Tonight, audiences will see the story of Jesus Christ as told by Britney Spears.
SPEARS: The Gospel According to Britney is a one-night-only production by 23-year-old Patrick Brute. It’ll use such Spears’ tunes as “Stronger,” “One More Time” and “Crazy” to musically narrate Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. And, according to Brute, the production is no joke. Writes Time’s Melissa Locker:
While some Christians may find the concept eyebrow raising, on his website, Blute assures potential attendees that the show is not sacrilegious and instead is the perfect outing for churchgoers who also love Britney. “It appeals to those from a religious background because it tells an essential story using fragments of pop culture in a non-offensive way,” the 23-year old Columbia University graduate explained.
Interesting? Yes. Weird? Absolutely. Sacreligious? Well, maybe.
Christians have always felt, I think, a deep conflict regarding arts and entertainment. We understand its power—its ability to move people—and we’re both wary and intrigued. We know it can be a conduit to convey the stories and truths that move us all. But we’re aware it can be a corrupting agent, too—able to lead us into areas it’d be best to stay away from. Is The Exorcist a sermon that’s impossible to sleep through (as its author intended)? Or a dark and awful look at things best not seen? Should Christian bands tour with secular ones in the hopes of opening up dialogue? Or steer clear of them for fear of being comprimised?
And now, another question: Is it a good thing for the story of Jesus Christ—a man unstained by sin—to be told through the music of an artist whose appeal is largely predicated on seduction?
Many Christians, I think, would automatically say no.
But it’s an intriguing concept: I’ve always liked looking for God in unexpected places, and I believe His glory can shine through anywhere if He so wills. He has a history of using unlikely people to further His own story. Might God be able to use Britney’s music for His own glorious purpose? Is it possible that the nature of sin be expressed through “Ooops, I Did It Again,” or something spiritually important conveyed through “Till The World Ends?”
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