I always liked the music of the Beatles. What I didn’t like was the worship of the Beatles, Beatlemania, the obsession of all things related to the Beatles. Too much.
We saw the same adoration around the deification of Elvis. I remember a vintage newsreel from the 1940s of teenage girls screaming in delight when Frank Sinatra made an appearance.
Today it seems the prize for the most crazed example of fans goes to the Swifties, who idolize Taylor Swift.
This phenomenon is nothing new. Throughout history dating back millennia there are examples of rabid fans causing riots as devotees of one actor clash with the fans of another. But these stories are mostly forgotten, and only of interest to history nerds like me.
Confined to artists? No. Political and military leaders can surround themselves with devotees who will do their bidding. Religious cults typically begin with one charismatic leader who demands obedience to their commands no matter how bizarre and unhealthy. There is a long tradition, and plenty of examples, of the “Cult of Personality.”
Instead of a person, worship can be given to something broader. Sports. Hobbies. Greed. Sex. Status.
All these can be examples of THE ADORATION of lesser gods.
Why? What causes people to look for something to worship that is as flawed as they are?
1. Is it because it appeals to some simmering aspiration to become famous? If a celebrity can achieve such vaulted status, being adored by the masses, then perhaps I too could become highly admired. Since others value me, then perhaps I do have worth.
2. Is it easier to relate to another mere human than to a God that is beyond our full comprehension? Since these celebrities experience much of life like us, we think they can relate to us. This ignores the “word made flesh” of John 1:14, the incarnation of Jesus.
3. While the expectations from and sacrifices of fandom can be challenging, they don’t come close to what God welcomes from his people.
4. You could label it Substitutionary Narcissism, where we elevate one of our own. It reinforces the fantasy that we are the masters of the universe. It is a deification of humanity, an effort to sideline he who is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent. When we do that, making an imperfect human our standard to follow, we’re adding their flaws to our own, and we’re worse off than we were before.
5. The level of accountability is different. A celebrity only requires adoration and ticket sales. Military dictators and cult leaders demand complete obedience, but can’t read your thoughts. The Lord of Heaven wants us body and soul, and that is too high a price for the uncommitted.
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the talent of an artist, within reason. There is a problem with cult or totalitarian leaders.
Personally, I’d rather focus my loyalty on God who died to prove the depth of his sincerity, commitment and love. Only he deserves my adoration.
——————
Dave Soucie lives, serves and writes in Indianapolis.
Copyright © 2024 by Dave Soucie. All rights reserved [but permission is granted for non-commercial use only, with proper citation and by informing the author].
Dave Soucie 