Remembering Michael Jackson: the Accused, the Musician, the Entertainer, the Man, the "Legend"

One of my first complete memories I have of Michael Jackson is when I was a "tween." My brother, sister, dad and I went to K-Mart to pick up some things and as we walked in they handed my dad a raffle ticket telling him to listen for our number to be called to win free merchandise. As we were wrapping up our trip they announced they would be giving away Michael Jackson's newest album (as in "record" that played on a turntable) "Bad." My brother, sister and I were thrilled (no pun intended) beyond words and begged our dad to stay long enough to see if we'd won the album. Very, very, very reluctant (and tired), my dad stayed as an act of love to his children. As the K-Mart employee read aloud the numbers for the album I'm sure they could hear the squeals from 3 anxious children from the back of the store as one by one we heard our raffle ticket's numbers announced. "WE WON!! WE WON!!" we yelled as we tried to sprint to the front of the store to claim our prize. As soon as we got home my dad allowed us to listen to the album and we danced and stomped our feet and snapped our fingers as the record spun.

Some other shameless confessions: I used to wear a generic, sparkling glove that I got from another album ("Thriller," I think) on one hand as I rode my bike to school; I always wanted one of those red, leather jackets with all the silver zippers (though very glad now, fashion-wise, that my parents never got me one!); like many other kids, my brother and I tried often to mimic Michael Jackson's moves (especially his Moonwalk) as we'd sing and dance to his music; my wife (also like many children) tried to copy his Thriller choreography with friends. I was (and I guess I am, still, to an extent) a fan of Michael Jackson's.

Today was the memorial of the now dead King of Pop. Many during the memorial spoke of the accusations he faced (making note of his being found innocent, despite many sketchy and questionable details) and spoke of him as a victim, in a sense, of undeserved public scrutiny. Many paid tribute to MJ, the musician and consummate entertainer. Some sang a selection of his songs. Some recalled memories of his life and career. Many laughed, many recollected their own memories of his music in their lives... many cried.

Of all the things spoken about and shared during his tribute/memorial, the two things that stood out the most to me were:

1. The frequent references to God, especially in Smokey Robinson's and Marlon Jackson's speeches. Both men not only spoke of God (which is not unusual in a memorial service), but the hope found in Him in life and death. Marlon even shared with the audience that "the Lord has a purpose for everything, and sometimes we just can't see it or understand it. But it will be made clear to us when we reach that ultimate, ultimate reward of being in His presence. And Michael you are right there... you have finished your work here on earth and the Lord has called you home with Him." While there is much confusion to me as to Who exactly the Jackson family believes God to be and how one might go about knowing Him or being able to enter heaven in death, Marlon's eloquent speech was a very fitting reminder for all people about the sweet hope that is found in that "ultimate reward" of being in God's presence one day (and what an amazing reward that truly will be!).
2. The finale, of sorts, where children, entertainers, family and friends gathered on stage and sang "We Are the World" and a beautiful rendition of "Heal the World." As they sang of the violence in the world and religious struggle seen across the globe, popular religious symbols appeared on the screen in the background as if to encourage coexistence among varying religions. While I believe it is perfectly reasonable to hope that all religions could (should) be able to leave peacefully together, I would hope that any true worshipper of God knows it is impossible for religions that teach very different messages to agree on their primary message of who God is, how to have a relationship with him (or them in some religions), what heaven is and how one might go there after death. For more on that, see my blog post on whether or not religions can truly "coexist." Here is the video from the Memorial of these songs:
   

Regardless of what anyone's opinion is of Michael Jackson (believe me - I'm not entirely sure where I stand, either), one thing is for sure: he was a force in the entertainment world (for whatever that is truly worth). The only entertaining figure that I can think of that might rival him is Elvis Pressley. While he'll never be a legend in my book (the only people who are legends in my book are my father, mother, brother, sister, wife and children), I am grateful for his music and the memories I hold of my family as we listened and danced to his music when I was growing up. That being said, he was a man... no different than me or any other person. Now that his time is "up," so-to-speak, his music may live on, but Who he truly believed (and worshipped) God to be is all that matters now. I pray he truly knew God as his family believed he did and that Romans 10:9-10 was the testimony of his heart and life.

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A Crash and a Death in Heaven on Earth

My wife and I are major fans of Disney, aka "the happiest place on earth," aka "heaven on earth". Despite the existential and often naturalistic worldviews in their movies (most of which we do not agree with), few companies truly seek to create the illusion of magic and happiness for children and families. Being former "Cast Members" (employees) of the Disney Company my wife and I witnessed first hand the lengths the company goes to (and the freedom it gives its cast members/employees to) help create a magical experience for families as well as the amount of money they spend to help terminally ill children and their families, as well as underprivileged children.

In the theme parks characters abound, the aroma of delicious food and desserts fill the air, laughter can be heard around every corner, smiles are never in short supply and families (usually) walk happily together enjoying each others company. Millions of people every year flock to Disney theme parks around the world for a sense of escape from routine, hurt, reality and more. They seek a little taste of magic. A little joy in a broken world.

I guess this is why a tragic weekend monorail crash in Walt Disney World (Orlando) seemed so shocking. While this is not the first accident or death in the "happiest place on earth," it is just another reminder that brokenness, loss and hurt extend even into the land of the magic-makers. Despite its illusion of magic and happiness, or "perfection" as one visitor was reported as saying, it is still only a theme park that creates illusions of grandeur and majesty. An illusion is only a facade; an impression of reality. There is but one place perfection truly exists. One place where hurt does not exist and there is no brokenness. As much as we enjoy our little escapes from the reality of a broken world, this incident reminds us there is but one Heaven...

I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children. I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the world will enter the city in all their glory. Its gates will never be closed at the end of day because there is no night there. And all the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city. Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. (Revelation 21:3-7, 22-27)

PARENTS: As heartbreaking as this tragedy is, you can use this as a way of facilitating a conversation about illusion (magic) and True Perfection (God, heaven, etc.). Read your teen/child the passage about heaven and discuss ways we try to duplicate that here on earth. Discuss also how no matter how good we do at creating the illusion of perfection there is but one God, one heaven and one salvation.

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Peter Pan, Harold and a Crayon and Heaven

Without research or case studies I think the primary reason people cling to stories of the imagination is to escape. I’m not necessarily a fan of “escapism” through television, movies, books, etc., but I do understand (and often times enjoy thoroughly) the allure and joy found in a world of imagination and creativity.

I think there are several reasons why stories that challenge our imaginations are so popular and enjoyable:

• Deep inside I believe there is something in all of us that desires to live in a world without the present issues or pain (the Bible even says that all of creation “groans” for it, Rev. 8:22). Imaginary worlds typically try to escape those issues or create a hero to restore it to its intended paradise.
• We love creativity and uniqueness. Imaginary worlds allow us to explore creative ideas and looks. God created a world with so much color, creativity, and diversity. Seeing that beauty intrigues us to want to see and know more… to imagine the heavenly.
• We love heroes and saviors. We like it when good conquers evil and hope is abundant. Even though many recent movies and video games put audiences in the position of embracing evil (such as the video game series “Grand Theft Auto”) or questioning what is really evil (such as the movie “Watchmen”), few would truly enjoy a world of pure anarchy (such as the one the Joker tries to create in “The Dark Knight”). Imaginary worlds allow us to play out in our minds the victory of good over evil, light over dark.
• We despise the consequence of sin. We despise the results of our own decisions. Imaginary worlds allow us to imagine what life would be like if such consequences did not exist. Much like God desired in the beginning when He created the Universe. There was no sin, no pain, no punishment, just the pleasure of life in God’s presence.

“Peter Pan” (my all time favorite children’s story) tells the tale of the boy who wouldn’t grow up. In an enchanted world (Neverland) Peter, the hero, fought the evil Pirates, lived how he wanted, didn’t have responsibilities, flew, crowed and looked for adventure with the Lost Boys. It was the life and life wasn’t going to change because Peter never had to grow up. This is our greatest desire – a life without responsibility, pressure, pain or consequences…

HOWEVER…

…this is not our reality. We imagine as an escape, but like Harold (from “Harold and the Purple Crayon”) when the adventure’s over we are right back at “home” in our reality. We cannot truly escape reality… we can only await eagerly a day and time when what is anticipated becomes reality. Our imaginations are simply our reminder that we hope and look forward to something grander and more magnificent… something heavenly…

I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” And [Christ] sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” (Rev. 21:3-5)

What a grand anticipation, indeed!

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NOTE: Photo is borrowed from http://www.flickr.com/photos/jcorduroy/2642110233/
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Should/Can All Religions Coexist?

Yesterday my wife and I were driving home from a weekend trip to the beach (awesome trip!) and we saw the above bumper sticker with various religious symbols arranged to spell the word “COEXIST” (maybe you’ve seen, or even own, one of these bumper stickers). “Bumper sticker theology” (the art of expressing one’s theology on a bumper sticker) is a particularly favorite topic of mine for various reasons, but that’s a topic for another day. This particular “theology” bumper sticker got me thinking: “What do they mean by ‘Coexist’?”

#1 Keep believing what you believe, but don’t be hatefully judgmental toward those who believe differently?

OR…

#2 Find that all religions are seeking the same thing and agree that we are all on the same team?

If it is the first statement, then I agree. Yes, there are dramatic differences in belief systems, but to be hateful or spiteful is reprehensible!

However, while I think the first option is part of the package, I think the intention of the sticker is more of a theological statement (#2). Theological in that it attempts to say more about God than any of the religions on the bumper sticker teach.

To say that all religions are virtually the same is absolutely incorrect. If they were, there would be no conversation since all religions would teach the same thing: “Coexist.”

• Buddhism doesn’t teach that belief in Jesus alone is the only way to heaven (“enlightenment”), therefore, those two cannot reconcile their differences theologically.

• Judaism doesn’t teach the only way to heaven is to become one with everything (“enlightened”); therefore those two cannot reconcile their differences theologically.

• Islam doesn’t teach that life is an endless cycle of reincarnation; therefore it and Hinduism cannot reconcile their differences theologically.
  

• Christianity doesn’t teach anyway to heaven is fine as long as you believe in something; therefore it and any religion that teaches that cannot reconcile their differences theologically.

So now what do we do? There are only three options:

Either

Only one of them can be correct.

Or

Pretend that they match up (or make them match up by distorting various parts of them) by making up your own religion and blending the religions.

Or

Make up your own religion from scratch.

The major problem with the second and third options, however, is that neither would be truly credible because it would make the one blending/making up the religions god (since they would be the one making the rules).

I applaud the intention of the people who designed the Coexist sticker, but unfortunately it is not a realistic possibility (from a theological standpoint). However, this does not mean that a royal, religious rumble ought to take place among the various faiths, either. For most of the faiths mentioned, such hatred actually goes against their basic teachings.

Theologically speaking - we have come to a fork in the road. What do we do???

Simple (yet life altering):

a choice must be made.

NOTE: I always welcome dialogue, so feel free to leave any related comments!!! Please be respectful!

Until next time…

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