As
an official start to my blog I will outline my intentions with the
blog title as it relates to my impressions of the second lecture.
Last
week's lecture was my official introduction to Christianity and
Popular Culture and I am definitely excited to dive into something
very new to me. My first lecture became an official realization of
how Christianity is a major part of popular culture and how Christian
images and references are found in many forms within our society and
culture. This awareness has helped me realize how the image and
message of Christ has lived on over the centuries, and how He
continues to be a large influence. That is where my idea of
the original superstar stemmed from.
What
is a Superstar?
According
to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a superstar
is defined as “a
star (as in sports or the movies) who is considered extremely
talented, has great public appeal, and can usually command a high
salary”[1].
Already, one can connect the meaning of a superstar to Christ by
examining the impressions He has left on the world. Although Jesus
does not meet the criteria of “commanding a high salary” or being
a sport or movie star, He attains the charisma, global appeal, and
talent that continues to leave an impression today. Jesus'
image is known world wide and His teaching are continually studied
and preached year after year. Jesus, in my opinion, was the beginning
of celebrity for He is known everywhere and by everyone. He was the
first global celebrity.
One
major element that the Merriam-Webster definition does not include
when defining the word “superstar” is someone who has a large
public following and influences society or individuals. Today, people
are highly influenced by celebrities. Celebrities are people that
everyday individuals idolize. Kanye West, who was discussed in
lecture, is a superstar for he has an enormous influence in the music
world. His talent, which has been critically acclaimed numerous
times, has sparked a public following; people buy his CDs, go to his
concerts, and buy his clothing line. His influence is enormous and
people truly idolize his talent and status.
So
as a major superstar of our time, who is Kanye West's influence?
Jesus! Through Kanye's lyrics, videos, and even jewelery pieces, he
makes it clear that Christ is a very important influence within his
life. Jesus is such a superstar that celebrities of our time, and
decades past, have referenced- either through lyric, images, script,
or video- Him.
An
interesting reality...
Today,
I walked into my brother's bedroom and he had a painting of Kanye
West and Jesus' Cross on his side table (photo provided below). I
thought it was very interesting to see both these influences
together, showing how Jesus, after centuries, still has the same
influence as a celebrity from our time.
Jesus
is definitely the original superstar, withstanding the test of time.
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