I know everyone is not Christian on this site and that what makes it such a wonderful place to be because I can be who I am without someone judging me and you can be who you are without me or someone else judging you.
I posted a link to an article on my blog written about my church doing a small tribute to Michael Jacksons Music influence. We took 3 songs changed some words around and turned them into gosepl and my Pastor preached a life changing sermon that dealt with our inner and hidden issues in life.
Take a look at the last 2 post and let me know what you think. There are no wrong answers it's your opinion.
NappturallySpeaking.blogspot.com
I doubt...
...that any African-American who has been exposed to mainstream music can avoid some connection to Michael Jackson's work. Whether or not such things are to be celebrated in the pulpit is up to the church and all who attend. Seems like you all had a great time! Thanks for sharing.
Very Nice!!
I grew up in church........by traditional baptist parents. So, some of the things they taught me are still with me and will be with me forever. However, as I have grown, changed and embraced my true self, I have some thoughts and ideas tht don't necessarily agree with what I was originally taught. Having said that, if your pastor was in agreement with the tribute, then no one has the right to question it. He provides the spiritual leadership for your church and he has the right and responsibility to make sure things are done descently and in order. Michael was a tourtured genious, but his work and legacy should be respected, cherished and preserved.
I have a strong appreciation for what your church did. Some of the same people complaining are probly jammin' to some of his music right now. LOL!!!!
Peace to you on YOUR journey!!
Afrolady
Haha!!! That is mad creative!!!
I hadn't read the song lyrics because I couldn't find them, but from what I read of your pastor's sermon (which I thought is very appropriate because MJ was a very spiritually tortured man, I think his death was a real tragedy) to what songs your church has chosen, I think anyone who would take offense to it is tripping. Blues and Soul came from the old Spirituals..and Gospel came from Blues and Soul so what is any difference for some Pop songs coming back to church???
A lot of people, including me, have different opinions on what is sacred and what is profane. Personally, I don't think changing one or two words around to make a song appropriate for church would profane the sanctity of church, or profane the message of the song. At least not in the respect, of what songs you chose. "Man in the mirror" and "Do you remember the time" are both songs about self-reflection so changing them to make it match for what you were talking about in church, doesn't really change the intention of the song. (it does make me want to see the lyrics because whoever wrote them had to be pretty genius!!) :)
Now that I think about it, you have rappers sampling Curtis Mayfield or Marvin Gaye and make songs that completely are contrary to what the original artist's message...so I'd say the person is trying to throw stones when they have no basis of judging.