One of the perks of living in NYC is that I’m literally in the cultural hub of the world. And I’m not saying that arrogantly, or with any snooty tone. It’s frankly, a fact. People look to Gotham for the latest in news, entertainment, literature, architecture and design, and fashion.
In case you were snoozing on your pop culture research, the MET gala was last weekend. It’s known as “Celebrity Prom” because every spring, everyone from Beyonce, to Tom Brady, to Kim Kardashian, to Sarah Jessica Parker gets dressed up in one-of-a-kind designer gowns and costumes worth thousands upon thousands of dollars, all based on a theme. Past themes include Fashion in the age of Technology; Punk: Chaos to Courture, Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy; Goddess: the Classical Mode, etc. etc. But the theme is always in conjunction with the new, spring exhibit opening up at the MET, and the MET gala is their star-studded fundraiser.
Now typically, aside from scrolling through Buzzfeed’s “who wore what” articles the following day, I typically don’t take too much interest in the whole extravagant affair. But this year, my ears perked up a bit.
For this year’s theme was: Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the “Catholic Imagination.”
And wouldn’t you know, that on the opening weekend of Heavenly Bodies at the MET, my mother was in town. And as two very Catholic women, (heck we even carve out time to go to Daily Mass when she’s in town)…we decided to go and check it out.
Now, I should have done my homework. That was mistake number one. But I heard the theme, and read up about how they had flown in actual Papal vestments from the Vatican, and that Cardinal Timothy Dolan gave a beautiful press conference, opening up the exhibit…I thought this would be a lovely afternoon full of reverence and pride in our Christian faith.
Oh, how wrong I was.
It was…how can I put this…it was mockery disguised in feigned reverence.
I was always a little unsure about the theme. I knew going into it, it could either be incredibly offensive, or a colorful celebration of the beauty and exquisite traditions and relics of our faith.
Because that’s the thing…the Catholic mass is truly a visually stunning worship experience. And the reason for such ornate and magnificent vestments and chalices, and Eucharistic tabernacles – it is all because of Who we are worshiping, and the why behind it.
Why is the chalice so intricately engraved and enhanced, and a work of incredible artistry? Because the Blood of Christ is so incomprehensibly precious that is deserves the absolute best that this earthy place has to offer.
Why do we get all dressed up in our “Sunday best” to go to church? It’s because we’re going to be meeting Jesus. Worshiping Him. Being in His presence. It’s the why. The Who.
So little naive me, believing the best in all situations, believed that this had the opportunity to bring that honor and reverence and beauty of our faith to life.
I’d like to pause here. Shift your attention to another headline for just a quick moment. Just this exact same week, a picture went around Twitter that “broke” the internet for the evening. It was the photo below: a senior in high school, Keziah Daum, wore this traditional Chinese dress – a qipao – to her prom. She found it in a vintage store, and appreciated that it was a “beautiful, modest gown” and wore it to the dance. Well she was dragged through the mud by the Internet for cultural appropriation. Literally, hundreds of thousands of comments and retweets, all bashing this girl for disrespecting Chinese people, their traditions, culture and religion.
Here’s an example of just one of the hundreds of thousands of comments of backlash:
This was literally headline news. The #1 trending topic on Buzzfeed and Twitter.
Question: how is this prom situation any different from say…this?!
Listen. I love Rihanna. So much. Her music is the soundtrack of my life. But this is beyond disrespectful.
These two situations happened in the same exact week — days apart. And yet, because the Catholic Church is at the butt end of the joke, no one even bats an eyelash.
(But then that’s the point, right? We’ve got to make one of the only institutions left with a moral compass irrelevant. That’s the agenda, right?)
But that was the thing about the whole event…there was just blatant mockery going on. Donning a cheap, stereotyped version of a sacred vestment to be edgy or ironic. Women wearing priest collars. Madonna – the outspoken queen of sacrilege – was dressed as the freaking gothic version of the Virgin Mary, complete with rosaries all along her cleavage.
Or how about Jared Leto wearing a golden Crown of Thorns-esq head wreath? I mean, wow. Just. No.
The feel of the night was not celebrating the beauty and mystery of our faith, but rather, a flippant display, where you could practically hear the snickering of…”Catholicism, amIright?”
Going to the exhibit with my mom, and seeing the look on her face, it broke me. It wasn’t a look of judgment. It wasn’t a look of disgust. It was a look of hurt — she was hurting for Jesus.
Kind of like how the soldiers cast lots for His garments at the crucifixion. Or how He was mocked on the cross. My mom was just so sad to see Him made so publicly a joke.
Inside the exhibit was a mix of the old with the new. Incredibly old relics and artifacts, some dating back to the 300s! Ancient religious art and sculptures of the saints, who were martyred for the faith, that was being made an ironic spectacle just 50 feet away.
That was the thing. Those incredible artifacts of our faith – they were completely ignored. The room was full and bustling with upper east siders and fashion types, wearing oversized sunglasses indoors, clutching their Prada handbags, looking smug, and like they haven’t eaten a carb in 6 years. The room was packed, but no one was looking at those things. They were all swarming the center, trying to get the perfect Instagram pic of the Dior gown, suggestively riffing on the Virgin Mary. Or the Yves Saint Laurent masterpiece, modernizing a papal vestment.
Leaving the exhibit, I walked past a modern corset type top completely covered with rosaries. Looking at it, I could see, just through the glass, a gorgeous marble statue of Mary taking Jesus down from the Cross. The look on her face, of extreme mourning and anguish, holding the body of our Lord in her arms. That is our faith. That is what we are honoring and worshiping.
Talking about it over dinner that night, my mom and I both walked away from the day feeling as though we had been punched in the gut.
And here’s why.
It wasn’t the sacrilegious outfits the celebs wore on the red carpet. It wasn’t the designers using sacred vestments as a way to be edgy or ironic. It wasn’t even the public’s dismissal of the incredible artifacts flown in from the freakin’ Vatican for crying out loud. The true tragedy was hiding in plain sight all along: the theme.
The Catholic Imagination.
Imagination. The word assigned to children’s make-believe. And fabled fairy tales of neverlands far, far, away.
We read the plaque at the entrance of the exhibit, and allow me to quote it:
“Catholics live in an enchanted world, a world of statues and holy water, stained glass and votive candles, saints and religious medals, rosary beads and holy pictures…The fashions…embody the imaginative traditions of Catholicism.”
There is nothing so offensive as to put on display the faith, the beliefs, the traditions, the most sacred part of a person’s soul: their faith, and then to belittle it to an imagination? An “enchanted world?” A series of stories that small minded, simple people believe.
This is our faith. People died for it. People dedicate their lives to serving Jesus in the Church. How dare they disrespect the belief system of millions and millions of people throughout the ages, calling their beliefs, imaginative traditions.
MET, who the hell do you think you are? And further, who the hell signed off on participating in this at the Vatican level.
That’s what I’d like to know.
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259 responses to “The MET Gala: Catholic Imagination”
So sad. So sorry. 🙁
Yeah pretty disappointing. Thanks Heather. Hugs and love xox
I wondered about this myself.
I am not Catholic, but I found it a rather interesting juxtaposition to have an event that totally delved into “cultural appropriation” of the Catholic faith while the media hailed it as a great and all-inclusive spectacle of pomp and art. I guess it doesn’t surprise me either. Why wouldn’t we expect a double standard from a liberal media and entertainment industry? They like to have it both ways but condemn others when it doesn’t conform to their standards.
Thanks for highlighting this on your blog. I think it is very timely and appropriate.
Yeah it’s sadly not surprising at all. Total double standard. Thanks friend. Hugs and love xox
You are so right, Though I am a very lapsed Catholic I am outraged and the horrible offense done our religion. It’s perfectly okay to mock Catholics, but heaven forbid you take a poke at the Muslim faith. Such hypocrisy!
Thanks friend. Yeah so sad. Hugs and love xox
I am also not Catholic, yet wholly agree with your post. Christianity and many traditional American values are put down and mocked, but we can’t set a perceived foot near other “cultures.”
This is not unifying.
thank you so much chelsea. you’re so right – it is not unifying at all. and that’s what jesus preached! unity and love! Hugs and love xox
Your post at least let me know that I am not the only one grieving over this. To me, it’s just so terribly wrong. that I can hardly believe it happened. As a convert, I really have trouble explaining such things to my family of staunch Protestants. The only tiny ray of light that I see right now is that they flew in the Sistine Chapel Choir to provide the after dinner “entertainment.” I heard that the music was reverent and the crowd was polite enough to remain fairly quiet. I pray that some of them were touched by the music.
thank you friend. yeah def grieving over here too.oh wow i didn’t know that about the choir. that’s definitely a ray of hope. thanks for sharing that. i’ll join you in that pryaer! Hugs and love xox
Jesus said that the ‘world’ hates Him more than they hate you. They will continue to mock Him until… they stand before Him, and they will see who will get the last laugh.
As for the prom dress, I saw nothing wrong with it. Then again the political correctness crowd has a problem with everything.
thats so true. so important to remember. thanks jb! hugs x
You are very welcome.
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Lol youuu 😎
Me like it.
I guess the question is where are those who would speak up? We hide behind our false-gentleness and allow people trample on the faith that is our very lives, and we keep silent. But you didn’t, and I’m proud you have spoken up. I actually didn’t understand what was going on when I came across pictures on the internet, but your post has explained it and I’m appalled. Totally disgusted!
amen. we need to use our voices! thanks for taking the time to read. Hugs and love xox
I feel like the “arts” community thinks they can do this because no one will complain.
Star of david- “oh no! that is sacred!”
Asian dress- “don’t you know the cultural significance!”
heck even –
native american headdress- “this is so disrespectful to our culture!”
But Christians and Catholics we’re polite, we keep our mouths shut when people wear crosses as fashion statements or draw comical images of the figures we worship.
I hope someone in power can shout in the ear of someone at the MET, to get them to issue an a public apology.
thats so true. we need to have respect for all. haha yeah an apology would be amazing, yet i doubt will ever come. Hugs and love xox
I’m not Catholic (but I am Christian), and I saw bits of talk-show-publicity regarding this gala. I felt weird about it. I wondered what about donning a themed gown represents faith in any way. My first thought was: “You can’t even wear shorts or sleeveless shirts to the Vatican.” I have to say, I had zero problems with the girl wearing the Chinese dress to prom. I felt differently about the gala and agree with you in that it felt like a sort of mockery of faith in general. Motive is everything. I do not feel the girl wearing the dress to prom was meant to denigrate Chinese culture, but I DO feel that the gala made a sort of joke of true faith and ultimately cheapened any solemnity or truth many strangers to the faith may have formerly considered.
Ohhhh, that’s a good point. I was feeling like there was a distinction too, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. You nailed it!
hi connie. thank you for this thoughtful reflection! thats so true about the vatican dress code!!and i totally agree -it felt like mockery. Hugs and love xox
It was most edifying to read your perspective. I was aware of the fashionista freak show, but a little weak on the objects the Vatican allowed to be shown. Anybody with any knowledge of the Gay “camp” culture should know that nuns are a favorite motif for drag queens. How can the Episcopate, both here and in Rome be unaware? This may serve to be the final insult to Holy Mother Church to prompt the accommodating and the reticent to take action. I pray for that.
thanks David for this reflection. i had no idea about the connection between the nuns and drag culture. gosh, that just twists the knife. Hugs and love xox
Oh yeah. Check any Gay Pride Parade and you will see a few “flamers” riffing on the nuns. Sacrilege is the go-to club in the bag.
gosh, i had no idea
I read today that when the Puritans and Anglicans migrated they had no images of Christ. When they were asked they would point to their hearts and describe him as light. If this occurs almost 400 years after then, we still must point to our hearts.
wow, thank you so much for sharing that Kenzie. that’s so powerful. Hugs and love xox
We are a nation of many cultures but even in your state your baseball team wears war paint and does a “tomahawk chop.” In headdresses that were worn only by Native chiefs, in war. I guess it only matters to living cultures with enough descendents to be offended.
I did not take offense to the high school photo until she posed palms touching with her friends in a row. A namaste we might call it but it is a kowtow in Cantonese. No master was in the room or offering to an ancestor maybe the formal dress was fine until the group did a kowtow. Just the females. Which, without respect toward someone deserving can be disrespectful toward the culture it was borrowed from. Like the warpaint, headdresses, and Grand “Tomahawk Chop” the sports team of your state misappropriated from my culture.
Is that the Reds? Or the Yankees? Or the Mets? I don’t follow baseball but I am deeply sorry that a major league sports team has done something so offensive. Your culture is not something to stereotype or misappropriate.
Cleveland Indians. I mean, these are facts. I don’t imagine these behaviors. I don’t get too I’m the minority without the victimised personality. I think though, we’ve reached a point in American culture where the larger moral standing of Americans gets to remake all the social rules and that is unfortunate.
Very unfortunate
On a lighter note. The Cleveland Indians diversity web page has ads for a “Savage Survival Duffle.” I LOL’d. No one cares. So. Now you know what that feels like. I hope.
Wow
Hypocrisy and Mockery. the evil one, hard at it.
totally working overtime. thanks John. Hugs and love xox
Satan is real. He is not some cartoon character. He takes a myriad of forms and is out for our souls. One wonders if His Eminence Cardinal Dolan takes the prayer to St Michael seriously.
It saddens me that the Christian faith, catholic and protestant, is fair game to mock in our culture especially in the “arts”.
i so agree. completely saddens me too. Hugs and love xox
“Catholics live in an enchanted world, a world of statues and holy water, stained glass and votive candles, saints and religious medals, rosary beads and holy pictures…The fashions…embody the imaginative traditions of Catholicism.” I’m sorry, MET. But if you’re going to do an exhibit based on Catholicism, please do your research beyond the superficial symbols. Thanks. You might discover that we live very much in the real world. Lots of love. 😘
amen amen amen!!!!!!!!!!!!! oh my gosh standing ovation to you Hugs and love xox
Hugs and love right back at ya, girl! 😀
I was actually waiting for this post sooner and I knew we would agree on the subject, im not Catholic but I was deeply offended by it, I was following the events through people’s social media comments. I was genuinely horrified by the spectical. Not only because of the “theme” but the fact that it’s a fundraiser and the only thing the attendees want is all the attention I doubt they could care less about the cause when it should be what ever they are fundraising for that has the spotlight
thank you so much Benny. Yeah I was going to publish this one on monday but i did the one on porn first. yeah it was definitely pretty horrifying. so true. Hugs and love xox
That is offensive, like when Jesus went into the temple and got angry because people were disrespecting it by using it as a shopping mall. I’m offended on your behalf that anyone would cheapen a religion steeped in tradition (certainly not imagination) by wearing sensational clothing. It would make sense if they were in costume to do a Bible story reenactment, or something. But this is odious.
I feel sad for Jesus too sometimes. 🙁
It really is so offensive. oh my gosh that’s such a great parallel!! Hugs and love xox
I don’t understand the Vatican on this. Nobody would set out your finest antiques and artwork and heirloom china and then invite a bunch of drunken frat boys and sorority girls over for dinner who want to do nothing but eat, drink, break things and make out on the table.
So why send these treasures here not to teach from or to display but to serve as a backdrop for the glitterati to be beautiful and clever as they try to be everyday anyway?
I think this is what casting pearls before swine looks like.
It kind of reminds me of the parable of the banquet…
It is too bad that people have these Sacred artifacts right in front of them and they don’t even realize what they are being exposed to.
What a cheap shot that exhibit was. Mockery is a solution for people who have nothing of their own to say. How sad and empty.
As for fairy tales, whatever! Faith is what gets you through things like losing a child…and as for anyone’s who wants to fight me on the belief that I’ll truly be with her again, bring it! (Sorry, mamma bear claws coming out Wolverine style!) I’m an adult convert and I’m so grateful each day for the depth and beauty of my faith which holds every person as sacred and unique.
Rawr! Bring out those Wolverine class to the max! 😆
On it! ;)!
😎 Rock on, girl.
yes!
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xoxo 🙂
Sorry. My Autocorrect is mentally unwell. I meant claws, not class. 🙁
Haha, my autocorrect is also insane. But then, so am I. Didn’t even notice! Ah, yes, years of sleep dep have erased my brain..
Hahahaha! Some of the things it corrects to amazes me.
Totally. You gotta wonder about the programmer of it sometimes…
Absolutely! 😀
Thanks Anna for sharing your thought on this. Amen – it really was such a cheap shot.Gosh, my heart goes out to you friend. yes, you will be with her again. That we are promised. and we have a Father who keeps His promises. i’m with you there my friend. sending such big hugs to you strong woman 🙂 xox
Thanks for your lovely comments and for being a brave and passionate voice for good!
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Hi! Just wanted to comment that a phrase like “the Catholic imagination” is used all the time in academic circles and it really isn’t used disrespectfully. It doesn’t mean that Catholics are imagining things; it means they see and inhabit the world from a particular perspective and that informs their creative activities, whether writing or music or fashion. I think that’s the meaning intended by the Met. The same is true of the use of “enchanted” – it often just describes something beyond the ordinary, something magical or supernatural. The title “Heavenly Bodies” makes me think the Met is going for whimsical, not pejorative in its description.
thank you so much for this insight, CMieko! definitely puts a different spin on it. Hugs and love xox
As a Christian, I say this Jesus was mocked and ridiculed, but still he fulfilled his Godly duty with hope for humanity. It is in Gods hand what God finds wrong, right, or unjustly. People create art, not doing their research behind it. Plus, I believe in God, not in artifacts or fashion. Not materialistic things!
I don’t understand why they bash the girl with the prom dress.
just sad…Christianity is the religion of choice for mockery these days, and yes, sometimes my heart cries also for how it must make Jesus, who gave His very life for those mocking him, feel.
Thanks Jen – you’re so right, it seems to always be the butt end of the joke. that aboutsoluy breaks my heart too. Hugs and love xox
I almost started crying as I read this. There is not much that bothers me more than people mocking and disrespecting that which is sacred to someone else. I am not Catholic, but Jesus Christ is sacred above all else to me, so I share your pain. I also empathize, because I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—yet another Christian faith that is regularly mocked and belittled. It hurts me so much when people mock things, such as our temples and temple clothing and such—things that, to me, are extremely sacred symbols of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I wish people would better learn to respect that which is sacred to others instead of mocking it or chalking it up to “imagination” simply because they haven’t taken the time to try to understand it. Thank you for speaking on this important topic.
Hi J, thank you so much for sharing in this with me and your fellow believers. amen – we need to be a people of respect. thanks for your wonderful response. Hugs and love xox
That’s rough….and I agree, it is very wrong. And it’s all the more reason for us to shine brighter as brothers and sisters in Christ. Love convicts people. The lost only know how to act lost, they don’t know the love of Jesus, if they did this would make them just as sick. Pray for them, just as Jesus died for them too. Our battle is not against flesh and blood but against the evil one who makes it his purpose to destroy the hearts and minds of those made in the image of God. God bless you girl.
yes!!! let’s shine brighter – i love that response to this tough situation. thanks for your encouragement. Hugs and love xox
As a Christian (though not a Catholic) I am proud to still be able to see the world as enchanted by the glory of God and to have a God-given imagination that hears in present reality the echoes of creation and of the eschaton when all will be made new. The curators at the Met may have been modernists who think that enchantment is passe or quaint, or they may have been expressing guarded appreciation for what our secular age so lacks. Catholic philosopher Charles Taylor has written brilliantly about how the culture at large got to this point; it’s a story worth telling..Regardless of the Met’s intent, I would like to ask in all seriousness, doesn’t our world desperately need to be enlivened by more enchantment and imagination?
I think that’s a great point. I think we do need to do that in the world. i would also suggest that we need a wold where people stand up for what’s right, or at least stand up against what is wrong. thank you for sharing your thoughts on the!! God is good! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
When Julie saw the news and pictures of the MET gala, we both were disgusted but not overly surprised. The world is becoming ever more hostile to God and His people, the sheep of His fold.
Who signed off at the Vatican? I don’t know. I personally believe that the Vatican has been infiltrated by Satanic people bent on leading the faithful astray. Not a knock on Catholics by any means! I just fear the leadership there, in my own Lutheran church, and others are being attacked from within.
Grassroots Christianity is how Jesus had the Twelve start it all out. We’ve relegated the job to our leadership. It’s time to take it back! Some of us are. This is why I’ve supported you in whatever small ways I can; you’ve created a ministry that reaches far beyond the 37,000 subscribers to everyone those readers contact in their own lives.
I’ll make a suggestion, a fine tuning, of you will. Don’t use the phrase “belief system.” It can too easily sound like an alternative as appropriate as any other. The MET didn’t disrespect our belief system. It disrespected our God, our faith in Him, and our expression of that faith.
This was another great article Caralyn; courageously telling it like it is, risking backlash, and being a true Christian Soldier just as in the great hymn. Thank you for all you do!
yeah, sadly, this is not surprising in the least. what a tragedy in that truth. Thank you so much Jeff, yes – grassroots is exactly that – all it takes is one blade of grass, and we are all those blades of grass in our own spheres of influence 🙂 And that’s such great feedback – thank you for that. Amen – that is so well put “our God, our faith in Him, and our expression of that faith!” AMEN! belief system is like calling the men and women fighting for our country, “troops.” It’s a dehumanize, belittling term. Gosh, you’re kind jeff, thank YOU!! hope you and Julie have a great week. Hugs and love xox
I drove over 2000 miles last week for work, and there were so many beautiful fields of green hay and the like. How beautiful is God’s kingdom as you described it – all individual blades of grass to create such beauty! Julie and I are counting down the days to our trip and hope your schedule will allow some time! Stay safe! Stay well! Hugs back to you!
I’m very glad that I read all the way to the end of the article. I’ll admit, I ignored it for a while, thinking in my male brain, ‘Please, no – why fashion? WHY?’
But you acquitted yourself excellently. You wrote something beautiful, touching, and honoring to our Lord. Thank you for writing this – I’m not Catholic myself, but I see the value of the traditional veneration, coupled with an active, living spirit. It grieves me to see Christ mocked, though the scoffers should be glad the Holy Spirit doesn’t wear clothes, or else they’d be in a heap more trouble.
However, I think we should be careful in defending ourselves from ridicule. It is one thing when we see Christ in His person or God in His Word or the Holy Spirit in Himself being mocked – I think it is good and right to stand up and defend their honor as humbly as we are able as His servants, as you did throughout this impassioned piece. And I’m not saying that we ought to take scorn with a happy, dull grin – but we are told by Christ Himself that we are blessed when we are mocked on His account (Matthew 5:12). We should strive to remember (myself too!) that they know not what they do – they are blind, as we were before God opened our eyes.
Again, thank you for writing this. Take care, and God bless.
thanks friend. so glad you stuck it out until the end!! That is a great thing to remember – blessed are they. Hugs and love xox
Beautifully written as always!! 💛 I am so sad to hear this happened. 😣 The Catholic Church is so much more then what if appears to be. As you said, it truly is about Jesus and that is why it’s set up the way it is. What a shame society, can take something so beautiful and use it against others. Faith is something that should never be ridiculed or any forms.
thank you friend. i appreciate you taking the time to read. amen – it’s about Jesus. Hugs and love xox
I always read your blogs! 🙂 so insightful and inspiring
-Laura
Aw thank you again Laura! You rock!!
I am so sorry that you had to go through that Carolyn. The fact that they called it an “imagination” should really hurt more than what the people were wearing.
Catholicism is practiced by a multiple of people and yet, our society mocks this by this Gala. Despite all of the ancient artifacts from the Vatican on display; all the people really cared about was probably the next Instagram, Twitter or Facebook follow!
thank you so much. Yeah it was the title that really was the kicker. ugh, you’re right – the perfect social media photo opp. Hugs and love xox
This world is so messed up sometimes… that’s about all I can say right now…
sadly, you’re right about that. very messed up. we’ve got to pray!! Hugs and love xox
BBB, so true and so very sad. It’s the fact that our world sees religion as just this “thing” you participate in. People totally miss the relationship between God and his children. Desecrating our Heavenly Father does feel like a punch in the gut and pushes me forward to continue sharing the beauty of the relationship in my life and in my writing. I want people to say “I want what she has” and I know you do too .
BTW, I always love looking through the window into your world. Our lives are so different, we’ve never met, but I feel like I know you just by reading your heart.
I badly want to see the art. Badly. The “celeb” side is rubbish. The art however honours Christianity. Shame about the context that was overlaid.
Another well written post, BBB.
This news is disappointing, but not unexpected. Jesus said the world would hate him and everything his followers stand for, and to offer it all up for the salvation of souls. So, we do what we have done for the last 2,000 years: endure.
Also: Thank you for your positive feedback on my writing. Especially the story I’m working on now. Your Likes are always appreciated. 🙂
thank you friend. yeah sadly not surprising. amen – endure!! Hugs and love xox
This is sad. Its sad at a time when we have a Pope who has tried to bring more realistic thinking about many issues and many people to so many. He had brought about more simplicity in thinking than any Pope in many years. I will credit Madonna for one thing. She was the one, back in the 80s, who RIPPED Sinead O’Connor for defacing the picture of St. Pope John Paul II on SNL. Its sad that they think Catholicism is a world of imagination. If anybody said that about some Protestant Faith, or Jews, or Muslims, or any further Eastern faith, they would be lashed out on as much as the girl in the Chinese style prom dress. We just have to keep being who we are, and do the best we can to practice our faith. That’s the sad state of high art in NYC too. Its all a parody of real heartfelt expression. People would rather “play” something than really believe it, express it, practice it, or do it. Keep being you and keep being beautiful! xoxoxoxo
Thank you for saying this!! I’m am not catholic, but I am a Christian and the met gala attempted to shame our shared religious heritage. They mocked the Lord and Savior that Christians worship (the only trueLord and Savior). They are trying to deface the reputation of the God who created their faces. Thank you so much for speaking boldly, yet in love on this topic. People are listening to your voice, you are allowing God to use it, and you are making a difference! This post was so encouraging by reinforcing the idea that there are others who share how I feel, that there are other Christians who aren’t content to stand by while the world, quite literally, rockets towards hell. Thank you for standing strong!!
thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. so true – it was a mocking fest. thanks for your kind words. Hugs and love xox
A very sad post. I am with your mom. Broken for Him! 🙁
broken for Him indeed. thanks Gail. Hugs and love xox
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Aaaaaaw, so sad.
thanks Clara, yeah it is really sad. Hugs and love xox
I had just watched it on tv and i was literally shookt at what rihanna wore.
So sad. They’re like more than degrading our catholic faith. It broke my heart as well.
yeah it’s truly disheartening. Riri is being praised for her “fashion”
Thank you for standing up for the faith! So sad to see Him degraded so cheaply. But then, isn’t that always the case ? I mean, from day one Christ was mocked, ridiculed, etc. In a way, those who mock and belittle the faith either 1) don’t understand it, or 2) they do so because they KNOW It is the One and only True Faith, and they either fear It or hate It. We need to pray for them – to pray for all those who mock the Faith in any way, that they will come to see…
Awesome post!
Now I know you’re a New Yorker, love it and cherish it but I’m afraid that what I see coming out of New York alarms me if it is in fact a cultural centre. I know the definition of culture, but I think our Western culture is rapidly going back toward the day of the savage and New York as you have rightly identified is a centre for defining that new culture. Evolutionists tell us we are evolving to a higher grade of being, unfortunately what I see is we are devolving. Devilution? We have lost the sense of moral compass that defined the West and particularly America in the past as leader of the free world. Old fashioned as I may be branded there was something decent about spending money to alleviate suffering in mankind instead of spending millions on jewellery and dress, and there was a respect for women, our fellow humans and children in years gone by. Politicians told more truth than lies and religionists respected religious practice and modelled decency. Democracy and the West is in decline and it is painted over all the media for us to see in real time.
I agree, i saw it some of the event on the news, and it just looked strange to me and i didn’t get it. Glad you care about Jesus, and the message of Christ
thanks Bill. yeah, strange and pretty outrageous! Hugs and love xox
It’s sad how people don’t realise that it hurts people when they mock their beliefs. Though I am not a Catholic, as a Christian, I’ve been hurt many times by people who mock my beliefs. It’s fine if they share their views on it or say why they don’t agree with it, with respect, of course. But it hurts when they mock it. I am so sad that you had to go through it. There’s a lot of things that need to change in today’s world. God bless! And thank you so much for sharing! 🙂
That’s so true. Thanks, Stefan for sharing your thoughts on this. I’m sorry that you can so personally relate. you’re right – the world needs more respect! Hugs and love xox
Well said! You really captured the heart. Couldn’t agree more.
Thanks Kara. So glad it hit home with you!! Hugs and love xox
I learned a lot from reading this, because you writing style is so accessible and relatable.
Personally I have cared about celebrity parties, because they have little or no impact on the life I live.
It is simply wrong to use the culture of a fundamental belief system as media click bait, its not appropriate and in poor taste…
But Christianity is unlike other faiths, in that at least it allows for understanding and forgiveness. Other faiths simply don’t allow for such liberal interpretation.
It is wrong to mock the faith for celebrity attention, yet the reason Christianity still comes through is because it is a faith that allows deep questioning and understanding.
I hope you and your Mom are standing stronger. All the best 🙏🏽
Aw thank you so much Tyrone. I think you’re so right – fundamentally wrong. Thanks for your kind words and taking the time to read! Hugs and love xox
It is shocking when you compare it to the Chinese prom dress scenario… it’s mockery disguised as a theme. As soon as I first saw the outfits (via buzzfeed of course ha), I was immediately taken aback by how open these celebrities were in their mockery of Christ! Our Saviour! (I’m an Anglican Christian, so perhaps cannot relate on as deep a level as you did, but I do think it was still a step to far for Met… and I’m ashamed that the response to these ‘prom dresses’ were so different to the traditional Chinese prom dress)
Thanks Rosie. Yeah definitely shocking. And to think that those two situations occurred just days apart! Hugs and love xox
Thank you for being so balanced about your opinion on this. I am not a Catholic but a practising Christian and even I hadn’t been any of those things, I would have said that this deliberate mockery was not justified. We don’t need to undermine or disrespect one point of view to prove the other.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this! I so agree – disrespect is never edgy or attractive. Hugs and love xox
Well.. The first thing that came to my mind after seeing this MET gala online was… “BBB will definitely write something about this soon”. And fortunately, you didn’t disappoint me…
I have nothing more to say… Since all the thoughts racing through my mind are all detailed in the previous comments. And sure, Christianity will survive amidst the mockeries and persecutions. It’s done it before, it’ll do it again.
Hahaha oh my gosh you’re amazing. Thank you. You’re right – it’ll survive. But gosh, the world in which we live, am I right?? Hugs and love xox
You’re right
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I thought I was the only one finding this offensive. Great post!
Thanks Anesi! Definitely right there with ya! Hugs and love xox
I’m so glad you made this post! I, too was thinking the same thing about this year’s MET theme. It was a made as a mockery to Christ instead of Glory. I don’t know these celebrities personally but I have yet to see 99.99% of them truly represent or worship Christ.
Aw thank you so much! I know. Mockery. Plain as day. I still can’t believe that the church agreed to participate in it. I wonder if maybe it was presented to the decision makers as something far different than it actually was. Hugs and love xox
Very true!! I hope that was the case. God Bless 🙏✨
xoxoxo 🙂
I “liked” this not because I necessarily agree or disagree with all of your opinions but because it is thought-provoking! Also, you’re a fantastic writer, as always.
Thank you so much. I really appreciate that. glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
Excellent observations — I find it interesting that these people are okay with this, and yet if a similar event was thrown based on the faith, culture, and dress of any other religion, they would be outraged. Can you imagine Rhianna or Madonna’s interpretation of a burka? No? That’s because they would never do that. :/
Thank you so much Laura, for sharing your thoughts on that. I know – such a double standard. Hugs and love xox
Notice how there’s only one religion these celebrities and elite like to mock and denigrate. It’s no coincidence.
I know. It really is no coincidence at all. thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
I’m so glad you wrote about this. My husband and I both rolled our eyes at the media coverage of the Met Gala over the weekend, just briefly on the morning newscasts. I don’t follow many celebrities – It’s mostly drama and exploitation. The media coverage didn’t mention the theme, but I’m glad you did. As a Christian, I’m appalled that anyone though this theme was okay. Making a mockery of anything is immature, but this went too far. As always, you provide a refreshing, eye-opening, educational perspective. Thank you!
Thank you so much Laura Beth. Yeah, it was so blatantly mocking the faith. appalling is definitely the right word. thanks again. Hugs and love xox
You’re welcome! XOXO
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The traditional cheongsam as prom dress is great and I say this with pride because someone else likes Chinese culture enough to wear it- I am Chinese and I don’t feel offended. (I have won cowboy hats too.) But the imaginative fashion thingy is too much. It denigrades and desecrates faith and Catholic belief. Surprising this got approved. Anyway this is how the faithless behave. Pray for them and forgive them for they know not what they do. We did not imagine our faith. We are martyred for it. Recently Catholic and Christian churches in Surabaya Indonesia were bombed by IS. Innocent Catholic and Christian died. We are being attacked. As we have always been attacked.
Thank you so much Jeanne, for sharing your thoughts on this! I’m glad you weren’t offended by the prom dress. Yeah, the other is way too much. gosh, that is so tragic. Hugs and love xox
My dear sweet young lady. I am not Catholic- I would be seen as a Protestant by you. This is offensive to me as well. You are so thoughtful in your observations. It is for those of us who deeply believe in God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit to be a brighter light shining through the darkness of our society. God is still in Control. May He continue to bless, guide and protect you
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this. Amen – He is still in control! thanks for your kind words. Hugs and love xox
I always enjoy your posts. You have a good head on your shoulders
thanks again 🙂 that means a lot
I, too, found that “fashion display” to be an arrow through the chest. Why are we becoming the butt of a joke? I must admit that I have a deep fascination for the beauty and culture of Catholicism and Orthodoxy. It is part of who I am and rooted deep in my family heritage. I have even considered creating icons. I am not angry, but frustrated. I want people to understand me.
Thanks Stiina, yeah arrow through the chest is exactly how I would describe it too. Frustrating for sure. thanks for stopping by. Hugs and love xox
Sounds like the displays would have been worth seeing. I had no idea what the theme of the MET Gala was this year, but was curious as to why Rihanna was dressed like the Pope. Sad.
Yeah, sad for sure. thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read! Hugs and love xox
You’re very welcome. Your blog is one of the few blogs where I try to read every post (the other being evangelicaltextualcriticism.blogspot.com). I find your ability to tie your faith and life story together to be a very encouraging read.
oh my gosh, i am seriously so touched by that!! thank you for your readership 🙂 Hugs and love xox
Bravo. It was so nice to read your blog this week. I felt exactly the same way. I’m tired of Catholicism being the “okay” prejudice. I made a comment on someone’s Facebook (a friend of mine) in regards to this and was greatly attacked. These celebrities and the friends on Facebook are people who consider themselves open minded and liberal yet don’t have it in them to respect EVERYONE. Just what and who they deem important. Just too upsetting. Thanks for sharing 😘
thank you so much Susie! So glad you enjoyed the read. Yeah – it’s so frustrating how “acceptable” it is to bash it. Hugs and love xox
Great post! As a Protestant I, too, found this to be offensive. And I think it goes beyond Catholicism to Christianity itself. We don’t see the same mockery of Hinduism or Islam or Buddhism. Only Christianity.
We are in a time where our faith is consistently being mocked, marginalized and, in some cases, eliminated outright.
Deep down, I believe that it comes down to one thing: they know we’re right and they’re wrong and they are trying their best to eliminate us once and for all.
Unfortunately, for them, we’ve read the end of the Book and we win.
Keep up the great work!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. Yes! God has already overcome the world! Hugs and love xox
Thank you for speaking up about this. When i saw this on the net i was amazed by how no one would be talking against it. I admire how you write about how you feel about things going on in the world and the way you write in a polite way. I love your bog posts becuase they are so relevant and they speak about this time. Your posts always encourage me at the right time. Thank youuu x
Thanks so much Hannah for this wonderful reflection. And thanks for your kind words about my blog! Hugs and love xox
This is persecution of the church and our faith. Thank you for taking a stand, Caralyn. I am sorry, too. And yet, know that Jesus is still in control. He has already won the victory! Keep up the great work praising his name and standing up for him. I’m rooting for you!
Thanks friend. Yeah definite persecution and mockery. Amen He is in control! Hugs and love xox
With the wonderful photos and your heartfelt writing, you have salvaged something meaningful from this insensitive spectacle. The guy who started the tweetstorm against the young woman for wearing her dress apparently wears a baseball cap on his page. Hmmm….cultural appropriation? 🙂
Aw thank you so much! Hmmm interesting. Hugs and love xox
I was hoping you would write on this subject! As a Christian, the MET gala was totally offensive. It is so sad to see Jesus be made a mockery of. It’s also dangerous to our country’s salvation. The ironic thing is that you wouldn’t see this spectical of any other religion. And I never hope to, as that would be wrong. As for the high school student in the prom gown, most Chinese people don’t even care about that (there were interviews). And who’s to say that girl wasn’t part Chinese or ever lived in China? Sorry for the rant. Thank you for challenging us in fighting for what we believe in! Xoxo
Aw thanks Emily! Yeah i wanted to see in person to get the whole story. I’m so with you. Totally offensive. Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
I know that punch-in-the-gut feeling all too well, and I’m always saddened when I see others who experience it for themselves. This is an attack on freedom of religion in my opinion, and no religion should face this sort of blatant disrespect. Know you’re not alone! And have hope in those who still respect and value a belief system, not just a “fantasy” as they may call it. It’s real. It’s true. Christ lives! And that’s what makes it all worth it in the end!
Thanks Gill, you’re so right – we need to respect everyone. thanks for the support. Hugs and love xox
Sadly, I am not shocked by how ‘Hollywood’ has twisted this, but also I am deeply offended as a Christian. I’ve already lost a great deal of respect and interest in most things ‘celebrity’ and the entertainment industry. If those same celebrities were offended at something, they would be in an uproar, everyone would hear about it through the media, and whoever committed the offense would be ripped to shreds publicly. If only their blind eyes could be opened. Thank you for using your voice bravely and truthfully. I always read your stories. Much love <3
Yeah, unfortunately it’s not surprising. so true. thanks for sharing your thoughts on this! Hugs and love xox
Hey Caralyn. This is one of the reasons you are appreciated and loved by thousands. You will speak the truth about so many things in society that are wrong. And you don’t just speak about “things” generally, you speak about and against actual events and happenings, regardless who is involved, when they are wrong or disrespectful.
It has become so noticeable during the past few years that Christianity is fair game, and top priority for all comedians, sarcastic news writers, anyone desiring publicity, but do not even negatively comment about any other religion or set of beliefs. If negative comments are made, individuals as well as governments step in, file charges, apologize, or worse happens.
Thank you Caralyn,
God Bless you Abundantly,
Luv…😀❤️🌹😘
Hey George, thank you so much for this wonderful and generous response. that’s so true: Christianity is not only fair game, but dare I say a target! Hugs and love xox
You are right. A big target of the cross on our back, Joy on our face, and Peace in our spirit. The Cross of Jesus is always ridiculed, the Joy of Holy Spirit cannot be understood, the Peace of God passes all understanding of non Christ followers.
Luv ya Caralyn. 😀❤️🌹😘
God’s Blessings and Protection!
We can take heart because He has already overcome the world 🙂 Hugs and love xox
Hallelujah!!
🙂 xo
Wow!! I thought this idea was pretty cool until I saw the word “Imagination”. Gee I had no idea as a Catholic I was believing in something that was “Imaginary” or a “Fairy Tale” story?? Yes, I’m being sarcastic there. I didn’t even know that the word “Imagination” was in the title from a different post I had read…guess that person forgot to add it in. Truly sad.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this. Yeah, I know!! it’s such a disrespectful term to pair with someone’s deeply sacred beliefs. Very sad. Hugs and love xox
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Love your passion for Christ, Beauty!
Thank you so much! what a kind thing to say! Hugs and love xox
Thank you!
xoxo 🙂
I am not Catholic, but I am a Christian who loves Jesus with all my heart and soul. Reading this post and seeing these pictures has my heart feeling broken. I agree completely with your feelings on the theme. What blatant disrespect, what blatant degradation to our heart felt beliefs. But what breaks my heart the most is that these people who participated in the degradation, the costumes, the disrespect – these people are lost in a world that knows not the beautiful, saving love of Jesus. They are missing out on the greatest love of all time. My heart breaks for them. I pray they realize the wrongness of what they have participated in and come to know who Jesus really is and what he did for them. Thanks for posting. <3
Thank you so much Mindy for sharing your thoughts on this. yes – this was definitely a heart breaking display. i will join you in that prayer. Hugs and love xox
I second this comment, completely! This breaks my heart… satan loves to mock. But we all know his end! Jesus has won. <3 May these lost people come to know Christ!
Amen! xx
You touched on some important and relevant topics! It’s with urgency we need to recognize what the enemy has done through music. Music has the massive power of influence. It’s not surprising many sacrifice themselves for fame, and the enemy’s empty promises. I see this in 30 seconds to mars and Leto. Look at the name of their new album! Look at what they sing about. Atrocious. Garbage. It’s outright support of the enemy in music. Sadly it’s like that for many pop stars. Katie Perry grew up the daughter of a Pastor now she’s representing and singing about everything God disdains.
Thank you so much James for this powerful perspective. Yeah…we have to keep our eyes on “whatever it good, lovely, true”…etc.Hugs and love xox
Absolutely!! Hey, I had a question. Do you use adwords at all, and how do you fund your blog?
I don’t. I have sponsors!
That’s great! How did you get them?
Hard work lol
Amen sister!
Also feel free to follow my new blog at http://www.highpower.com
So sorry to hear
thanks x
This is not just an attack against Catholics but all Christians. This is bad, but we must remind ourselves that in some countries Christians are dying for their love of Jesus. Persecution.org is a site that each day updates Christians Martyrdom.
Hi Stephan, thank you for sharing that website. Gosh, so sad. we need to be fervent in prayer! Hugs and love xox
Hi Caralyn! This post goes EXACTLY with my musings today on how the enemy loves to deride and distract us from living for Jesus. Can I reblog it with some of my own thoughts? just wanted to ask first 🙂
Thanks friend. Absolutely! Would be an honor! Hugs and love xox
Lately it has seemed that the culture is doing its best to wipe out faith. We are considered stupid to believe in something bigger than ourselves. I am so offended by this display of arrogance.
I think you are so right about that. it’s really discouraging. Hugs and love xox
I am not religious, but, however – i do not think it’s appropriate at all the way this turned into somewhat of a “clownfest” for sure the idea or the thought behind it was initially good. But no haha just no very disrespectful
Thanks friend. I think clownfest is the perfect word to describe the evening! Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
the thing I enjoy and admire about you, is that you aren’t afraid to stand up for your faith. keep on making a difference in the world. stay true to your convictions, and well… the truth./
Oh my gosh what a kind thing to say. Thank you Keith. Hugs and love xox
Thank you for writing about this. I had seen many tweets and opinions, but it’s very good to read about the experience of 2 everyday, devout women who went with excitement and open minds and hearts – as I would have also. I also really wanted this to be a time for our faith to shine and give witness to the world. In the atmosphere you described, it seems very unlikely, and almost impossible, that there could have been any good fruits of all this. Your mom is lovely, by the way, and very blessed to have you as a daughter.
Thanks so much for taking the time to read! And gosh what a kind thing to say 🙂 Hugs and love xox
Wonderfully written! Your perspective is a breath of fresh air. Pictures were very good, especially the one of your mother in contemplation. You have a gift, keep up the good work…..continue to be that reflection!
Thanks friend. So glad this resonated with you! Hugs and love xox
Catholic Imagination is excellent. God bless you.
Thanks. Hh
I’m happy to see there are Catholics who really finds the 2018 MET GALA quite offensive. This theme is truly a mock to Catholicism. I can’t imagine my religion being mocked in such a way. Catholics should stand against the mockery the media are spreading by giving it the name of FASHION/TREND. Well written blog. I might pin your blog with mine to show to our Islamic people as well that Christians are not OK with this GALA.
Thanks for sharing! <3
Thank you so much Samzone. I appreciate your support. And I’d be honored if you were to share it! Thank you! Hugs and love xox
This is unfortunate and wrong on several levels, but it nonetheless reminds me that people (and cultural institutions) will go to extraordinary lengths to get attention and publicity – even/especially if doing so comes at someone else’s expense.
Sad and shameful, but not surprising in a way. :/
I’m in total agreement. Sadly not surprising. Hugs and love xox
So sad, Caralyn. Good that you and your mother were together. Yes, I’ve noticed that to about the tradition of the faith in Roman Catholicism, that it’s full of enchantment and what I might call sanctified imagination. The world apart from God in Christ will certainly never get it.
Thanks Ted for taking the time to read. True. Hugs and love xox
Thank you for your perspective on this, Cara. I’m curious as to why the Vatican allowed religious artifacts to be abused in such a way? Why did they participate? They could have said no and issued a statement of protest. It is sad that most people who are mocking Catholicism will not understand how much love is being shown to them right now. If The Met Gala had dared to do this to another religion (I think you know which one I’m talking about) death threats would have already been issued to those responsible. Jesus did tell us we would be treated this way but it is still sad to see people reject, and mock, the only True Love they will ever know.
Thanks Melissa. I’m very curious as to that too! Why in God’s green earth would they allow the faith to be the subject of such mockery!? Oh for sureeeee. Hugs and love xox
Thanks for sharing your experience and also the actual description – I would have to agree the description with the name is the most disheartening part of this all. I was surprised when I heard the theme, to your point, Catholicism is usually regularly under criticism. Although, I would like to share this piece, as before your post this was as much exposure as I received about the theme which I thought represented and showcased a variety of the pieces of art (although more heavy weight on the fashion part, hence a fashion blog). https://tomandlorenzo.com/2018/05/heavenly-bodies-fashion-the-catholic-imagination-exhibition/
Thanks friend. Yeah the most disheartening of all indeed. Hugs and love xox
“it was mockery disguised in feigned reverence.” YES! It was exactly like you say – let’s make Catholicism/Christianity irrelevant. Let’s reduce it to imagination. Sure, some of the celebrities’ outfits were really well researched & modeled after obscure elements of Catholicism. But overall it was totally disrespectful. I can see people arguing that it gets people talking about faith & hopefully talking about Jesus, but I disagree & I hurt for Jesus being mocked, too.
Thanks Gina, I’m so glad this resonated with you. I agree! I hurt for Him too. Hugs and love xox
Wow. I knew the MET Gala took place, but I didn’t pay attention to it. I had to read your title a few times because I couldn’t believe THAT was actually the theme. I was thinking, what is Catholic Imagination?? Being a Catholic, I still didn’t know. As always, great post, Caralyn! xx
Right?! It is just so blatantly irreverent. But then, what else is new…it’s Hollywood 🙄 Thanks for taking the time to read Jenny! Hugs and love xox
Of course, it’s my pleasure! Hugs and love to you too! xox
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your article is to the point. I wanted to star it but that might be misconstrued as me liking the mockery done to my faith. It is horrible how they made a travesty of what I hold most dear and most sacred.
May I re-post this on my FB timeline?
Thanks friend. I would be honored if you were to post it on fb!! Hugs and love xox
Spot on post, Caralyn. You pretty much took all the words right out of my head over this whole matter. A punch in the gut is an understatement, but perhaps the best way to describe the hurt us Catholics feel about the MET debacle. More so even the fact that both the Vatican and Cardinal Dolan signed off on this, but I’d rather not get into that right now. Both the Cardinal and the Church as a whole need prayer dearly.
But I’m glad you picked up on the whole “imagination” bit. I felt the same exact way about it when I first saw it, too. Very sad. I remember hearing somewhere (maybe Padre Pio or Archbishop Sheen) that the Church was going to go through Calvary all over again with Jesus. Perhaps this is yet another example of that happening right before us. But Jesus promised us that the gates of hell will not prevail over His Church! His grace will sustain us!
God bless!
Thank you so much Vixey 🙂 I really appreciate your thoughts on this. Yeah – such a punch in the gut. amen! His grace will sustain us! Hugs and love xox
Once again I am sharing your post on my blog. Reason? I won’t be able to sleep if not.
Haha thanks 🙂
[…] https://beautybeyondbones.com/2018/05/14/the-met-gala-catholic-imagination/#comment-83979 […]
Thanks for the link up! Hugs and love xox
As much as the exhibit was offensive and showed the ways that society disrespects faith in general, I did have a friend make an interesting point: it could still bring about good. After all, we know that God draws straight with crooked lines, and can use all things to bring about greater good. She was talking about how the exhibit and conversations about it could expose people to the Catholic faith, and potentially help them become closer to it. We also talked about how it could help Catholics be more on fire with their faith if they’ve seen it and were offended.
Although it was definitely offensive and crossed many lines, it is comforting to know and trust that God will still bring good out of it! Along with being rightly angered by it and sharing the Truth, we need to pray that people’s hearts can be open and touched by the exhibit and that some will still be able to see and love Christ, who died for them, through it!
Hi Jenn, wow that is such a powerful way to look at it. I love that so much! You’re right – it can still bring about good. When I first heard the theme, that was my initial thought too – that it was being brought up in mainstream pop culture. Starting conversations. I love your reflection. Thank you so much!!! Sending big hugs xox
Thanks! And yeah, it can also hopefully give celebrities who are Catholic and Christian an opportunity to talk about and share their Faith!
Yes!
[…] https://beautybeyondbones.com/2018/05/14/the-met-gala-catholic-imagination/ […]
Thanks for the link up! Hugs and love xox
I was flipping through the channels and landed on the Met Gala Red Carpet. Thought I would watch for a minute. Just wow! When I saw the guy that thought he was Jesus (you mentioned him, can’t think of his name) I was waiting for lightning to come right down from heaven and hit that carpet.
haha yeah, I know what you mean. pretty outrageous that his styling team thought that was acceptable. I mean, boundary pushing is one thing…but dang!!! Hugs and love xox
Well, though I absolutely agree with you on how the faith of people should not be mocked, but I don’t think this was the intention at all. If that was we would need to suppose the creators had deeper thoughts at least in this sense…
On the other hand, I can’t really blame people who can not comprehend how and why others are still under the very same name what caused tremendous harm earlier – obviously, not the idea, not the everyday people, but in the name of that. As a pastor I meet mostly people who want to love God and get to know Him as their actual parent, yet, they are completely against any institutionalization – and I hear them.
Jesus, even that time, was a pacifier and unifier beyond each and every, any cultural or religious boundaries. So, embracing Him, we ought to embrace those too, who are not there yet to understand the world in a way as we do. And since we all have God’s light inside of us, no matter how tiny it is, it is unique, so, personally, I always try to focus on that very seed in everyone, and connect through that one. We should learn from each other, learn the goodness, the absolute version of it, the very same way as we are being loved by our Heavenly Father, no matter what we do or say, He can’t help seeing our potential…
Lastly, if I were to support, donate, I wouldn’t brag about it, not in front of the world, not in fancy clothes, I wouldn’t say a word, just giving my offering, doesn’t mind if it is my time, my actual work, a financial support, or a help. These guys are just doing the showbusiness there, what has nothing to do with real fundraising or offering.
So, let the vain people in their vanity, supporting them in their growing to be more mature.
The decadency will evaporate quite quickly, however, love from those who sees the things beyond the everyday life is inevitably necessary.
Have a Blessed Night!
Thanks Joshua! These are some really great thoughts. Definitely a lot to think about. Amen to that – inevitably necessary. Hugs and love xox
So sorry this happened. The double standard is sick. Maybe next year the theme will be Islam or Buddhism or something. The thing is though is that it wont. And even if it was, I am sure they would be serious and reverent rather than flippant. There would be no mockery of other world religions. But no surprise that Christianity is mocked by liberal culture. The saddest part is that Catholic imagination is a super rich theme! I immediately think of JRR Tolkien and GK Chesterton for instance. They could have honored and explored that theme instead of mocking it. In many ways it is their loss. I think the most awesome thing though is that Christians will respond with love and forgiveness. We will be sad. we will speak out but we will not riot or rise up in violence. Our God is all powerful and he is not threatened by their mockery and neither are we! Even though I am Protestant and have my disagreements with Rome, I respect the Great Tradition, stand in the Nicene faith, and enjoy reading many Roman Catholic authors especially when it comes to philosophy and education. I am saddened for such disrespect. So sorry.
Thanks Brad for your kind words. Yeah they would never ever do those themes. But Catholicism…game on. Such a double standard it’s disgusting. I know! Such great points in your response. Thanks friend. Hugs and love xox
Yes!!!!! Hellywood unleashing it’s satanic poison through The MET GALA, then Madonna singing ”Like a prayer” as if partaking in a black mass in her black madonna outfit. The whole thing was offensive, distasteful, sacrilegious, disrespectful and really repulsive. The Met Gala, the organisers, the celebs and all, had to stoop that low to get attention by offending the religion upon which America was founded. These stars think they are gods anyway but maybe they don’t know that the Almighty God, yours, theirs and mine, will have the final laugh. (Your mother Caralyn is beautiful, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree) <3
Thanks so much!! Awww thanks for saying that – yeah I think my mom is beautiful too— inside and out 🙂 Hugs and love xox
Inhale, exhale and repeat. You are in the world, not of the world. Focus on his mission for you, wipe the dust off your feet, and carry on. There will be those who have neither eyes to see, nor ears to hear. I am reminded of a story of Bishop Fulton Sheen, who offered a requiem mass for the repose of the soul of Joseph Stalin upon his death. A good lady of the church approached the Bishop afterwards and said, ” Bishop, Joseph Stalin did not believe in G_d!” He smiled and replied, “He does now, Madam!” May the One True G_d have mercy on us all.
That’s such an important thing to remember – in the world, not of it. And keep our eyes on Him. Thanks so much for sharing this. Amen! Hugs and love xox
Caralyn, I thought you might enjoy my friend’s take on the Met collection: https://yallneedjesusblog.com/2018/05/29/over-all-these-put-on-love-reactions-to-the-mets-heavenly-bodies-exhibit/#like-7221
thank you Amy! I look forward to reading it!
After fumbling through a couple half-asleep comments the other night, I decided today I’d better come back and see if I was making any sense; spoiler alert I can’t find those comments–maybe I dreamed it!
I’ve been thinking about how to respond to this for some time for two reasons; first because my background is a denomination very much against Catholicism (as I believe I’ve mentioned before) which considers Catholicism’s art, culture and tradition idolatrous and blasphemous. And while I no longer agree with all of the views and insensitivity I grew up surrounded by, I know I still have to consciously keep the memory of that bias out of how I relate. The second reason is because I understand very well the sentiments that surround tradition, and traditional art and culture, and I understand how much more powerful those things are when we connect them with a divine experience. So before anything else understand I have only love for you, my friend (:
The phrase ‘pearls before swine’ [Matthew 7] has been running through my mind. Another that comes to mind, ‘the gospel is foolishness to the perishing’.
What I really want to say (and maybe it’ll come out a lot clearer now that I’m awake and not falling asleep between paragraphs, :laugh: ) is Father is bigger. I understand your outrage, and I want you to know that your experiences of God through your art and culture are valid, and they are also deeply personal because it isn’t really about the art and culture and symbolisms, it’s about who they stand for to you–and I know you understand that (: Father is bigger. The other thing is… the people of Jesus’ day who didn’t understand, killed him. And I don’t mean to start a persecution competition but later his followers were killed, too. They died for more than mere symbols and culture, they died because they knew and experienced the reality of Father, they knew what the good news meant.
The trouble with Catholicism (and please don’t receive this as a criticism) is that it is deeply personal or it is nothing – either you experience God in its symbolism, and you understand, or you don’t. But it (and frankly, many Christian denominations and churches) is highly exclusive; in order to understand the symbolism in the history and culture and art, you have to be ‘in’, to some extent. From the outside, it looks like a lot of foolishness to a lot of people, or ‘imagination’, if you will. They can’t represent from the outside what you experience on the inside because they just aren’t there, and Father is too great to be summed up in symbolism alone without personal experience.
All that being said… (: I pray for grace, patience and long-suffering for you in this, and of course always Father’s love (: Father is greater. Blessings on you my friend (:
Thank you so much Carson for this thoughtful response. I appreciate you sharing your experience and how you grew up. I love how you said that God is bigger. Amen to that. I completely agree. I think His grace and His mercy are incomprehensible. And you’re right – Catholicism is part of who I am and my roots which made the mockery of it sting so much more. Thank you for your Prayers too. You’re a good friend 🙂 gg
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Thanks for the link up! Hugs and love xox
[…] I have evolved, in part due to empathetic women on the political Right, such as BeautyBeyondBones. She wrote in THE MET GALA: CATHOLIC IMAGINATION: […]
Thank you so much for sharing that! I’m so glad it resonated with you:) big hugs xox
Very well said, I sooo agree with you! It is disappointing.
Thank you Kylie!! So glad this resonated with you! Hugs and love xox