonna for her controversial acts. Now that I have grown up and in my thirtees, I simply think she is a bad example and a evil bondage. The recent acts she has put on are very daredevilish of her as I would say that if she dared to touch on other religion and depict them as what she has done to the Roman Catholic religion, she would probably be living in fear right now. Her acts would have been probably followed with demonstrations around the world and her head would be the most wanted item.All the Vatican could do is come up with a public outcry which eventually fell into deaf ears. Madonna should not sell concerts based on profits only, but on her own natural talents. The video playing of African poverty while she performs just shows how she manipulates peoples mind into thinking she has done good justice afterall. Sorry Madonna, I don’t buy your acts. It’s sad that the Western culture gives so much of artistic freedom, otherwise failing to see the implications. Laura>

I do not believe that God does not have a gender. God encompasses a variety of different characteristics that are considered both ” feminine” and “masculine.” But the Christ that died on the cross was a man, Period! So the issue here, in my opinion, has nothing to do with a woman portraying a crucifixion scene. I’d be equally offended if a man were to do the same. The crucifixion of Christ represents something of great importance to many people including myself, and for someone ( man or woman ) to make light of it and use it as a publicity stunt is what’s offensive. I am skeptical about her intended message was for this performance. Whether she was trying to make a socially-conscious point or simply make a mockery of the Christian faith I do not know. But if Madge really wants to spread awareness of poverty, She should have done something more subtle, less distracting.>

Madonna can express herself however she likes. For those who whine endlessly about how offended they are, consider this: the doctrines and practices of the Roman Catholic Church are deeply offensive to many people, including those who believe that the Vatican perverts the gospel with its superstitions. Does that make it okay for them to call the pope a “sick cookie?” This is about someone who has no class and the values of a prostitute. Christ hung around with these types more than he did the nasty, judgemental pharisees. And it was the sinners who welcomed him, not the righteous jerks.>

To say that Madonna is subversive is ludicrous, because a truly subversive act – like a public avowal of Jesus Christ – would hurt her career. Regardless of her intention the “crucifixion” is nothing more than a lame attention grabber.>

Alison: Jesus hung out with sinners and also called them to conversion. He didn’t hang around them saying “You’re okay. Go ahead and do what you want. Don’t ever change.” No. He came to call all of us away from sin, pharisees and lepers alike.>

Did I miss something here? Was this a religious gathering…or a pop music concert? I really don’t think anyone has a problem with believing in a Divinity that represents both the male and female, after all He created both. But, seriously, how many of you believe that Madonna is some kind of religious teacher that we need to look towards for guidence? She is a crass, over the hill, desperate to stay afloat, pop icon who’s time has come …and gone! Personally I am embaressed for her! MaggieMay61>

The Bible says to pray for those who persecute you and despitefully use you. If you feel that Madonna’s act is persecuting your beliefs and Jesus (as I do) then she needs your sincere love and prayers. Madonna needs your prayers-not your self-righteousness. She’s a performer that is answering to a supply and demand situtation. Fans pack her concerts because they WANT to see her outlandish, sacriligious acts. If fans didn’t show up, she’d change her act.>

Elmo, that’s no justification for the things you guys are saying about her. Way to change the subject…>

I still think that Madonna’s act is as insignificant now as it was when she first became famous – which was mostly for swearing and sexual innuendo with a little religious imagery thrown in. She does have a latent talent for self-publicity, though. Who can care that she stood on a glittery cross and why would it be any more significant than any other part of her stage act (now, or throughout her career)? It’s like oohing and ahhing over her change in hairstyle. Luna>

As Christians, I think we are outraged by the image of Madonna on the cross because we are offended by the thought that a woman who is “an exhibitionist” and has “the values of a prostitute” is pointing out our Christian obligation to help the less fortunate. Apparently, we don’t have a problem if someone like Mother Teresa tells us that “in Africa, 12 million children are orphaned each year by AIDS” but when someone who has not “repented of her past sexual sins” brings this up we brush her off and accuse her of having selfish intentions. The Bible is filled with exmaples of people who were thought “unworthy” to spread God’s message, but who, nonetheless, were called by Him to do it. Madonna may not appear to be a model Christian to us, but one does not have to be a saint in order to ask us to care for our brothers and sisters. What we should really be disgusted about is that we are not doing more to help those in Africa and around the world who so desperately need us. This should be the real outrage — that we, who claim to be live the gospel message, so easily forget his words, “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”>

I’m tough, ambitious, and I know exactly what I want. If that makes me a bitch, okay. – Madonna>

Who said a woman must imitate a man to be considered equal to a man? Doesn’t that turn us women into men, in a certain sense, or at least make us androgynous? I am not ashamed to be a woman and embrace my feminine traits and abilities. Some of these traits and abilities are different than the traits that are deemed “masculine”, but that doesn’t mean they have less worth. I may have black skin or white skin, but in either case I still am deserving of equal worth because I am a human being. As to women giving of themselves in self-sacrifice and suffering, isn’t that called pregnancy and childbirth? When is the last time a man spent 3/4ths of a year enduring such an intense degree of physical and emotional changes, discomforts, and at times hardships out of love for another (the baby), which also is a sacrificial giving for the greater society (creating and raising the next generation of the society)? I believe women need to recognize all that they are and all that they do intrinsically as women. They have worth in being women. By thinking they need to act and be like men to have equal worth, they give the impression that being a woman has less worth than a man.>

Catherine, you seem to think all women are (or should be) exactly the same. What a shame.>

“What we should really be disgusted about is that we are not doing more to help those in Africa and around the world who so desperately need us. This should be the real outrage — that we, who claim to be live the gospel message, so easily forget his words, “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” ” I fail to see how Madonna showing herself crucified draws attention to the plight of Africans. I doubt anyone is looking at the photos behind her.>

“What we should really be disgusted about is that we are not doing more to help those in Africa and around the world who so desperately need us. This should be the real outrage — that we, who claim to be live the gospel message, so easily forget his words, “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”" But in the end, it’s all about Madonna. I don’t believe for a second that people are paying attention to the photos in the background. And even if they are, what is the message: that Madonna is being crucified for the sake of the Africans? It’s self-indulgent, period.>

sorry for the souble post.>

I believe that Jesus Christ is Holy, righteous and blameless, and i love my saviour with all my heart, so please understand the visual depiction of Madonna on the cross did not sit well with me. The cross was all sparkling and flash ascended above the stage. But i just want to remind us all that there was nothing flash or sensational about that cross over 2000 yrs ago. That cross represents Jesus christ. It represents his sacrifice, his suffering and above all his love. Yes there is connection between the image of the cross and the suffering of those in Africa, because God is love, and he emphasises that our love be demonstrated in deeds and not just words.However I would have suggested that Madonna be actually seen actively helping to see Africa’s condition improve. That she behave so exemplary that it would embarras the passive non-concerned church than doing something so controversial and sensational, that it takes away from the real issue, which are those precious people of Africa. Truely her move was counter productive. Yes i am a Christian, and this is to all my bothers and sisters in Christ, if we don’t become more involved in bringing support and aid to these countries, and become forerunners in this attempt, then people like madonna will. And they will probably go about it all wrong, but those people in Africa do not care about how they get help, they just want help. And might add before the church condemn her, i call you to remember the love of God, and that Jesus died for her too.>

Madonna is wonderful i have no problems with her portraying the female aspects of god. she is a kabbalist they do worship the female aspect also not just the male. therefore madonna herself is a female aspect of god a goddess per her religious beliefs. The cross is not just a christian symbol it was stolen from the pagans and mistics way before christ was crusified on it.>

I think Madonna on the cross was tasteless. Now if she donated the concert towards the despair in Africa, or had people donate, I’d say it was to draw attention to their plight. But nah….I think it was because she wanted to shock the audience. Pitiful.>

Madonna, represents materialism, overt sexual behaviour, rudeness, uglyness, tasteless style, brainlessremarks, no morals or values. She only does something to gain something. Using the Lord as a cheap source of entertainment? How low can you go?! When she leaves the entertainment industry, we can all sigh a breath of relief and look out for real talent.>

Lets see, on the cross, to symbolize the suffering of the third world, this at the same time 450,000 people in Sudan are being executed in a nationwide genocide. I think that Madonna is reaching out to the needy, to heal the wounds of the world. That it is a woman on the cross, I think speaks to our times in a very important way. If the conservative right finds the cries of the children to be insulting, then I pray that Christ return to cleanse the temple once more.>

Having read many of the conservative rights post, I need to rant some more, 1) Christ was not a stoic, the first miracle of Christ was to turn water into wine. Christ in fact celebrated life 2) Christ associated with Prostitutes 3) Madonna has reached out to more children in need than probably anyone who has posted on this board. Do you really think street-kids are listening to the bible-belt? Wake-up already. So many here are quick to condemn Madonna for her immorality, why, because she has the courage to speak the truth? It sounds like it is the conservative right that has placed her on the cross.>

I think that she was mocking Jesus and just because she was raised catholic does not mean that she still is.Because if she was she would have respect for Jesus,which she clearly doesnt. When Jesus died on the Cross he died for the sins of the World and the blood he shed for us he did it out of love because if he did not die on the cross we would all be headed for hell. Madonna needs a personal relationship with Jesus because he is real and his power is real.>

Alone in your applause??? The image of a woman on the cross is, as you have pointed out, not unique. Your support of this imagery is also, sorry, not unique. Madonna s idea for the controversial cross stunt is five years too late. I saw a performance in Burlington Vermont (of all places) done by Jason Durocher five years ago. In this performance he was dressed as Madonna (the virgin saint, not the material girl) on a cross. The symbolism of his piece was a comment on church oppression, prescribed gender roles, and the male/female gay/straight divide.>

The problem is not Madonna, or any other woman, being on the cross. The problem is that Jesus Christ died on the cross in God’s will to save this sick sadistic world from it’s self-inflicted sinful nature. To make a mockery of the faith that 1/3 of the world ascribes to, no matter who is hanging on the cross, is dispicable. And to say that Madonna is not making “a religious statement” or that she is only doing a skit for her fans is ridiculous. Since when has Madonna not tried to make a “religious statement?” Every time she’s interviewed she talks about religion. Everytime an article is written about her, it mentions her religious affiliation. She is obsessed with making religious statements. The sad thing is that she could have been a pop-star with moderate interests and been just as popular. Now, she’s blasphemed God AND reduced herself to a shock-jock.>

Madonna tries over and over again to shock all of us with her antics while at the same time she presumes to be the Lady of the Manor in her country estate and writing children’s stories. I wonder if and when she will get it all together as she wanders to and fro searching for the God that she persistently offends over and over again. I have never been a madonna fan and it will be refreshing when she disappears into the setting entertainment sunset.>

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