Blasphemy in Pop Culture*

The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes blasphemy as follows:

Blasphemy consists in uttering against God—either inwardly or outwardly—words of hatred, reproach, or defiance; speaking ill of God; failing in respect toward Him in one's speech; or misusing God's name. St. James condemns those "who blaspheme that honorable name [of Jesus] by which you are called."

The prohibition of blasphemy extends to language against Christ's Church, the saints, and sacred things. It is also blasphemous to misuse God's name to justify criminal practices, reduce people to servitude, torture others, or put them to death. The misuse of God's name to commit a crime can provoke others to repudiate religion.

Blasphemy is contrary to the respect due to God and His holy name. It is, in itself, a grave sin. (CCC 2148)

Pop culture has increasingly used religious imagery in ways that border on blasphemy. For instance, many Catholics reacted when they saw Beyoncé at the BET Awards in 2009 performing her version of "Ave Maria" (which was not about the Blessed Virgin Mary) and "In the Arms of an Angel." She was dressed in a white garment reminiscent of a first communicant, but then proceeded to sing the actual "Ave Maria," a song dedicated to Our Lady. She wore a see-through lace skirt with flamboyant ruffles and a large slit in the front, revealing much of her body. She was practically singing half-naked. Beyoncé’s otherwise strong performance was overshadowed by what many saw as borderline blasphemy. 

While some have approached the border of blasphemy, others have crossed it.

Reuters reported that, in a sold-out stadium just a mile from Vatican City, lapsed-Catholic Madonna wore a fake crown of thorns as she was raised on a glittery cross during the Rome stop of her worldwide Confessions Tour in 2006. The cheering at Stadio Olimpico died down when she was elevated on the cross, and some of the 70,000 fans, many from predominantly Roman Catholic Italy, expressed their disappointment. The crucifixion was unnecessary and provocative. What was her point? Clearly, she just wanted to be the "talk of the town." She aimed to stir emotions in Catholics and sought sensationalism. How can this be considered entertainment when so many are offended?

St. Thomas Aquinas said:

“It is clear that blasphemy, which is a sin committed directly against God, is more grave than murder, which is a sin against one's neighbor. ... It is called the most grievous sin, insofar as it makes every sin more grievous.” (Summa Theologica 2:2, q. 13)

In Lady Gaga's "Alejandro" music video, there is certainly an argument that any offense taken by the Catholic Church may be warranted, given the conflation of imagery, including (clockwise from top left):

1. The burial of a heart surrounded by barbed wire, pierced with a nail, reminiscent of the Sacred Heart iconography. Incidentally, or coincidentally, the music video was released on June 8, 2010, just a few days before the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus that year (June 10);

2. Gaga dressed as some sort of crusader;

3. Gaga's crusaders raising her above head height to wear an inverted cross at the crotch level, depicting some sort of rape scene;

4. Gaga dressed as a red-rubber nun and swallowing a rosary-like object, which is not only irreligious but also a possible choking hazard.

In 2011, Lady Gaga's music video "Judas" once again offended many Catholics. In this confusing video, she played the role of Mary Magdalene. The names of the apostles were printed on the backs of the jackets worn by individuals riding motorcycles, while Gaga herself participated in imagery resembling Jesus (symbolized by the crown of thorns) in a tandem ride. There was also an image suggestive of baptism. Clearly, she sought to maintain her sensationalism.

Furthermore, Gaga is known for wearing her version of a nun's habit, which is utterly unacceptable.

The next to join the list was Nicki Minaj, who wore the worst dress at the 2012 Grammy Awards. She donned a habit-like, Little Red Riding Hood-inspired outfit and entered with someone portraying the Pope.

Furthermore, Nicki Minaj played with the concepts of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, exorcism, and the hymn "O Come, All Ye Faithful" during her live performance at the same event. Perhaps the most vulgar moment was when a scantily clad female dancer stretched backward while an altar boy knelt between her legs in prayer.

Reflection

We first learn respect from our families, the ecclesia domestica — the domestic church. It is in our homes where we are taught the foundational values of love and kindness, which become the bedrock for how we interact with others. At its core, respect is an expression of love, rooted deeply in understanding and valuing the dignity of every person. There is an age-old saying: "Treat others as you would have them treat you." This simple yet profound principle highlights that respect is not just a courtesy but a universal right. Every individual, regardless of background or beliefs, deserves to be treated with respect.

Katy Perry, in one of her tweets, poignantly remarked, "Using blasphemy as entertainment is as cheap as a comedian telling a fart joke." Her words serve as a reminder that, while artists have the power to entertain and provoke thought, they should do so with a sense of responsibility and integrity. The use of blasphemy or disrespectful imagery for shock value or amusement only diminishes the true value of their craft. Artists must not only focus on their talent and creativity but also cultivate a deep sense of respect for the values and beliefs that form the fabric of society. True art comes from a place of authenticity, and an artist's work should reflect who they are as individuals, with a sense of dignity and reverence for the human experience. Respect is earned by those who embody it, and their actions — both in their art and in their lives — will demonstrate the respect they have for themselves and others.