The Late Fight for MJ's Soul
Since the passing of Michael Jackson on June 25, 2009 everyone has taken stock in their personal connection to him. Those who were fans remembered the music that helped bind them. Those with a heart of a humanitarian admired him for what he so willingly gave to the hurting and impoverished. The artistic honored him for the paths he blazed in video, music, dance, and fashion. Even advocates for our most innocent, our children, weighed in on the injustice they believed his freedom from prosecution meant. With all the banter about how this larger than life figure affected the entire world and forever changed popular culture, the religious community was determined to find their place in the conversation. To say “the religious community” would be an over-statement. The church sought to find their place in the MJ dialogue. Blogs emerged, news items surfaced, and rumors swirled about the salvation of Michael Jackson. Christians wanted to say emphatically “God called him home” and claim the soul of the King of Pop for the King of Kings. In the end, Michael Jackson’s acceptance of Jesus as his Lord and Savior was never confirmed. While it has been public knowledge his mother raised the Jacksons as Jehovah Witnesses, recent facts point to his conversion to Islam. After his acquittal in 2005, Michael himself gave praise to Allah. Whatever was offered publicly by Michael or his family concerning his relationship with God, I am reminded of the numerous times I stood in acceptance of Jesus as my Savior, asking Him to wash me… AGAIN. In the end we know it to be a heart matter that none of us are qualified to judge. My question is why do we, as the body of Christ desire to find an answer? He is gone and no amount of tracts, sermons, or witnessing will save his soul now. Is it that we are interested in securing the world’s top names for the promotion of the kingdom? Do we need a poster child for Christianity to appease our idol desires? Perhaps the extreme energy given towards this late fight for Michael’s soul can be re-directed toward compelling those who may die tomorrow never knowing Christ.
It is very obvious why Christians are trying to put MJ into heaven, it is called respect of person. Obvious is the word that comes to mind with regard to the way many Christians operate. In example as soon as an r&b singer makes a "gospel song" the doors in the Christian field swing wide open. However for the no name Christian who is putting out music and living the life behind the music, it is a known fact that they will probably never be accepted by his/her supposed brothers and sister who call themselves "Christians". Everyone wants to be attached to a name in order to make themselves look important. I too love MJ and pray that he got himself right with God before he closed his eyes, however, NEWS FLASH, if he didn't, no radio dj, tv host or christian have control over the fact that if he did not accept the Lord Jesus Christ as his savior, it's too late now.
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You sound like an artist that is a bit frustrated with the process. I do understand. I have come across many and helped many angry with the system as it is. But I can say having done this radio thing for some 15+ years that name comes after relationship. There have been many secular artists that presented music for gospel radio that were not embraced. Kelly Price had one gospel hit but released multiple songs. There was a song from Fantasia that only became a uTube hit and was never picked up by radio. Even Seal wanted something added and there was no love. There was not a relationship in place that would open those doors. Radio is arrogant enough to believe we make the names so with the right relationship an unknown artist can get in the door and become known. Then the name helps carry you further. Interestingly enough, what I am saying is right in line with the word. Once you establish a relationship with Christ then as His child there are benefits to using His name. But the relationship must come first. I too hope Michael Jackson had a relationship with Christ. His name alone will not get him in heaven.
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