With the recent death of Michael Jackson, the phenomenon of celebrity worship is on display in all of its strange glory. Fans around the globe are experiencing soul-shaking grief and shedding a flood of tears at the passing of the King of Pop.
Vigils have cropped up in worldwide cities, attracting thousands of Jackson fans who have gathered to console one another. One news organization even reported that some Jackson devotees have committed suicide in response to the singer's untimely death. "I now believe the figure is 12" [the number of suicides], Gary Taylor, president of an online Michael Jackson fan club, told Sky News.
I have long sought to understand why some people worship at the altar of celebrity. And, while I don't know if I yet have a handle on it, I do have a theory that might help to explain why celebrity worship is a reality.
It was the 17th-century writer Blaise Pascal who said, "Inside of every man there is a God-shaped vacuum that only God can fill." Of course, I happen to believe the French philosopher's premise is correct. That said, if God is not filling an individual's spiritual vacuum, the individual will seek to fill it with something or someone else.
Pascal's premise helps to understand why some people are workaholics or obsessed with a hobby. It even might help to explain why some pursue alcohol, drugs or sex with wild abandon. It also helps to grasp how many people fixate on a celebrity as an object of worship.
A life that is void of purpose and meaning seeks fulfillment in emotional experiences. And celebrities -- especially those in entertainment and in particular those in music -- seem to provide the most powerful emotional stimulus.
"Celebrities tap into the public's primal fantasies and basic emotions, lifting people from their everyday lives and making them believe anything is possible," John Lucas, clinical assistant professor of psychology at Weill Cornell Medical College, was quoted as telling HealthDay News.
"What we know of them [celebrities] through People magazine and other media sources fills a gaping and painful void in our lives," Lucas added.
I am of the opinion that entertainment, as a whole, has achieved religion status. And, like the Greek pantheon of old, entertainers are the gods who are worshiped.
The parallels between celebrity worship and that of religion, in general, are many.
First there is the investment of time devoted to worship and/or education. Most religions expect that adherents will spend some amount of time attending worship services and learning the faith's tenants. The more devoted the worshiper, the more time he or she is likely to invest.
A celebrity worshiper invests time listening to the music of his or her god, attending concerts or watching movies. More time is spent reading about the "god" in celebrity magazines.
Most religions expect followers to give money to help support the work of the religion. The same is true in celebrity worship. It costs quite a bit to connect with celebrity deities. Music costs money. Concerts cost money. Memorabilia that proves the worshiper's devotion cost money. It is easy to see that celebrity worship does not come cheap.
Religions offer a sense of community. This is achieved via commitment to a common belief and also through shared experiences. Celebrity worshipers' sense of community comes from the belief that his or her "god" is the absolute best. Add to the belief the shared experience of attending concerts, listening to the same music or watching the same movies and you have community.
Religions also promote a set of shared values among followers. The same is true with celebrity worship. There is an understanding that certain values are accepted and agreed upon, morality notwithstanding.
Perhaps it is because of the talent the celebrity possesses -- talent that escapes mere mortals -- that celebrity worshipers elevate entertainers to almost god status. The celebrity is above the common man and to be in his or her presence is to be "blessed."
"For the most part, star status conveys a sense of immortality and invincibility," Lucas, the psychology professor, said, "and we are shocked when they die"
Michael Jackson was a gifted and exceptional performer, but like all entertainers he was -- and is -- mortal. Celebrity worship is fueled by people trying to fill the God-shaped vacuum that exists inside them -- a vacuum that can only be filled by Jesus Christ.
Source: Baptist Press
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IN GOD WE TRUST
FATHER GOD SEND REVIVAL, AND LET IT START WITH ME"
I Do pray For Gelao of China . In The Name Of Jesus Christ, & Pray for CANADA Please In The Name Of Jesus Christ.
Jesus gave special attention and care for the people he met along his life journey. If you are in need of some special care, Jesus Christ and his Church are there for you.
In Matthew 25:31, Jesus demonstrates his compassion for individuals in need when he speaks of the importance of giving care to the stranger, the sick, and those in prison. The Church has been sent by Jesus to minister to the needs of those who were hungry, thirsty and naked. "As you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me," Matthew 25:40.
In The Name Of jesus Christ I Pray For, Parents, Parents of. Young Childrens, Teens, Older Teens and Young Adults
Pray for Denmark, & China, & German , & Pray For USA. In The name Of Jesus christ. Pray For All USA Mothers. & Daddys. & Grainmama & GrainFathers To Get Save In The name Of Jesus christ. As there Saver
Pray For Iran In The Name Of Jesus christ.Prays for President Obama and Wife, & Children’s and his new administration. Your efforts will work powerfully in our nation. In The Name of Jesus Christ
Pray For Israel & Jews… Pray For Mother In Israel. "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved"
Pray For USA Mothers, & russians women, Pray For Muslim Women To, Please. Pray For Working Mothers, Pray For Singel Mothers, & Singel Great GrainMother. Will Have Peace in There Heart. Mothers Who Do Not Know U As There Saver Salvation Will Get Saved In The Blood Of Jesus Christ
If my people...
who are called by my name will humble
themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways,
then...
I will hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14
Pray for Your Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ:
The Apostle Paul gives us two prayer examples of what to pray for regarding the Body of Christ in Ephesians 1:15-23 and 3:14-21. Pray these prayers for your Church Leaders, your Brothers and Sisters in Christ, and for yourself.
God promised Abraham He will bless those who blessed him and curse those who curse him. This promise was not only for Abraham, but for all of his covenant descendants - the Jewish people. Pray that our leaders will make the correct decisions to make our country a blessing to Israel. Also, Christians need to pray that the nation of Israel will recognize the Lord Jesus Christ as their Messiah and Savior, that they will have peace and success, and that they will possesses the land that God has promised them. (Genesis 12:2-3, 15:18-21, 17:8, 17:21, 22:15-18, Deuteronomy 30:2-5)
Pray For World Homeless Families. & Please Pray For Homeless Women to… In The Name of Jesus Christ & all There health Problem In The Name Of Jesus Christ
Pray For In The Name Of Jesus Christ
Prays for President Obama and Wife, & Children’s and his new administration. Your efforts will work powerfully in our nation.
Attorney General
—Eric Holder
Secretary of State
—Hillary Clinton
Chief of Staff
—Rahm Emanuel
Chair, Council of Economic Advisers
—Christina Romer
President: George W. Bush
Vice-President: Richard Cheney
Secretary of State: Colin L. Powell
Secretary of Treasury: Paul O'Neill
Secretary of Defense: Donald Rumsfeld
Attorney General: John Ashcroft
Secretary of the Interior: Gale Norton
Secretary of Agriculture: Ann Veneman
Secretary of Commerce: Donald L. Evans
Secretary of Labor: Elaine Chao
Secretary of Health and Human Services: Tommy Thompson
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development: Mel Martinez
Secretary of Transportation: Norman Mineta
Secretary of Energy: Bill Richardson
Secretary of Education: Rod Paige
Secretary of Veteran Affairs: Anthony Principi
Supreme Court Justices:
William H. Rehnquist (Chief Justice)
David Souter
Sandra Day-O'Connor
Clarence Thomas
Anthony Kennedy
Antonin Scalia
Steven Breyer
John P. Stevens
Ruth Bader Ginsberg
Pray For In The name Of Jesus Christ. FINANCIAL:
Banks, lending institutions, insurance companies, mints, gold and silver mining, pawn shops, stock exchanges. Real estate sales, surveyors, title companies,
MILITARY:
Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard. Shipbuilding, aircraft manufacturing, weapons manufacturing,
THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY:
Motion pictures, amusement parks, video games, most television programming, zoos, sports equipment, professional team sports,
In The Name of jesus Christ Pray For... Prayer :
1-relational problems
2-parents
3-neighbors
4-youth teenagers, girls , boys... Prayer of Children for their Parents
O Almighty God, you gave us the commandment to honor our father and mother. In your loving kindness hear my prayer for my parents. Give them long lives and keep them well in body and spirit. Bless their labors; keep them always in your care. Bless them generously for their loving care for me. Grant that, through your grace, I may always be their support and comfort, and that, after our life together on earth, we may experience the joy of together praising you forever. In the name of jesus christ i Pray
Amen.
5-healing
6-teens
7-pets
8-friends
9-brothers, sisters
10-churches youth leaders
11-missions trips
12-family
13-cancer
14-depression sadness
15-jail court appearances
If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (NIV)
Pray For Our Youth & Young Adults.In The Name Of Jesus Christ A family that prays together stays together.
Please Pray for Street Bullies In The Name Of Jesus Christ & Pray For Schools Pray For The Family Live Be side me & Around me. Bless There Home & Work & Shool. Bless There health to, & The One's who do not know Jesus As There Saver Salvation will Get Saved In The Blood Of Jesus. Prayer of a Mother whose children are no longer at home. In The Name Of Jesus Christ I’M RAYING FOR YOU AND OTHER PEOPLE AROUND ME
Prayer for families is the very foundation that keeps a family unit together. Have you heard the phrase "A family that prays together stays together"? The concept is true - a family that has their focus on praying to the Lord Jesus Christ has a foundation that may be shaken at times, but it will withstand all that comes against them.
Prayers for Justice and Peace
Please Pray for Other People Have Heart Problem. & Diabetes, In The Name Of Jesus Christ &, Athesma Problems.
And the Blind In The Name Of Jesus Christ. Pray For Israel & Jews… Pray For World Homeless Families. & Please Pray For Homeless Women to… In The Name of Jesus Christ & all There health Problem In The Name Of Jesus Christ… Prays for President Obama and Wife, & Children’s and his new administration. Your efforts will work powerfully in our nation.
Pray For World Homeless Families. & Please Pray For Homeless Women to… In The Name of Jesus Christ & all There health Problem In The Name Of Jesus Christ…
Hear our prayers, O God, In The name of Jesus Christ I Pray
I do pray that any of our nation's leaders who do not know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior would develop a relationship with Him. Pray that those who are believers would grow closer to Him each day. In The Name Of Jesus Christ I Pray. Amen
Hear our prayers, O God, In The name of Jesus Christ I Pray
Praying For Every One Around Me
Pray For Our Enemies
O God, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
I do pray that any of our nation's leaders who do not know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior would develop a relationship with Him. Pray that those who are believers would grow closer to Him each day. In The Name Of Jesus Christ I Pray. Amen
God’s word is clear on the who and the what of Singing praises to God.
God’s people are to Sing Praises to God with spiritual songs about the Lord with melody
This great Nation.. the United Kingdom is in serious need of a revival. Please join your prayers with us as we ask God to bring revival to this nation. It will start in his church.. God's church needs and has to repent on an individual and corporate basis. Please pass on to all your friends
The path of the Righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
Shining ever brighter until the full light of day.
Proverbs 4:18... 1 Samuel 1:26 She said, "Oh, my lord! As your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you, praying to the LORD.
Please Pray for Street Bullies, In The Name Of Jesus Christ & Pray For Schools
Pray For The Young Kids , & Teens, Young Adults In The name Of Jesus, Pray For USA, Our World Leaders, & Governments, Pray For Our Troops. Men's & Women's, Solders, & There Famlies
I'M PRAYING FOR YOU AND OTHER PEOPLE AROUND ME
Pray For World Homeless Families In The Name Of Jesus Christ. Pray For Jews, & Israel, In The Name Of Jesus Christ, Please Pray For Familys Live On Same Road I Live On, God Will Bless there, Home, Work, & Schools, & The Familys who do not know Jesus as there Saver Will get Saved, In The Blood Of jesus Christ,
Hear our prayers, O God, In The name of Jesus Christ I Pray
Hear our prayers, O God;
Incline your ear to us,
and grant us your
In The Name Of Jesus Christ