By now, plenty has been written on the issue of Mike Pence’s wife teaching at a Christian school that supposedly “bans” (the preferred word of the major news outlets, but not really accurate) LGBTQ students.
For those on the cultural left, this is a monumental and stunning discovery. Indeed, we are told (ironically, by the Huffington Post) that the Huffington Post “broke” the story—implying that a remarkable scandal had been uncovered.
Thankfully, many have pointed out that this whole “scandal” is much ado about nothing. There are thousands of Christian schools around the country just like the one that Karen Pence teaches at. And they are all doing something rather unremarkable: they are merely teaching the historical Christian position about sexuality.
But what is remarkable about such public discussions, is that everyone suddenly becomes a Christian theologian. Even people who typically have no association with Christianity are quick to don the theologian’s hat and give a lecture on what Christians really believe.
Enter Lady Gaga, Christian theologian.
In a recent concert in Las Vegas, Gaga stopped the show to offer a rebuttal to Mike Pence’s defense of his wife. Here are her theological thoughts:
“You [Mike Pence] are wrong. . .You are the worst representation of what it means to be a Christian. I am a Christian woman, and what I do know about Christianity is that we bear no prejudice and everybody is welcome. So you can take all that disgrace Mr. Pence and you can look yourself in the mirror and you’ll find it right there.”
Since Gaga has jumped into the theological fray, let’s do a little analysis of her thinking. Does her theological worldview make sense? Does it fit together coherently? A few quick thoughts:
1. Lady Gaga believes in moral absolutes
Gaga says to Pence, “You are wrong.” Gaga is not merely saying she doesn’t personally prefer Pence’s behavior. Rather she is saying that it is really wrong. It is morally deficient, even to the degree that is worthy of public rebuke.
Now, that’s a big claim. One wonders, then, what standard of morality Gaga is using. How does she know certain behaviors are morally wrong? Certainly it couldn’t be the Christian faith that shows her this, because Christianity, for thousands of years, has been remarkably consistent on its view of sexuality.
So, we are left to presume that Lady Gaga’s moral standards come from herself. She creates her own morality. But if everyone can create their own morality, then why not Mike Pence?
2. Lady Gaga claims to be a Christian woman
After declaring Pence is the “worst representation of what it means to be a Christian” she then offers herself as (presumably) a better example: “I am a Christian woman.”
For someone who claims not to be judgmental, this is a harsh way to speak of another professing Christian (more on this below). But there are other issues. To make such a claim, Gaga must have a full-proof way to spot false believers like Pence. But, again, what is this mysterious way?
Presumably, she is making her judgment on Pence’s behavior. Fair enough. But, what if someone did the same back to Gaga? What if someone judged her on her behavior?
For instance, what if people judged Gaga’s profession on the basis of her language just 30 seconds earlier when she lambasts the “[expletive] President of the United States.” Is such language “Christian”?
3. Lady Gaga says everybody is welcome in true Christianity
The fundamental tenet of Gaga’s theology is “we bear no prejudice and everybody is welcome.” Ok, fine. Then is Mike Pence welcome? Mike Pence is a person who surely counts under “everybody.” Will Gaga accept him and his views?
Based on the harsh language of Gaga, it is clear Pence and his views are not welcome. Indeed his view are condemned with a heavy-handed, moralistic superiority.
So, apparently Gaga is not living up to her own version of Christianity. Indeed, it turns out Gaga is as intolerant as those she is condemning.
In the end, Gaga’s theology doesn’t quite hold together. There’s a pious, moralistic feel about it, but it is neither consistent nor Christian.
But she is at least partially right.
She’s right that there are moral absolutes. It’s just that they are not created by us (how could they be since we are not absolute!). Instead, they reflect the character of God and are revealed in his Word.
She’s also right that in Christianity “everybody is welcome.” But, that doesn’t mean that God endorses every behavior. Instead it means that forgiveness is offered to everyone who repents and trusts in Jesus.
No matter what sins we’ve committed, no matter our ethnicity or gender, the good news about Jesus is genuinely for all people.
“The gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Rom 1:16).
In this way, Christianity is truly inclusive.
Jay says
Fascinating how truly ignorant these outspoken people can be…one big problem in America, is that when someone on stage says something with confidence, they are given authority from undiscerning and unlearned youth…massive amounts of damage in most areas of life from the platforms today that give any idiot an audience…
John says
“Political language is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind.”
(George Orwell)
Steven Bliss says
I am stealing this quote
Mark Minegar says
Michael,
Thank you for your fine article by Lady Gaga, Christian Theologian. She perfectly illustrates the world’s practice of condemning Christians for teaching biblical moral absolutes while simultaneously praising itself for teaching ‘tolerant’ moral absolutes.
May God help us engage friends who don’t see the freedom of godly sexual practice.
Rick says
Incredibly forceful, logical, and Scriptural rebuttal of common tactic of hypocritical “believers,” all of whom are holier that true Bible believers.
Thanks for the superb remarks.
Art D says
Amen!
Brandon Renfro says
A consistent and clearly stated Biblical worldview is absent in the contemporary theistic moralists and it is also a sword In the hands of true disciples that exposes epistemological errors and inconsistencies in said worldview.
Mac Wigfield says
Good stuff! You said it as God says it. I bless you!
George Affleck says
Wonderful article! Well thought out, clear, and logical.
Faith’s requirement is that it, like everything else, be rightly placed.
Not in self, but in Christ.
Let her first declare that her faith is in Him alone.
Anne says
A change from “full-proof” to “fool-proof” will make this article shareable.
Michael says
A full-proof(reading) would make the grammar of this article completely fool-proof!
Brian Caruthers says
That’s pretty hard to argue with.
Brayden Brookshier says
Really well said! Succinct and on point without overbearing it. Definitely saving this article.
Enoch Anti says
Well written. While reading, I was praying all along that you don’t question Gaga’s so called profession of Christianity, which could have easily been done. And I love the ending: you preached the gospel.
Moose says
Who is her pastor? Oprah?
Bob says
Joel Osteen
Ralph Davis says
Gaga illustrates the “tolerance” of liberal/left wing theology. None.
Dan says
What a fine dissection of her statement! !
Previously, I’ve been judged to be too judgmental.
Yep, seemed crazy to me too!
Dean says
Yes, it is a bit like Macklemore & same love.
https://michaeljkruger.com/macklemores-same-love-and-the-incoherence-of-postmodern-morality/
If you dont have truth & grace you dont really have the Jesus that we desperateley need to make us whole. Intolerant tolerance is often nothing more than self righteousness.
Christianity(Jesus) welcomes the worst of sinners…how humbling.
Steve West says
Jesus said that we should forgive those who sin against us. Is that because sin isn’t very serious? No, it is because sin *is* very serious – infinitely serious. All of us stand condemned in the eyes of God for our sins. And yet Jesus offers us the chance of salvation from the fate that we would otherwise deserve. So when we forgive others who sin, we are showing an infinitesimal fraction of the mercy that God is willing to show us. That is the least that we can do.
The tolerance towards others that Jesus encourages us to show has a basis which is really the opposite of the basis for modern ideas of tolerance, according to which sin is either a trivial matter or an outdated concept. I imagine that Lady Gaga’s thinking is very much in tune with modern ideas. She probably doesn’t believe in “sin”. People like that are dangerous. Telling others that sinful acts are permissible is a dreadful thing to do. And let us make no mistake about it: Homosexual acts are sinful.
Mark says
Another example of emotionalism as opposed to reason and logic.
Fred says
You are so right. I think the problem with Hollywood celebrities as well as common people they use Christianity as a way of getting in but only on their turn. It is such a shame they don’t open the word of God and believe and what his word says there aren’t would definitely change. We still need to pray for her Gaga and the rest of the world that believe that way.
David C says
Dr. Kruger,
MDiv Student David here. I think this satire applies well to your article.
Cheers. Thanks for the thoughtful post.
https://babylonbee.com/news/snopes-introduces-new-factually-inaccurate-but-morally-right-fact-check-result?fbclid=IwAR0WcXEiBmXGDbAur11pc69mzxsH2xHrFKPKixQWxgatR0C7IQYZPRVH2V4
Ivan says
The majority of people have created their own ideas of what God should think and do, so as to fit our own human understanding. The problem with this way of thinking is that human understanding is easily influenced by many factors, such as: regional culture, significant others’ influence, modernization, technology, etc; thus people think that God should also change to accommodate the times, but God in his word has been very clear about His moral teachings for us being unmovable and no changing with time. God’s values and morals for us are not affected by scientific advancements, political ideas, religions, or modern times. I for one know that humans, in general can not be fully trusted for they change their ideas with the times, but God is always the same and does not change or evolve, and neither does his word. Sin has always been sin and God will always love the sinner and will always be willing to forgive a repented heart.
Steven Amadei says
Bless your heart brother. Very well put. Take up that armour which is LOVE and spread to all for protection and strength. A call for repentance and help those lost seeking guidance towards salvation. Preach the good news. For Christ does not come to condemn the world but rather, to save as many as He can. Praise the Lord Almighty!
Janice Bradsher says
Amen Stephen,
I agree 100%. Praise God!
Gene Bridges says
Yet you didn’t talk about the issue she was addressing. Do you believe a Christian school should not welcome the children of gay parents? If so, you are just as intolerant as she was.
If she is baptized, she is a member of the covenant community, period. She has a perspective; and we should listen instead of writing sanctimonious rebuttals in our echo chambers.
Did her perspective prick your conscience? It should, because, per I Corinthians 6, there *are* gay Christians. It is a sanctification issue.
Jay Ames says
Gaga is a beckon of light and And a true saint
Robert says
Thanks for this write-up, spot on theologically and well-thought through in the evaluation of the remarks made by the public figure referenced herein.
Ron says
Why ruin a good rant with an accurate analysis of what a misinformed person said? LOL Philippians 1:27-28 (ASV)
Clint says
Most of these folks are very worldly. Sale there souls to devil,to become famous and rich weres a goat head Google her not a good example for Godly folks to even listen to her or Hollywood elites political agendas God builds nations and also destroys them,be like nebuchadnezzar eating grass ect