How To Avoid Politics Theologically: A Lesson From Pope Leo

Last updated on: April 19, 2026 at 5:19 am By Alan Lechusza Aquallo

“Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful,” (1 Corinthians 4:2 NJKV). A battle of socio-religious proportions? A political argument where one is not willing to participate? The recent verbal jabs between Pope Leo XIV and President Trump have gained popular attention. However, the comments from Pope Leo are far from a discursive rebuttal to the president; what Pope Leo frames is a socio-religious political narrative of peace, aligned with Biblical truth and sovereign faith. What Did He Say? The Hill posted the following on April 13, Pope... Read more

Narrating the Power of Hope in Hip Hop from Afrika Bambaataa

Last updated on: April 13, 2026 at 8:03 pm By Alan Lechusza Aquallo

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 NJKV). One of Hip Hop’s most prominent voices died this past week. Afrika Bambaataa (aka Lance Taylor) died on Thursday, April 9, at the age of 68 years old due to cancer. This is a clear and present rupture in the foundation of Hip Hop culture. Afrika Bambaataa’s main points throughout his life were Peace, Love, Unity, and Have Fun, which are all bound together through Hope. It is this latter point, Hope, that became the catalyst through... Read more

Judaism, Islam, and Christianity: Celebrating Faith In Sound

Last updated on: April 6, 2026 at 4:52 pm By Alan Lechusza Aquallo

“But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love” (Psalm 33:18 NKJV). At this sensitive time, the overlap of the Jewish Passover and Christian Easter is central. The nexus of these interconnected religions remains in controversy. Pope Leo speaks out against the issue, crossing the lines of religion and politics, and global pop culture searches desperately to find a firm foothold in the turbulence of socio-political issues. At... Read more

Want To Be King For A Day? Learning From The Thompson Twins

Last updated on: March 29, 2026 at 5:19 am By Alan Lechusza Aquallo

“The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: ‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever’” (Revelation 11:15 NKJV). On Saturday, March 28, 2026, the third “No Kings Day” rally took place across the United States and abroad. The media projected that this was the largest single-day organized event demonstrating opposition to socio-political issues facing Americans. While... Read more

A Faithful, Killer Roundhouse Kick! Remembering Chuck Norris

Last updated on: March 23, 2026 at 12:35 pm By Alan Lechusza Aquallo

“When Chuck Norris arrived at the gates of Heaven, St. Peter showed his ID to Chuck Norris” (Ian Spector, Chuck Norris Facts, 2005). “Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool” (Proverbs 19:1 KJV). The legendary martial artist Chuck Norris died on Thursday, March 19, at the age of 86 years old. Only a week earlier, Norris was celebrating his birthday. The now-famous line coming from that proverbial day... Read more

Where’s the Beat? Claiming Pop Christian Music As Pop Music

Last updated on: March 15, 2026 at 11:30 am By Alan Lechusza Aquallo

Pop Hip Hop has strong implications. The “Pop,” when listed as a proper term, gives credit to a firm establishment of a genre. When listed in the diminutive “pop,” most understand this as a subgenre. Hip Hop holds a similar position with the title reference. When reading Christian Hip Hop, the application of contemporary theomusicological discourse is necessary. The core elements of theomusicology must be engaged: personal testimony, discipleship, evangelism, biblical-centered lyrics/text, community, and activism. Without the involvement of the... Read more

Good news! God made me funky! Headhunters and Jamiroquoi

Last updated on: March 8, 2026 at 5:21 am By Alan Lechusza Aquallo

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Reading pop music through a theomusicological lens might seem a bit difficult. One might ask, “How can a song not meant to have a religious perspective be heard with a religious perspective?” Good question. Fortunately, pop culture offers works, from time to time, that are a bit easier to understand theomusicologically. The foundations of contemporary theomusicology are discipleship, evangelism, biblically-centered text/lyrics, personal testimony, community, and activism. When listening to a song, either from pop culture (secular) or... Read more

Apologetics In Pop Music: A Theomusicological Reading

Last updated on: March 1, 2026 at 5:56 am By Alan Lechusza Aquallo

Protest music is not limited to the street. The sounds of the People have been ringing through worship for over a millennium. “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15 NKJV). Contemporary popular music (read: pop music) can function not only in a secular, non-faith-based culture,... Read more

How Hip Hop Remembers Jesse Jackson: Life As Scripture

Last updated on: February 21, 2026 at 2:42 am By Alan Lechusza Aquallo

“The end of all things is near. Therefore, be clear-minded and sober, so that you can pray. Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without complaining” (1 Peter 4: 7–9 NLT). The revered Jesse Jackson was a prolific example to multiple communities. His reach surpassed the political arena where he was most noted. The voice and message of Jesse Jackson contributed to the cultural evolution and message of... Read more

Bad Bunny or Kid Rock?: Evangelism At The “Big Game” Show

Last updated on: February 14, 2026 at 5:16 am By Alan Lechusza Aquallo

As one invested in musicology/theomusicology as a discursive practice to understand and escalate a credible value of expressive culture, the “Big Game” halftime show on February 8, 2026, offers a yearly opportunity to indulge in critical analysis. This year, 2026, was of particular interest. The mainstay “Big Game” halftime show is predictable. However, this year, Turning Point USA offered an “alternative” halftime show, named “The All-American Halftime Show.” The title contextualizes an assumption that the alternative entertainment show provided by... Read more

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