“Depeche Mode’s ‘Personal Jesus’: Preaching to the Masses” is the third in the series of analyzing pop culture through a critical Christian lens. The first reviewed George Michael’s “Faith.” The second in the series addressed Tori Amoss’s song “God.” “Personal Jesus” – Depeche Mode, Official Video The remastered version A Personal Jesus? According to Martin Gore, who is cited in “Pop a la Mode” (Vol. 6, no. 4) , the songwriter for the track, “It’s a song about being a... Read more
This is the second in the series that started with the article on “Faith” by George Michael. In this article, “God” by Tori Amos is critiqued on how the work expresses faith and understanding a personal connection with God. 1994 may not stand out to most, but some events helped shape pop culture for the next generation. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was established, Schidnler’s List wins seven Oscars Awards, Kurt Cobain and Jacquline Kennedy Onassis pass away,... Read more
This is the first in a two-part series working through a faith-based/Christian critique of pop music. The focus of this article is “Faith” by George Michael. Why discuss the song (1987) “Faith” by George Michael? This track has been used in the television series House (season 6, episode 9), covered by Limp Bizkit (1998), and hovers in the halls of the late ’80s pop culture. The tour d’ force at the time in pop music drew on hyper-sexualized references and... Read more
September 25, 2017. The date may not stand out to most. For others, this was the beginning of a new era in the repertoire of The Big Band Theory. The quirky cast of adults were soon to enter their final episode (May 16, 2019) and so began the prequel, Young Sheldon. The show ran for 7 seasons ending on October 17, 2024. The series took viewers through the adolescence of Sheldon Cooper (voice of Jim Parson), a main character... Read more
Few Christian Hip Hop artists can connect the lyrical poetics of both roots of Hip Hop and Christian doctrine. Bizzle stands out as an example of this process. Framing his work on his personal/spiritual/ministry philosophy of “God Over Money,” Bizzle situates his work at the intersection of these fruitful elements. Staging his testimony as the backdrop of his work, Bizzle functions at the core principles of Christian Hip Hop: testimony, scripture-centered, discipleship, and evangelism. Flowing comfortably between trap Hip Hop... Read more
Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians, “What I Am” “Really? Is That What You Are?” Reading Edie Brickell The song has a catchy rhythm, I’ll give it that. The lyrics are simple enough to follow and sing along to almost immediately. A good idea for a pop song. The band has an interesting name, “New Bohemians.” It’s just vague enough not to question, yet intriguing enough to make fans feel connected to a spirit of adventure. Was the song a... Read more
The Cross Movement: A Soundtrack of Faith and Authenticity When all else fails, go back to the root. For me, that’s my study of Hip Hop culture. Placing a critical analysis on Christian/faith-based Hip Hop is particularly interesting. I’m drawn to the intersections of pop culture, Hip Hop culture, and how Christian/faith-based Hip Hop artists use this expressive culture for representation and criticism. The well is never dry. In recent months, inner controversies have existed in the Christian/faith-based Hip Hop... Read more
So You Want To Write a Grunge-style Christian Song? Going to battle for your faith is not a new prospect. There are multiple stories in Christianity where this action takes place. To “wear the armor of God,” is more than a metaphor. It holds full value with a faith-based core. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything,... Read more
To Be A Kumare?: A Socio-Religious Critique of Kumare An Abject Expression Vikram Ghandi took on the personality of “Kumare,” a fictitious guru who led non-believers toward a sense of enlightenment and personal transformation vis-a-vis his Hindi religious-social-cultural background. Framing this pseudo character, Kumare, against a stereotype of East Indian culture, Vikram was, then, able to translate a fashioned religious identity ambivalent of the space-place of a personal conscious identity. Marketed mainly to non-East Indian consumers, the Kumare character opens... Read more
Bustin’ Bizzle and Savvy Sanders, Christian Hip Hop and Culture Christian Hip Hop, culture, and contemporary apologetic philosophy There’s no easy way to put it, Christian Hip Hop – or Gospel Rap as some like to coin – is a fruitful and intriguing faith-based socio-political agent for doctrine and apologetic discourse. To start this new writing I wanted to share artists that may be overlooked or have coasted under the radar for a bit too long. Combining Christian and conscious... Read more
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