Madonna: Confessing or Crucified

Published August 26, 2006 IN THEORY Madonna: Confessing or Crucified Q: In her "Confessions" tour, pop star Madonna reportedly appears "crucified" on a mirrored cross that rises from the stage during her show as she sings "Live to Tell," while a video counter counts to 12 million, the number of AIDS orphans in Africa. Clergy and church leaders are criticizing the crucifixion scene as blasphemy. Madonna's representatives reportedly say she didn't mean to offend the church, but is instead meant to convey the idea of Jesus embracing the plight of AIDS patients. A: The only thing that Madonna should be "confessing" is her love for center stage and the financial rewards that come with the position. The only thing the Church should absolve itself for is playing into her game. Her show is not about the 12 million AIDS victims, and it cheapens the cause to believe it to be. AIDS is an epidemic which needs immediate attention from people, institutions and governments. I believe there are many organizations - churches included - that are on the center stage of the battle today. Of course it's not enough, but it will never be enough. When kind-hearted people accuse of Madonna of blasphemy, its not because she's climbing a cross. The blas We have to break from the idea that these entertainers who are making millions of dollars off of themes that are exhausted and exhausting FATHER VAZKEN MOVSESIAN Armenian Church In His Shoes Ministries